Psalms 73:7

KJV

Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their eyes {H5869} stand out {H3318}{H8804)} with fatness {H2459}: they have more {H5674}{H8804)} than heart {H3824} could wish {H4906}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their eyes peep out through folds of fat; evil thoughts overflow from their hearts.

Berean Standard Bible

From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

American Standard Version

Their eyes stand out with fatness: They have more than heart could wish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 73:7 vividly portrays the apparent prosperity and unbridled indulgence of the wicked, depicting their physical excess and the complete gratification of all their worldly desires. This verse serves as a stark observation within Asaph's profound spiritual struggle, where he grapples with the perplexing injustice of the unrighteous seemingly flourishing without consequence, leading him to question God's justice until his pivotal understanding in the sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 73:7 is situated within the opening lament of Asaph, the psalmist, who expresses his deep personal crisis of faith and envy in the face of the wicked's apparent ease and prosperity (cf. [Psalm 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalm 73:2-3 - Asaph's Struggle with Envy")). The preceding verses describe their lack of trouble, their strength, and their pride as a necklace (cf. [Psalm 73:4-6](/psalms/73-4 "Psalm 73:4-6 - The Wicked's Lack of Trouble and Arrogance")). This verse, therefore, functions as a climactic description of their excessive indulgence and self-satisfaction, setting the stage for Asaph's near spiritual stumble before his transformative encounter in the sanctuary later in the psalm (cf. [Psalm 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - Asaph's Turning Point in the Sanctuary")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Psalm 73:7 reflects common ancient Near Eastern observations regarding wealth and its physical manifestations. In many cultures, corpulence could be a sign of prosperity and status, indicating access to abundant food and a life free from manual labor. However, excessive "fatness" could also carry negative connotations, signifying gluttony, self-indulgence, and a lack of self-control, particularly when viewed through a moral or spiritual lens. The concept of "heart could wish" speaks to a society where desires, often material, were readily understood and pursued. This verse captures a universal human dilemma, transcending specific historical periods, concerning the perceived injustice of the wicked's success, a theme frequently explored in wisdom literature like [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom and Instruction") and [Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - Suffering and Justice").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 73 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Material Excess and Indulgence**, portraying a life unconstrained by want or discipline, where physical appetites are fully satiated. This excess often leads to **Spiritual Blindness and Arrogance**, where prosperity fosters a dangerous self-sufficiency and an insensitivity to both God and the suffering of others. The "eyes" are not only physically bulging but symbolically closed to spiritual truth. This connects to the theme of **False Security**, as the wicked's abundance gives them a deceptive sense of invincibility, leading them to disregard divine judgment (cf. [Psalm 73:11](/psalms/73-11 "Psalm 73:11 - The Wicked's Disregard for God")). Ultimately, the verse sets up the central tension of the psalm: the apparent prosperity of the wicked versus the suffering of the righteous, which is resolved only by understanding the **Ultimate Destiny of the Wicked** (cf. [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalms/73-18 "Psalm 73:18-20 - The Wicked's Sudden Destruction")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fatness (Hebrew, _ḥēleḇ_):** This word literally refers to the richest, choicest part, often the fat of an animal, which was considered the best portion and was reserved for God in sacrifices (e.g., [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat as the Lord's Portion")). However, when applied to humans in this context, it takes on a pejorative sense, denoting excessive, unhealthy corpulence resulting from overindulgence and gluttony. It suggests a life of unrestrained luxury and physical satiety that has become a spiritual detriment, manifesting as insensitivity and arrogance.
* **Stand out (Hebrew, _yāšaṭ_):** This verb implies bulging, protruding, or being distended. It paints a vivid, almost grotesque, image of eyes that are not merely full but are literally pushed out due to an abundance of fat. This physical description serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual blindness and an outward display of pride and self-satisfaction that is oblivious to spiritual realities or the plight of others.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lēḇāḇ_):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotion but the center of one's intellect, will, and desires. The phrase "more than heart could wish" therefore signifies an extreme level of material wealth and gratification where every conceivable desire, thought, and ambition has been met and exceeded. This complete worldly satisfaction leads to a dangerous complacency and a false sense of security, as there is no perceived need for anything beyond their current abundance, especially not for God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their eyes stand out with fatness:"** This clause presents a striking visual image. The "eyes" are not just organs of sight but symbolic of perception, understanding, and outlook. The "fatness" that causes them to "stand out" is a physical manifestation of excessive indulgence, perhaps gluttony, but more profoundly, it symbolizes a spiritual condition. This outward display of physical satiety indicates an inward spiritual dullness or blindness. Their perception is clouded by their prosperity; they see only their own abundance and are oblivious to spiritual truths, the suffering of others, or the impending judgment of God. This imagery suggests a self-absorbed gaze, focused entirely on their own material well-being.
* **"they have more than heart could wish."** This second clause amplifies the theme of extreme abundance and complete gratification. It signifies that the wicked possess not just enough, but an overflowing superabundance of material goods and worldly comforts. Their desires are not merely met but surpassed, leaving no room for longing or aspiration, particularly for anything beyond the material realm. This state of absolute worldly satisfaction cultivates a dangerous complacency and a profound sense of self-sufficiency. They feel no need for God, for their "heart" (the seat of their intellect, will, and desires) is already overflowing with all that the world can offer, leading to a perilous spiritual apathy and pride.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 73:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Imagery** is central, with the vivid depiction of "eyes stand out with fatness," creating a memorable and somewhat repulsive picture of physical excess. This image functions as a potent **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the physical state of the eyes represents the spiritual condition and character of the wicked—their gluttony, pride, and spiritual blindness. The phrase "more than heart could wish" is a clear example of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used to emphasize the extreme degree of their material wealth and satisfaction, underscoring the psalmist's astonishment at their boundless prosperity. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Irony**: what appears to be a blessing (wealth and ease) is, in fact, a spiritual curse, leading to arrogance and eventual destruction, a truth revealed later in the psalm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 73:7 powerfully encapsulates the age-old theological dilemma of the prosperity of the wicked, a theme that deeply troubled Asaph and resonates throughout biblical wisdom literature. It highlights the deceptive nature of worldly success when divorced from godliness, revealing how material abundance can lead to spiritual complacency, arrogance, and a profound insensitivity to divine truth and human suffering. This verse sets the stage for the psalm's ultimate resolution, where the psalmist comes to understand that true prosperity is not measured by earthly possessions but by an intimate relationship with God, and that the apparent flourishing of the wicked is ultimately fleeting and leads to destruction.

