Psalms 73:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 73:12 mean?

Psalms 73:12 points out that people who do not follow God—called "the ungodly"—often seem to succeed in life and become wealthy. The verse highlights the troubling reality that those who ignore what is right can still prosper and grow richer in this world.

The writer of this psalm, Asaph, is speaking honestly about something he observes: people who live without regard for God sometimes have easy, successful lives. This verse is part of Asaph’s larger struggle to understand why the wicked appear to thrive while the faithful may suffer. The statement is not an endorsement of their way of life, but a recognition of a hard-to-explain fact that troubled the psalmist.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 73:12

• "ungodly" (רְשָׁעִים, reshaʿim): This word means people who act wickedly or without regard for God’s ways. It emphasizes moral wrongdoing, not just a lack of belief.
• "prosper" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): Here, the word often means peace or well-being, but in this context, it points to a sense of ease or security in life, not just financial gain.
• "world" (עוֹלָם, olam): This word can mean a long duration or even eternity. In this verse, it suggests that the prosperity of the ungodly seems to last a long time, adding to the psalmist’s frustration.
• "increase" (שָׂגַע, sagah): This word means to grow or multiply, stressing that their wealth is not just steady but actually increasing.
• "riches" (חַיִל, chayil): This word can mean wealth, strength, or resources, so the verse is not just about money but also about influence and power.

Why Psalms 73:12 matters

• Psalms 73:12 helps clear up the idea that the Bible ignores the unfairness of life; instead, it shows that even faithful people struggled with these questions.
• The verse sets up the tension that drives the rest of the psalm, where Asaph seeks to understand God’s justice in light of what he observes.
• By naming the prosperity of the ungodly, the verse invites readers to be honest about their own doubts and frustrations, making the psalm relatable and real.