Devine Scripture

Psalms 139:20

What does Psalms 139:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 139:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 139:20 means

David explains the basis for his desire for God to slay the wicked: their opposition and irreverence towards God. They "speak against thee wickedly," actively denouncing God and His truth. Furthermore, they "take thy name in vain," indicating a severe lack of respect and a flippant attitude towards the holy name of the Lord. These actions reveal a heart utterly devoid of reverence, justifying David's strong stance against them as enemies of God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take thy name in vain.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take thy name in vain.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For they go against you with evil designs, and your haters make sport of your name.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Who exchange Thee for wickedness, Lifted up to vanity <FI>are<Fi> Thine enemies.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For they speak of thee wickedly, they take [thy name] in vain, thine enemies.

Context

Following David's declaration that God will slay the wicked and his command for bloodthirsty men to depart in verse 19, this verse provides the specific reasons for his animosity. It clarifies that his anger is not personal but righteous, stemming from their wicked speech and misuse of God's name, thus setting the stage for his subsequent powerful expression of hatred for God's enemies.

v.19Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: Depart from me therefore, ye bloodthirsty men.

v.20This passage

v.21Do not I hate them, O Jehovah, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 13:6

    And he opened his mouth for blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, even them that dwell in the heaven.

  • Psalms 74:18

    Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O Jehovah, And that a foolish people hath blasphemed thy name.

  • Psalms 74:22

    Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: Remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee all the day.

  • Isaiah 37:28

    But I know thy sitting down, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy raging against me.

  • Psalms 2:1

    Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?

  • Job 21:14

    And they say unto God, Depart from us; For we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

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