King James Version

What Does Psalms 73:7 Mean?

“Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. have: Heb. pass the thoughts of the heart”

Context

They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. in: Heb. in the trouble of other men like: Heb. with

Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. have: Heb. pass the thoughts of the heart

They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Stand out with fatness.**—Literally, *go out from fat. *Which, if referring to the appearance, is exactly the opposite to what we should expect. *Sunken in fat *would express the idea of gross sensuality. The *eyes *and *heart *are evidently used as in Jeremiah 22:17, the *eyes *as giving the outward index of what the *heart *wishes; and if we take the *eyes *here to mean not the organs of sight, but, by metonymy, the *looks *(comp. Song of Solomon 4:9), “they look out of fatness,” the expression is intelligible enough. Or we might perhaps take the *eyes *to stand for the countenance. (See Gesenius, *sub voc.*)*, their countenance stands out because of fatness. *Or, by taking this clause in direct parallelism with the following, we might understand that restless looking about for fresh excitement which comes of satiety. The following lines illustrate the whole verse: “Triumphant plenty, with a cheerful grace, Basks in their eyes, and sparkles in their face; How sleek they look, how goodly is their mien, When big they strut behind a double chin.” —DRYDEN. **They have more.**—See margin. Or the verb may be intransitive: *the imaginations of their hearts overflow.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 73:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.