Bible Strands
Psalms 73:4
They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist speaks to God while observing the arrogant, specifically noting their apparent prosperity in the preceding line. This observation occurs during a moment of personal envy over the wicked's outward success.
The words — The Hebrew אֵין ('ein) literally means "there is not," negating the חַרְצֻבּוֹת (char.tzu-bot), or "pangs," of death. The term בָּרִיא (va.Ri') translates to "fat" or "well-fed," describing the physical state of their bodies.
The thread — Job 21:23 describes the wicked dying full of vigor and at ease, while Psalms 17:14 contrasts those whose portion is exclusively in this life. Ecclesiastes 2:16 addresses the inevitability of death and the lack of lasting remembrance for both the wise and the fool.
Why it lands — It demands a clear-eyed assessment of worldly prosperity that lacks spiritual weight, contrasting temporal ease with eternal reality.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
Cross-references
- Job 21:23 One man dies full of vigor, completely secure and at ease.
- Psalms 17:14 from such men, O LORD, by Your hand—from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.
- Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool!
- Luke 16:22 One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried.
- Job 24:20 The womb forgets them; the worm feeds on them; they are remembered no more. So injustice is broken like a tree.
- Psalms 17:10 They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.
- Ecclesiastes 7:15 In my futile life I have seen both of these: A righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.