* [Deuteronomy 32:15](/deuteronomy/32-15 "Deuteronomy 32:15 - Jeshurun Grew Fat and Kicked")
* [Proverbs 30:8-9](/proverbs/30-8 "Proverbs 30:8-9 - Agur's Prayer for Moderation")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 73:7 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to examine our own hearts and perspectives on prosperity. In a world that often equates success with material abundance and outward ease, this verse challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances. It warns against the spiritual dangers of unchecked indulgence and the deceptive allure of a life where every worldly desire is met, for such a state can breed arrogance, spiritual blindness, and a dangerous self-sufficiency that forgets God. Asaph's initial envy reminds us that it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing our lot with that of others, especially when the wicked seem to flourish. The application for us is to cultivate a deep contentment in Christ, recognizing that true wealth lies not in what we possess, but in our relationship with God. We are called to guard our hearts against the subtle pride that can accompany success and to maintain a spiritual sensitivity that sees beyond the temporary triumphs of this world to the eternal realities of God's justice and goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "eyes stand out with fatness" challenge your own perceptions of what a "blessed" life looks like?**
* **In what ways might material abundance or the fulfillment of desires lead to spiritual blindness or a lack of dependence on God in your own life?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude for what you have, rather than envying the apparent prosperity of others?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the true source of satisfaction and security?**

