Psalms 73:19

19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

Psalms 73:19 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
English Standard Version (ESV)
19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!
New Living Translation (NLT)
19 In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.
The Message Bible (MSG)
19 In the blink of an eye, disaster! A blind curve in the dark, and - nightmare!
American Standard Version (ASV)
19 How are they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
19 They are suddenly destroyed. They are completely swept away by terror!
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
19 How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
19 It will happen very suddenly. A terrible death will take them away completely.

Psalms 73:19 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 73:19

How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment?
&c.] Very suddenly, which is often the case of wicked men, who cry Peace and safety, and sudden destruction comes upon them, ( 1 Thessalonians 5:3 ) , so as in a moment were the punishment of Sodom and Gomorrah, of Pharaoh and his host, and of Korah and his company, ( Lamentations 4:6 ) ( Exodus 14:28 ) ( Numbers 16:21 Numbers 16:45 ) , the words are expressed with admiration, as wondering at the sudden and amazing turn of things:

they are utterly consumed with terrors:
their destruction is not only sudden, but entire; it is like the breaking in pieces of a potter's vessel; a shard of which cannot be gathered up and used, or like the casting of a millstone into the sea, which will never rise more; such will be the destruction of antichrist; see ( Revelation 2:27 ) ( 18:21 ) and this is done "with terrors"; either by terrible judgments inflicted on them from without; or with terrors inwardly seizing upon their minds and consciences; as, at the time of temporal calamities, or at death, however at judgment, when the awful sentence will be pronounced upon them; see ( Job 27:20 ) .

Psalms 73:19 In-Context

17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

Cross References 2

  • 1. Deuteronomy 28:20; Proverbs 24:22; Isaiah 47:11
  • 2. S Genesis 19:15
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