Mazmur 73:13-14

73:13 I concluded, ¹  “Surely in vain I have kept my motives ²  pure

and maintained a pure lifestyle. ³ 

73:14 I suffer all day long,

and am punished every morning.”

[73:13]  ¹ tn The words “I concluded” are supplied in the translation. It is apparent that vv. 13-14 reflect the psalmist’s thoughts at an earlier time (see vv. 2-3), prior to the spiritual awakening he describes in vv. 17-28.

[73:13]  ² tn Heb “heart,” viewed here as the seat of one’s thoughts and motives.

[73:13]  ³ tn Heb “and washed my hands in innocence.” The psalmist uses an image from cultic ritual to picture his moral lifestyle. The reference to “hands” suggests actions.