Psalm 37 20

Psalm 37:20 kjv

But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

Psalm 37:20 nkjv

But the wicked shall perish; And the enemies of the LORD, Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away.

Psalm 37:20 niv

But the wicked will perish: Though the LORD's enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

Psalm 37:20 esv

But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish ? like smoke they vanish away.

Psalm 37:20 nlt

But the wicked will die.
The LORD's enemies are like flowers in a field ?
they will disappear like smoke.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 20 Meaning

Psalm 37:20 proclaims the certain and complete destruction of the wicked and those who set themselves against the Lord. Their perceived flourishing is temporary, like the vibrant, but short-lived, splendor of a meadow or a precious pasture, destined to utterly disappear as smoke dissipates without a trace. It contrasts their fleeting existence with the enduring legacy of the righteous.

Psalm 37 20 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm by King David, often considered a "Didactic Psalm" meant to teach. Its central theme is the contrasting destinies of the righteous and the wicked, particularly in the face of perceived injustices where the wicked seem to prosper. David urges the reader not to fret or envy evildoers, but to trust in the Lord, commit their way to Him, and delight in Him. The psalm assures believers that God will ultimately uphold justice, even if it doesn't manifest immediately. Verse 20 provides a sharp contrast to earlier verses like 18-19 which assure that the Lord cares for the blameless and they will not be put to shame; instead, the wicked will face complete obliteration, serving as a solemn warning against living outside of God's ways.

Psalm 37 20 Word analysis

• But (וְ / v’): This is a strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast or reversal of fortune from the preceding thoughts (e.g., the security of the righteous in v. 18-19). It signals a shift to the grim reality for the wicked.
• the wicked (רְשָׁעִים / r'sha'im): Plural form, denoting those who consistently act in rebellion against God’s moral law, pursuing unrighteousness, injustice, and often oppressing others. This is a common biblical term for the antithesis of the righteous.
• will perish (יֹאבֵדוּ / yo'vedu): Derived from the root אָבַד (abad), meaning "to perish, to be lost, to be destroyed." It signifies a complete and utter end, a state of ruin and disappearance, not mere difficulty. This is a strong term for destruction.
• the Lord's enemies (וְאֹיְבֵי יְהוָה / v'oy'vey Yahweh): This phrase is highly significant. It explicitly links "the wicked" with being direct adversaries of God Himself. It escalates their wickedness from mere ethical failing to outright hostility against the divine sovereign, thus justifying divine judgment.
• like the splendor of the field (כִּיקַר כָּרִים / kiq̣ar karim): A simile. "Yeqar" (יְקַר) can mean "preciousness," "honor," or "splendor." "Karim" (כָּרִים) refers to a rich, well-watered pasture or even plump lambs. The image suggests something valuable, beautiful, lush, or magnificent – like flowers blooming gloriously in a field, or the richness of a prime pasture. The significance is its temporary, ephemeral nature. What seems glorious and vibrant today quickly fades.
• will vanish (כָּלוּ / kalu): Derived from the root כָּלָה (kalah), meaning "to be finished, to be completed, to be consumed." It implies a complete ending, depletion, or cessation of existence. It parallels "perish" and intensifies the sense of utter disappearance.
• into smoke (בְעָשָׁן / b'ashan): Another powerful simile. Smoke is notoriously transient, unstable, and quickly disperses into nothing, leaving no tangible trace behind. It emphasizes the absolute absence of residue or memory.
• they vanish (יִכְלוּ / yikhlu): This is a repetition and intensification of "will vanish" (from the same root כָּלָה), stressing the certainty and finality of their complete cessation. The literary device of repetition emphasizes the absolute nature of their disappearance.

Words-group analysis:

• "But the wicked will perish; the Lord's enemies...": This parallelism equates "the wicked" with "the Lord's enemies," clarifying that rebellion against righteousness is rebellion against God Himself. Their judgment is directly from the sovereign Creator.
• "...like the splendor of the field, will vanish—into smoke they vanish.": This double simile employs vivid imagery to convey utter transience and total obliteration. "Splendor of the field" evokes vibrant, fleeting beauty, while "smoke" signifies disappearance without a trace. The repetition of "vanish" at the end ensures the message of absolute destruction is inescapable. The wicked may appear impressive and flourishing for a time, but their substance is as insubstantial and temporal as smoke from a fire or a temporary display of agricultural richness.

Psalm 37 20 Bonus section

The strong repetition of the verb "vanish" (כָּלָה, kalah) highlights the absolute and comprehensive nature of the destruction. It is not just about material loss but a cessation of their being as influential forces, even their memory fading. The contrast in Psalm 37 isn't merely about earthly prosperity vs. earthly suffering; it's about eternal security versus utter nullification from the perspective of God's Kingdom. The "splendor of the field" imagery specifically refers to the lushness of pastures in Spring which are magnificent for a season but quickly dry up under the sun's heat. This speaks to the temporal and fragile nature of human glory apart from God. The term "enemies of the Lord" emphasizes that the wicked are not simply antagonists of humanity, but direct rebels against the sovereign Creator, sealing their inevitable doom. This verse encapsulates the Deuteronomic theology where faithfulness brings blessing and unfaithfulness brings curses, expanded to an ultimate, final judgment.

Psalm 37 20 Commentary

Psalm 37:20 provides a stark and resolute declaration of God's ultimate justice, reassuring the righteous that divine order will prevail. It counters the common observation that the wicked often prosper in the present. The verse affirms that this prosperity is deceptive and short-lived. Through potent imagery, it communicates that what appears vibrant and enduring for the wicked—"the splendor of the field"—is actually as temporary as smoke. This passage serves as a powerful warning that choosing a life apart from God leads to total obliteration, with no lasting legacy or enduring existence. It underpins the call throughout Psalm 37 to trust in the Lord and wait patiently, because God's appointed time will reveal the true end of all.

For instance, a businessman who built his wealth through fraud and oppression might seem powerful and respected for a time. Yet, like "the splendor of the field," his empire will vanish, and his life, when seen from God's eternal perspective, will dissipate "into smoke," leaving nothing but the emptiness of a misspent life, completely eradicated from God's purposes. In contrast, one who diligently honors God in humble work, though never amassing great wealth or fame, establishes an eternal inheritance that endures.