Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

PSALMS 73:21KJV
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Psalms 73:21 (KJV)

What does Psalms 73:21 mean?

Psalms 73:21 describes a moment when the writer feels deep inner pain and emotional turmoil, saying his heart was grieved and he felt a sharp discomfort within himself. The verse uses vivid language to show how troubled and wounded he felt inside.

The psalm is written by Asaph, who is reflecting on his own struggles and confusion about the prosperity of the wicked. In this verse, Asaph is admitting that his heart (his inner self) was deeply hurt and his “reins” (an old word for the innermost feelings or conscience) were sharply affected. This is a turning point in the psalm, where Asaph recognizes the pain that came from his own doubts and envy.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 73:21

  • לֵבָב (levav; heart): This word refers to the inner self or the center of one’s thoughts and feelings, not just the physical heart. Here, it highlights that Asaph’s emotional pain was deep and personal.
  • יַחְמָץ (yachmats; grieved): This word can mean to be sour or embittered, suggesting that Asaph’s heart was not just sad, but troubled in a way that left him feeling bitter or distressed.
  • אֶשְׁתּוֹנָן (eshtonan; pricked): This word means to be pierced or stabbed, painting a picture of sharp, sudden pain rather than a dull ache. It shows how intense Asaph’s inner struggle was.
  • כִּלְיוֹת (kilyot; reins): In Hebrew thought, the “reins” referred to the kidneys, seen as the seat of deep emotions and conscience. This word points to the most hidden, sensitive parts of a person being affected.

Why Psalms 73:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the psalmist’s struggle was not just intellectual, but deeply emotional and personal, affecting his whole inner being.
  • The language of being “pricked in my reins” shows that spiritual and emotional struggles can cause real, almost physical pain, which many readers might relate to.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the turning point in the psalm, where Asaph moves from confusion and envy to a deeper realization about his own heart and relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“grieved” Hebrew H2556 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 12:19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • Psalms 71:4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

“pricked” Hebrew H8150 · used in 9 verses

  • Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
  • Psalms 45:5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
  • Psalms 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.

“reins” Hebrew H3629 · used in 26 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 8:25 And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:
  • Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.