Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

PSALMS 73:17KJV
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Psalms 73:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 73:17 mean?

Psalms 73:17 describes a turning point for the writer, who only gains understanding about the fate of the wicked after entering the sanctuary of God. The verse shows that spiritual insight comes when the writer seeks God’s presence, leading to a new perspective on the end of those who seem to prosper unjustly.

The speaker is Asaph, reflecting on his confusion and envy over the apparent success of the wicked. In the larger context, Asaph admits he struggled with doubt until he entered the sanctuary—likely a reference to the temple, a place of worship and encounter with God. There, Asaph gains clarity about the ultimate outcome ("end") of those who disregard God, realizing their prosperity is temporary.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 73:17

  • "went" (בּוֹא, bo’): This word means to enter or come in. The act of going into the sanctuary marks a deliberate step toward seeking God, not just a physical movement but a spiritual turning point.
  • "sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash): This word refers to a holy place set apart for God’s presence. The sanctuary is where the writer finds a new understanding, highlighting the importance of seeking God in sacred spaces.
  • "God" (אֵל, el): This is a general term for God, emphasizing His power and might. The focus is on encountering the true God, not just any spiritual experience.
  • "understood" (בִּין, bin): This word means to perceive or discern. The writer’s confusion is replaced by insight, showing that understanding comes from God’s revelation.
  • "end" (אַחֲרִית, acharit): This word refers to the final outcome or destiny. The key insight is about the ultimate fate of the wicked, not just their present situation.

Why Psalms 73:17 matters

  • Psalms 73:17 clears up the confusion that comes from judging by appearances; it shows that true understanding of life’s injustices comes from seeking God’s perspective.
  • The verse marks a shift in the psalm, where Asaph moves from doubt and envy to clarity and trust, making it a pivotal moment in the whole psalm.
  • It connects the idea of worship and spiritual seeking with gaining wisdom, suggesting that answers to deep questions are often found in God’s presence rather than through human reasoning alone.

Where else these words appear

“end” Hebrew H319 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 49:1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
  • Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

“sanctuary” Hebrew H4720 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
  • Ezekiel 28:18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.