Old Testament
Psalms 73:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are of a clean heart.
Compare translations
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
What Psalms 73:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist affirms the goodness of God, particularly towards Israel, which represents His chosen people. The phrase 'clean heart' refers to those who are sincere and pure in their intentions and actions. This suggests that God's goodness is not just a blanket statement but is specifically directed towards those who strive to live righteously. The psalmist acknowledges that despite the challenges and injustices faced, God remains good and faithful to those who seek Him with a pure heart. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, where the author reflects on the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous, ultimately reaffirming faith in God's justice and goodness.
How to apply Psalms 73:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to maintain a pure heart and seek righteousness in our lives. It reminds us that God's goodness is available to those who genuinely strive to live according to His will. In times of doubt or struggle, we can find comfort in knowing that God is good to those who are sincere in their faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 73:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 73:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 73:1 mean?
Psalms 73:1 expresses the psalmist's belief in God's goodness towards Israel, emphasizing that this goodness is especially for those who have a clean heart, or pure intentions.
What is the meaning of 'clean heart' in Psalms 73:1?
In Psalms 73:1, 'clean heart' refers to individuals who are sincere, pure in their motives, and strive to live righteously according to God's will.
How does Psalms 73:1 relate to faithfulness?
Psalms 73:1 illustrates God's faithfulness by assuring that He remains good to those who earnestly pursue righteousness, even amid life's challenges.
What themes are present in Psalms 73:1?
Key themes in Psalms 73:1 include God's goodness, the importance of a clean heart, righteousness, and the faithfulness of God towards His people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.