### FAQ
**What does "their eyes stand out with fatness" literally mean, and what is its deeper significance?**

Answer: Literally, the phrase "their eyes stand out with fatness" (KJV) or "their eyes bulge out from fatness" (ESV) depicts a physical manifestation of extreme corpulence, likely due to overeating and excessive indulgence. It paints a picture of someone so well-fed and luxurious that their physical appearance reflects it. However, its deeper significance is primarily metaphorical. The "eyes" represent perception, understanding, and one's outlook on life. When these eyes "stand out with fatness," it symbolizes a spiritual condition: a profound insensitivity, spiritual blindness, and arrogance that results from unchecked prosperity. Their focus is entirely on their own abundance, making them oblivious to spiritual truths, the needs of others, or the coming judgment of God. This imagery suggests that their physical ease has led to a hardened heart and a distorted view of reality.

**Is wealth always a sign of spiritual problems according to this verse?**

Answer: No, this verse does not suggest that wealth in itself is inherently evil or always a sign of spiritual problems. The Bible contains many examples of righteous individuals who were wealthy (e.g., Abraham, Job). Rather, Psalm 73:7 highlights the *danger* of wealth when it leads to unchecked indulgence, pride, and a false sense of self-sufficiency that disregards God. The problem is not the wealth itself, but the *attitude* toward it and the *effect* it has on the heart and spiritual perception. When prosperity causes one's "eyes to stand out with fatness" and leads one to believe they "have more than heart could wish" without acknowledging God, it becomes a spiritual snare, fostering arrogance and spiritual blindness, as seen in the parable of the rich fool in [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool").

**How does Psalm 73:7 relate to the overall message of Psalm 73?**

Answer: Psalm 73:7 is a critical part of Asaph's initial lament and spiritual struggle, which forms the central tension of the entire psalm. In the opening verses (e.g., [Psalm 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalm 73:2-3 - Asaph's Struggle with Envy")), Asaph confesses his envy and near spiritual stumble because he observes the wicked's apparent ease and prosperity. Verse 7 provides a vivid description of this prosperity, emphasizing their material excess and complete worldly satisfaction. This observation fuels Asaph's questioning of God's justice (e.g., [Psalm 73:11-13](/psalms/73-11 "Psalm 73:11-13 - Asaph's Questioning of God's Justice")). The entire psalm then pivots in [Psalm 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - Asaph's Turning Point in the Sanctuary") when Asaph enters the sanctuary and gains divine perspective, understanding the ultimate end of the wicked (e.g., [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalms/73-18 "Psalm 73:18-20 - The Wicked's Sudden Destruction")) and the enduring goodness of God to the righteous. Thus, verse 7 serves as a powerful illustration of the worldly allure that initially deceived Asaph, making the psalm's ultimate resolution all the more profound.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 73:7, with its stark portrayal of the wicked's worldly excess and self-satisfied "fatness," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between earthly prosperity and the true riches found in Jesus Christ. While the "eyes" of the wicked are distended by physical abundance, leading to spiritual blindness and a heart that desires nothing more, Jesus Christ embodies the antithesis of this worldly paradigm. He, though rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). He did not come to fulfill every earthly desire but to offer living water that quenches eternal thirst (cf. [John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) and bread that satisfies the soul (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The "fatness" of the wicked leads to a false sense of security and eventual destruction, but Christ warns against storing up treasures on earth (cf. [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Do Not Store Up Treasures on Earth")), inviting His followers instead to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness (cf. [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")). The spiritual blindness of the wicked, whose eyes are closed by their own abundance, stands in stark contrast to Christ, who came to open the eyes of the blind, both physically and spiritually (cf. [John 9:39-41](/john/9-39 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus Comes to Open Eyes")). In Him, we find not merely "more than heart could wish" in material terms, but an immeasurable, eternal inheritance and a satisfaction that transcends all earthly desires, for in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (cf. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures Hidden in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 17:10

They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

Job 15:27

Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on [his] flanks.

Jeremiah 5:28

They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Psalms 73:12

Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.

Ezekiel 16:49

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Luke 12:16

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

Luke 12:19

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.