King James Version

What Does Psalms 73:19 Mean?

Psalms 73:19 in the King James Version says “How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 73 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 73:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked's destruction comes suddenly: 'How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.' Instantaneous judgment contrasts with long prosperity—years of ease end in moment of terror. 'Utterly consumed' emphasizes completeness; nothing remains. This describes both temporal judgments (sudden calamities) and eternal judgment (the rich man's immediate torment in Luke 16:23). Security built on wickedness is illusory; terror inevitably follows.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical examples include the flood, Sodom's destruction, Korah's earthquake, and Herod's worms (Acts 12:23). Each demonstrates how sudden divine judgment can be after extended rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the suddenness of judgment warn against presuming on God's patience?
  2. What 'terrors' await those who die in their wickedness without Christ?
  3. How should the certainty of sudden judgment shape evangelistic urgency?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֵ֤יךְ1 of 8
H349

how? or how!; also where

הָי֣וּ2 of 8
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְשַׁמָּ֣ה3 of 8

How are they brought into desolation

H8047

ruin; by implication, consternation

כְרָ֑גַע4 of 8

as in a moment

H7281

a wink (of the eyes), i.e., a very short space of time

סָ֥פוּ5 of 8

they are utterly

H5486

to snatch away, i.e., terminate

תַ֝֗מּוּ6 of 8

consumed

H8552

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

מִן7 of 8
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

בַּלָּהֽוֹת׃8 of 8

with terrors

H1091

alarm; hence, destruction


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 73:19 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 73:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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