And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The question "How can God know?" isn't just about God's awareness; it’s a subtle denial of His involvement and oversight in human affairs. It implies that if God truly knew what was happening, He wouldn't allow the wicked to prosper so brazenly.
And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist, Asaph, is wrestling with the perplexing reality of wicked people flourishing while the righteous suffer. This observation leads him to a crisis of faith, where he nearly loses his grip on belief in God's justice and care. In this moment of deep struggle, "they"—likely the followers of the ungodly, or perhaps even Asaph himself under immense temptation—voice their doubt: How could God truly know or concern Himself with earthly affairs if such injustice prevails?
Have you ever looked at the world and wondered if God even notices what's happening? This verse captures that exact moment of doubt.
The psalmist here grapples with a profound spiritual crisis. He describes people who, witnessing the ungodly prosper and seemingly live without consequence, voice a shocking question: "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?"
This isn't just a casual query; it's a deep challenge to God's very nature and involvement in the world. The prosperity of the wicked makes them question God's awareness, His ability, or even His concern for justice.
Who exactly is asking this question? Understanding the speaker reveals the depth of the spiritual battle.
There's a fascinating discussion among scholars about is speaking these words: "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?"
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While it might be tempting to immediately label these as the words of the openly wicked, the context suggests a more complex reality.
This ambiguity is powerful. It shows that such doubts aren't confined to the outright ungodly; they can creep into the hearts of believers who are struggling to reconcile God's goodness with the harsh realities they observe.
Understand the original words
'el · Hebrew Noun
The Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who is sovereign over all creation and personal in His dealings with humanity. He is the focus of all worship and the ultimate source of truth and morality.
'elyown · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The highest, supreme, or exalted one; a title indicating God’s supreme authority, sovereignty, and transcendence over all other powers or beings.
The question 'How can God know?' arises from a profound crisis of faith experienced during and after the Babylonian exile, when the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple seemed to mock any notion of divine oversight or justice.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
The united monarchy under David and Solomon brings a period of relative peace and prosperity to Israel, setting a baseline for understanding God's favor.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to increased political instability and religious compromise.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and many of its inhabitants are exiled, highlighting God's judgment on disobedience.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Babylon begins deporting citizens from Judah, including elites and skilled workers, as a consequence of rebellion against Babylonian rule.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling the remaining population. This catastrophic event severely tests the faith of the survivors.
c. 539 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Under the Persian Empire, many Judeans are allowed to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple, a sign of God's faithfulness amidst hardship.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 73:11, where Job's friends question God's ability to see and know what happens on earth, especially the actions of the wicked.
Jeremiah 12:1-2Jeremiah expresses a similar struggle to Psalm 73, questioning God's justice and knowledge in the face of wicked people prospering, revealing the internal questioning even the godly can face.
Ezekiel 9:9This verse describes the accusations against Jerusalem's leaders, stating 'They say of them, 'The Lord has forsaken the land, and the Lord does not see,'' which reflects the same doubt about God's awareness and involvement found in Psalm 73:11.
Romans 11:33-34This passage expresses awe at the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, indirectly contrasting with the skeptical question in Psalm 73:11, reminding us of the incomprehensible nature of God's ways.
1 Peter 5:7Peter directly addresses the temptation to doubt God's care by urging believers to cast their anxieties on Him, providing a counterpoint to the doubt expressed in Psalm 73:11 about God's knowledge and concern.
clarkePsalms 73:11: "And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?"
They say, How doth God know? - My people are so stumbled with the prosperity of the wicked, that they are ready in their temptation to say, "Surely, God cannot know these things, or he would never dispense his favors thus." Others consider these words as the saying of the wicked: "We may oppress these people as we please, and live as we list; God knows nothing about it."
poolePsalms 73:11: "And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?"
They; either, 1. The godly. Or rather, 2. Those wicked ones, whose words and actions he hath been hitherto describing, or the people confederate with them. For these and such-like opinions are oft ascribed to the wicked in Scripture, but never, as far as I know; to any good man. And Job, though he used many intemperate speeches, and though some such expressions as this were charged upon him by his friends,…
The question "How can God know?" isn't just about God's awareness; it’s a subtle denial of His involvement and oversight in human affairs. It implies that if God truly knew what was happening, He wouldn't allow the wicked to prosper so brazenly.
The psalmist, Asaph, is wrestling with the perplexing reality of wicked people flourishing while the righteous suffer. This observation leads him to a crisis of faith, where he nearly loses his grip on belief in God's justice and care. In this moment of deep struggle, "they"—likely the followers of the ungodly, or perhaps even Asaph himself under immense temptation—voice their doubt: How could God truly know or concern Himself with earthly affairs if such injustice prevails?
The psalmist, Asaph, is wrestling with the perplexing reality of wicked people flourishing while the righteous suffer. This observation leads him to a crisis of faith, where he nearly loses his grip on belief in God's justice and care. In this moment of deep struggle, "they"—likely the followers of the ungodly, or perhaps even Asaph himself under immense temptation—voice their doubt: How could God truly know or concern Himself with earthly affairs if such injustice prevails?
"And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”" — The question "How can God know?" isn't just about God's awareness; it’s a subtle denial of His involvement and oversight in human affairs. It implies that if God truly knew what was happening, He wou…
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Last reviewed October 2026