Psalm 139 20

Psalm 139:20 kjv

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

Psalm 139:20 nkjv

For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain.

Psalm 139:20 niv

They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.

Psalm 139:20 esv

They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain.

Psalm 139:20 nlt

They blaspheme you;
your enemies misuse your name.

Psalm 139 verses

Psalm 139 20 Meaning

Psalm 139:20 describes the malicious actions and speech of God's adversaries. It indicates that these enemies speak against God with deceitful and wicked intent, not merely out of ignorance but with a calculated purpose to undermine His character, truth, or authority. Furthermore, they "take His name in vain," signifying that they profane His holy name, either by swearing falsely by it, associating it with their vile schemes, or using it to endorse their treachery. This highlights the Psalmist's abhorrence for those who dishonor the Lord so profoundly.

Psalm 139 20 Context

Psalm 139 is a deeply personal and reflective psalm by King David, often described as one of the most profound expressions of God's attributes in all Scripture. The preceding verses (1-18) marvel at God's omnipresence (7-12), omniscience (1-6), and omnipotence, particularly His intimate involvement in the creation and formation of David from conception (13-16). David acknowledges that God knows his every thought, word, and deed, and that God's plans for him are precious and innumerable (17-18).

Against this backdrop of profound adoration and personal intimacy with God, David’s declaration in verse 20 naturally follows. His intense awareness of God's glorious nature leads him to an equally intense disdain for those who despise and disrespect such a holy God. The enemies described are not merely political foes but individuals who actively oppose and slander the God whom David worships with his whole being. This sets up the sharp contrast with verses 21-22, where David explicitly states his hatred for those who hate the Lord. The historical context is generally that of David, a righteous king, facing various adversaries who also opposed his God, frequently associating their political animosity with spiritual defiance. This reflects a deep polemic against the idolatry and false deities of surrounding nations, whose worship often involved rituals and beliefs anathema to the purity of Yahweh's worship, and whose proponents would naturally oppose the God of Israel.

Psalm 139 20 Word analysis

• For (כִּֽי - ki): This conjunction serves to introduce the reason or explanation for the preceding statement, specifically for David's desire for God to "slay the wicked" (v.19). It indicates a causal relationship: "because" or "indeed."
• they speak against you (יֹאמְר֖וּ עָלֶ֥יךָ - yom'ru 'alekha):
  • yom'ru (יֹאמְר֖וּ): From the verb אָמַר (amar), meaning "to say, speak." It implies communication, whether verbally or through actions. The future/imperfect tense indicates continuous or repeated action.
  • 'alekha (עָלֶ֥יךָ): A preposition meaning "upon, against, concerning, over." Here, "against you" or "concerning you" in a hostile sense. It denotes an act of verbal aggression directly aimed at God.
• with malicious intent (מְזִמָּה - mezimmah): This is a crucial word. It means "plan, device, scheme, wickedness, mischief." It doesn't imply accidental speech or a thoughtless utterance. Instead, it speaks of calculated evil, premeditated malice, or treachery. The enemies are not merely misguided; they are intentionally plotting evil and slander against God. This highlights their deep moral depravity.
• your enemies (עָרֶֽיךָ - areykha): From עָר ('ar), meaning "adversary, enemy." It refers to those who are hostile or set themselves against God and His people. The Psalmist clearly identifies who these speakers are.
• take (נֹשְׂאִ֥ים - nos'im): From the verb נָשָׂא (nasa), meaning "to lift, carry, bear." In this context, it refers to lifting or bearing the name, as in a public or formal manner. It signifies a responsibility or connection to something.
• your name (שִּׁמְךָ֖ - shimkha): Refers to the name of God (Yahweh), which in ancient Hebrew thought encapsulates His entire being, character, attributes, and reputation. To "take God's name" is to invoke His character or authority.
• in vain (בַּשָּׁ֑וְא - bashshav'): From שָׁוְא (shav'), meaning "emptiness, futility, falsehood, nothingness, worthlessness, vain." When associated with God's name, it means using His name for an empty purpose, for lies, for false oaths, for worthless gain, or aligning His holy character with that which is false, corrupt, or profane. It's a grave misuse of God's holy identity.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "For they speak against you with malicious intent": This phrase reveals the calculated nature of the enemies' offense. Their words against God are not spontaneous but spring from a deeper, premeditated evil and wicked purpose (mezimmah). This implies active defamation and plotting against divine truth and sovereignty.
• "your enemies take your name in vain": This describes the specific manner in which they profane God. "Taking the name in vain" here is more than just light swearing. It suggests either using God's holy name to validate their deceitful schemes, swearing false oaths by Him, or, most profoundly, equating God's pure and holy character with their own empty, worthless, and malicious endeavors, thereby debasing His essence. It means they bear God's name (perhaps in a superficial, professing way) but render it empty of truth or meaning by their conduct and blasphemous claims.

Psalm 139 20 Bonus section

The strong language in Ps 139:20 and the following verses (David's hatred for God's enemies) often prompts questions about the nature of righteous anger versus personal vindictiveness. It's crucial to understand that David's zeal here is directed at God's enemies, who are inherently enemies of truth and righteousness, not at personal foes in a private grudge. It stems from a burning jealousy for God's honor, aligning with divine justice, rather than seeking self-serving revenge. This distinguishes the Psalmist's passion from unrighteous anger or a vengeful spirit. Furthermore, the term mezimmah can imply a broader spiritual plotting against divine truth, not just casual slander. It is about crafting wicked designs that assault the very foundation of God's character and plan. The implication is that these enemies are actively working against God's purpose in the world.

Psalm 139 20 Commentary

Psalm 139:20 is a powerful expression of David's righteous indignation towards those who desecrate the sacred name and character of God. Following a profound adoration of God's intimate knowledge and creative power, the psalmist's perspective sharpens to address the reality of evil. The verse pinpoints two grievous actions by the wicked: first, their deliberate, premeditated verbal assaults against God (speaking mezimmah - with malicious intent); second, their profanation of His holy Name (taking His name bashshav' - in vain/falsely). This "malicious intent" indicates a deep-seated antagonism, not accidental offense. It speaks of individuals who actively plot and execute plans of deceit and slander that undermine God's truth. To "take His name in vain" extends beyond a mere linguistic misstep; it signifies a perversion of divine authority and identity, such as making false promises invoking God's name, or worse, associating God with their wickedness and emptiness. It means they embody falsehood while claiming or outwardly invoking the name of Truth. This profound dishonoring of God, contrasting with David's utter devotion, logically precedes his impassioned plea for judgment against the wicked in the verses that follow, reflecting a zeal for God's glory and righteousness.