What is the meaning of Psalm 73:21?

When my heart was grieved

• Asaph has just confessed that he “was envious of the arrogant” (Psalm 73:3); here he admits the inner cost of that envy.

• “Grieved” pictures the choking sadness that settles when we realize our attitude has drifted from God’s truth (Psalm 32:3-4; Proverbs 14:30).

• The grief comes “when” he recognizes the contrast between temporary prosperity of the wicked (vv. 4-12) and God’s eternal justice (vv. 17-20).

• The Spirit often uses conviction to turn us back (2 Corinthians 7:10). The pain itself is evidence of a living relationship with the Lord (Hebrews 12:6-8).

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and I was pierced within

• “Pierced” moves the image from sorrow to sharp conviction, like an arrow striking the conscience (Hebrews 4:12).

• This piercing exposes hidden motives—envy, doubt, self-pity—so they can be confessed (Psalm 139:23-24).

• Similar language appears when listeners were “pierced to the heart” after Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:37), showing that conviction is meant to lead to repentance and fresh obedience.

• God does not leave us wounded; immediately after this verse Asaph declares, “You hold my right hand” (Psalm 73:23), proving that conviction is only the doorway to restored fellowship.

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summary

Psalm 73:21 captures the turning point in Asaph’s struggle: first the dull ache of spiritual grief, then the sharp stab of conviction. God allows both feelings to expose sin, redirect desire, and draw His people back into confident communion with Him.