But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

PSALMS 73:28KJV
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Psalms 73:28 (KJV)

What does Psalms 73:28 mean?

Psalms 73:28 says that it is good for the writer to come close to God, to trust in the Lord GOD, and to speak about all that God has done. The verse highlights a personal decision to rely on God and openly share about His actions.

The psalm is written by Asaph, who is reflecting on his struggles and doubts earlier in the chapter. After wrestling with the prosperity of the wicked, Asaph concludes that nearness to God is what truly matters. This verse sums up his realization that trusting God and telling others about His works is the best path, no matter what others experience.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 73:28

  • "Good" (טוֹב, tov): This word means something beneficial or desirable. Here, Asaph is saying that being close to God is not just right, but also truly good for him.
  • "Near" (קָרַב, qarev): This word carries the idea of drawing close or approaching. The verse emphasizes a personal, intimate relationship with God, not just a formal or distant connection.
  • "Trust" (מַחְסֶה, machseh): This word means a refuge or a place of safety. Asaph is expressing that he finds his security in God, not in anything else.
  • "Declare" (סָפַר, saphar): This word means to recount or tell. Asaph’s response to trusting God is to openly speak about God’s deeds, making his faith public.

Why Psalms 73:28 matters

  • Psalms 73:28 clears up the idea that faith is only private; Asaph shows that trusting God naturally leads to telling others about Him.
  • The verse shifts the focus from outward circumstances (like the success of the wicked) to the inner value of being close to God, which is a key theme of the whole psalm.
  • This verse connects the personal experience of faith with the responsibility to share what God has done, showing that both are important in a life of trust.

Where else these words appear

“near” Hebrew H7132 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 58:2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

“But” Hebrew H589 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
  • Exodus 6:12 And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?
  • 2 Samuel 19:43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

“trust” Hebrew H4268 · used in 20 verses

  • Job 24:8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
  • Psalms 71:7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
  • Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

“put” Hebrew H7896 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Job 10:20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.