King James Version

What Does Psalms 73:18 Mean?

Psalms 73:18 in the King James Version says “Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 73 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

Psalms 73:18 · KJV


Context

16

When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; too: Heb. labour in mine eyes

17

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

18

Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

19

How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

20

As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After gaining God's perspective, the psalmist recognizes: 'Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction.' The wicked's prosperity is precarious—slippery footing before inevitable fall. God sovereignly positions them for judgment; their destruction isn't accidental but divinely ordained. This echoes Proverbs 16:18—pride precedes destruction. What looked like stable prosperity was actually dangerous positioning before catastrophic fall. Eternal perspective reveals temporal success's true fragility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout biblical history, proud nations and individuals experienced sudden collapse—Babylon, Assyria, Pharaoh, Herod. Their apparent invincibility proved illusory when God's judgment came. History validates this psalm's insight.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing the 'slipperiness' of worldly success change your evaluation of prosperity?
  2. What does it mean that God actively positions the wicked for judgment ('thou didst set them')?
  3. How can you distinguish between stable blessing and precarious prosperity heading toward destruction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אַ֣ךְ1 of 6
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

בַּ֭חֲלָקוֹת2 of 6

them in slippery places

H2513

properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery

תָּשִׁ֣ית3 of 6

Surely thou didst set

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

לָ֑מוֹ4 of 6
H0
הִ֝פַּלְתָּ֗ם5 of 6

thou castedst them down

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

לְמַשּׁוּאֽוֹת׃6 of 6

into destruction

H4876

ruin


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 73:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 73:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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