Psalms 139:19
What does Psalms 139:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 139:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 139:19 means
Here, David shifts from contemplating God's intimacy to expressing a strong desire for God's justice against the wicked. He confidently declares, "Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God." This is not a personal curse but an appeal to God's righteous character, trusting that the all-knowing and all-powerful God will ultimately deal with evil. He then commands "bloodthirsty men" to depart from him, separating himself from those who oppose God and His ways.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: Depart from me therefore, ye bloodthirsty men.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: Depart from me therefore, ye bloodthirsty men.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If only you would put the sinners to death, O God; go far from me, you men of blood.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Dost Thou slay, O God, the wicked? Then, men of blood, turn aside from me!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Oh that thou wouldest slay the wicked, OGod! And ye men of blood, depart from me.
Context
This verse marks a dramatic shift in the psalm's tone and subject matter. After extensively praising God's omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent attributes, David turns his attention to the presence of evil in the world. This transition is not abrupt but flows from his deep devotion to God, prompting him to seek divine justice against those who defy such a magnificent Creator. This fervent plea immediately precedes his personal expression of hatred for God's enemies.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 6:17
Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you,
- Psalms 64:7
But God will shoot at them; With an arrow suddenly shall they be wounded.
- Psalms 119:115
Depart from me, ye evil-doers, That I may keep the commandments of my God.
- Psalms 55:23
But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in thee.
- Matthew 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:
- Psalms 6:8
Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; For Jehovah hath heard the voice of my weeping.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 139
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 139.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
Topic
Bible Verses About God's Omnipresence
God is everywhere at all times, a comforting and challenging truth for believers.
Topic
Bible Verses About God's Omniscience
God's omniscience means He knows all things in the past, present, and future, including every detail of our lives
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After a Miscarriage
A holy ache the world rarely names — scripture for the weight you're carrying.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Unworthy of Love
When you don't think you deserve love — what scripture says you actually are.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.