For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "go a whoring from you" isn't just about sexual immorality; it uses the imagery of marital infidelity to powerfully describe how people turn away from God, who is faithful like a spouse, to chase after other worthless things. This strong metaphor highlights the deep betrayal involved when God's people abandon Him, especially after professing loyalty.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has just shared his struggle with envy over the prosperity of the wicked, but after wrestling with his doubts in God's presence, he's found peace in God's ultimate justice. This verse marks the conclusion of that struggle, directly contrasting the fate of those who turn away from God with his own commitment to drawing near to Him. The psalm ends with a declaration of his chosen path: to trust in God and recount all His works.
The psalmist doesn't mince words: staying distant from God leads to destruction. What does this 'perishing' really mean for us today?
The Cost of Estrangement
When Psalm 73:27 says those "far from you shall perish," it's painting a stark picture. This isn't just about a future judgment; it speaks to a present reality.
The psalm uses a shocking metaphor: 'going a whoring' from God. What does this intense imagery reveal about our covenant relationship with Him?
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The Betrayal of Faithfulness
The phrase 'go a whoring' is a powerful metaphor for unfaithfulness, particularly in the context of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It describes a profound betrayal.
Understand the original words
rachaq · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Describes a state of spiritual alienation or estrangement from God. It characterizes those who live independently of His covenant and authority, leading to inevitable spiritual decay and judgment.
abad · Hebrew Verb
To be ruined, lost, or destroyed. In a theological sense, it refers to the finality of divine judgment for those who reject God’s grace and remain in rebellion.
zanah · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Describes one who is morally or spiritually treacherous, specifically in relation to the covenant with God. It implies breaking faith through idolatry or intentional apostasy.
This verse speaks to the ultimate fate of those who abandon God, a profound truth that resonated deeply with the people of Israel, especially during and after the trauma of the Babylonian exile. Their experience of national destruction and scattering underscored the severe consequences of turning away from the Lord.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy of Israel
The Psalms were composed over a long period, but many are attributed to David, the first king of a unified Israel. This era represents a high point of national identity and religious devotion.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division led to increased political instability and religious compromise.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, scattering its people. This event served as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of unfaithfulness to God.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire began deporting segments of the Judean population, including elites and skilled workers, after rebellions. This marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
587/586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, the center of Israelite worship. The remaining population was exiled to Babylon, a catastrophic event that deeply impacted Israelite theology and identity.
c. 539 BC
Return from Exile
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquered Babylon and allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. This marked a new era of rebuilding and covenant renewal, though challenges remained.
This passage also uses the imagery of spiritual adultery to describe Israel's turning away from God, directly paralleling the 'going a whoring' mentioned in Psalms 73:27.
Hebrews 10:39This verse speaks of those who 'shrink back and are destroyed,' contrasting them with those who have faith and are saved, echoing the idea that turning away from God leads to perishing.
Psalm 106:39Similar to Psalm 73:27, this verse describes the Israelites being 'defiled by their own ways' and 'going astray by their deeds,' highlighting the consequences of straying from God's path.
1 John 2:19This passage addresses those who left the community, stating that they 'did not remain with us,' implying that their departure was a form of falling away, which aligns with the concept of perishing when far from God.
poolePsalms 73:27: "For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee."
They that are far from thee; they that forsake thee and thy ways, preferring the prosperity of this present evil world before thy love, and favour, and service; they who estrange themselves from the love, and life, and acquaintance of God; that say to God, Depart from us, for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways , as they did, Job 21:14 . Thou hast destroyed; thou will…
jfbPsalms 73:27: "For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee."
27, 28. The lot of apostates, described by a figure of frequent use (Jer 3:1, 3; Eze 23:35), is contrasted with his, who finds happiness in nearness to God (Jas 4:8), and his delightful work the declaration of His praise.
The phrase "go a whoring from you" isn't just about sexual immorality; it uses the imagery of marital infidelity to powerfully describe how people turn away from God, who is faithful like a spouse, to chase after other worthless things. This strong metaphor highlights the deep betrayal involved when God's people abandon Him, especially after professing loyalty.
The psalmist has just shared his struggle with envy over the prosperity of the wicked, but after wrestling with his doubts in God's presence, he's found peace in God's ultimate justice. This verse marks the conclusion of that struggle, directly contrasting the fate of those who turn away from God with his own commitment to drawing near to Him. The psalm ends with a declaration of his chosen path: to trust in God and recount all His works.
The psalmist has just shared his struggle with envy over the prosperity of the wicked, but after wrestling with his doubts in God's presence, he's found peace in God's ultimate justice. This verse marks the conclusion of that struggle, directly contrasting the fate of those who turn away from God with his own commitment to drawing near to Him. The psalm ends with a declaration of his chosen path: to trust in God and recount all His works.
"For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you." — The phrase "go a whoring from you" isn't just about sexual immorality; it uses the imagery of marital infidelity to powerfully describe how people turn away from God, who is faithful like a spouse, t…
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Last reviewed October 2026