Psalm 73:25-26
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse isn't just stating a preference; it's a radical declaration of ultimate allegiance. The psalmist isn't just saying God is a good choice, but that He is the only one in all of heaven and earth who can truly satisfy, making all other desires secondary or even irrelevant.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has just recounted how the prosperity of the wicked nearly caused him to lose his faith, but after wrestling with doubt, he experienced God in a new way in the sanctuary. This verse is the climax of his restored faith, a declaration that possessing God is infinitely better than any earthly success or any created good. He now finds his ultimate satisfaction and desire solely in God, not in the fleeting fortunes of those who disregard Him.
Feeling lost or unfulfilled? This verse points to the ultimate source of satisfaction that transcends any earthly longing.
The psalmist here grapples with a profound truth: when we truly encounter God, nothing else compares.
Beyond Circumstance
The psalm begins with the psalmist feeling deeply troubled by the prosperity of the wicked. It seemed like God wasn't fair. But as he enters the 'sanctuary of God' (Psalm 73:17) and gains a heavenly perspective, his focus shifts from earthly troubles to the eternal reality of God's presence.
God as Sufficient Good
He declares, 'Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.' This isn't just saying God is a good option; it's a radical declaration that God alone is the ultimate good. He is the 'portion' (Psalm 16:5) that satisfies every need, both now and forever. Earthly treasures, relationships, or successes can never fill the void that only God can.
Discover the intimate, exclusive relationship God desires with you and the radical commitment it requires.
This verse is more than a wish list; it's a declaration of covenant love and exclusive devotion.
The Heart's Allegiance
The language of 'desiring' points to a deep affection and longing. The psalmist is saying his heart's allegiance is fully with God. In ancient covenants, exclusive loyalty was paramount. To desire someone or something else 'besides' God was seen as a betrayal, akin to spiritual adultery (as highlighted in the commentaries).
Ask a follow-up
Choosing God Above All
This choice isn't just about avoiding 'bad' things. It's about actively choosing God over everything that seems good or appealing in heaven or on earth. It means that even if we desire good things like family, provision, or peace, our ultimate desire is for God Himself, and these good things are desired in Him and for His glory.
Understand the original words
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
The dwelling place of God and the realm above the earthly sphere; it is the center of divine rule and the ultimate destination of the redeemed.
chaphets · Hebrew Verb
To desire, long for, or find delight in something; it involves the deepest inclination of the heart's affections and passions.
she'er · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the physical body and, by extension, the totality of human mortality and frailty. In Scripture, it highlights the inherent weakness and limitations of human nature apart from God.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
In biblical usage, this is the center of a person's life, encompassing the intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It represents the inner self where decisions are made and spiritual life resides.
tsur · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting power, security, or a protective stronghold. It signifies God as the sustaining force and the source of stability that enables a believer to persevere through trials.
cheleq · Hebrew Noun
Refers to an allotted share or inheritance. Used theologically, it signifies that God himself is the believer’s ultimate inheritance and satisfaction, superior to any worldly possession.
Paul echoes this sentiment by counting everything else as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. This shows that true fulfillment comes from an all-consuming focus on God, not earthly gain.
Matthew 6:33Jesus directly instructs us to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,' which aligns with the psalmist's ultimate desire being God alone. This highlights that prioritizing God in our lives naturally brings all other needs into proper perspective.
Psalm 16:2This psalm expresses a similar sentiment, stating 'I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good beyond you.”' It reinforces the idea that God is the ultimate and exclusive source of true delight and satisfaction.
John 14:8When Philip asks Jesus to 'show us the Father,' Jesus replies, 'Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.' This shows that in Jesus, we see God Himself, making Him the ultimate object of desire for heaven and earth.
Song of Solomon 8:6This passage speaks of love being 'as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave.' It illustrates the all-consuming nature of devotion that the psalmist expresses for God, where He is the sole desire.
poolePsalms 73:25: "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee."
Whom have I in heaven, or in earth ? as it follows. There is no other person nor thing in the world from which I can seek or hope for happiness, or which I am willing to accept as my portion. Let sinners have an earthly prosperity, I am satisfied with thee, and with thy favour. Since thou givest me support and conduct here, and carriest me safe from hence to eternal glory, what do I need more…
jfbPsalms 73:25: "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee."
25, 26. God is his only satisfying good.
The verse isn't just stating a preference; it's a radical declaration of ultimate allegiance. The psalmist isn't just saying God is a good choice, but that He is the only one in all of heaven and earth who can truly satisfy, making all other desires secondary or even irrelevant.
The psalmist has just recounted how the prosperity of the wicked nearly caused him to lose his faith, but after wrestling with doubt, he experienced God in a new way in the sanctuary. This verse is the climax of his restored faith, a declaration that possessing God is infinitely better than any earthly success or any created good. He now finds his ultimate satisfaction and desire solely in God, not in the fleeting fortunes of those who disregard Him.
The psalmist has just recounted how the prosperity of the wicked nearly caused him to lose his faith, but after wrestling with doubt, he experienced God in a new way in the sanctuary. This verse is the climax of his restored faith, a declaration that possessing God is infinitely better than any earthly success or any created good. He now finds his ultimate satisfaction and desire solely in God, not in the fleeting fortunes of those who disregard Him.
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." — The verse isn't just stating a preference; it's a radical declaration of ultimate allegiance. The psalmist isn't just saying God is a good choice, but that He is the only one in all of heaven and…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
