Psalms 139:20

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

They invoke your name for their crafty schemes; yes, your enemies misuse it.

Berean Standard Bible:

who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For they speak^{H559} against thee wickedly^{H4209}, and thine enemies^{H6145} take^{H5375} thy name in vain^{H7723}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Psalms 139:20

Psalm 139:20 is part of a larger psalm attributed to David, which explores themes of divine omniscience, omnipresence, and the intimate knowledge God has of each individual. The psalm reflects on the wonder of God's creation and His constant presence in the life of the believer. In the context of Psalm 139, verse 20 specifically addresses the wickedness of those who speak against God and the way His enemies misuse His name.

In the historical context of the Old Testament, the misuse of God's name would have been particularly significant. God's name was considered holy and not to be taken in vain, as reflected in the Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7). The verse expresses the psalmist's distress over the blasphemy and irreverence shown by God's adversaries. It highlights the deep contrast between the righteous and the wicked, a common theme in the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible.

The verse reflects a period in Israel's history where there was a clear demarcation between those who were faithful to Yahweh and those who opposed Him, often engaging in idolatry or other practices that were against the Mosaic Law. By mentioning the enemies who take God's name in vain, the psalmist is likely referring to those who not only curse God but also those who falsely invoke His name, perhaps for their own purposes or to lead others astray. This reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern context where names were thought to contain power and the misuse of a deity's name was a serious offense.

In summary, Psalm 139:20 confronts the reality of opposition to God and the profanation of His sacred name by His enemies. It underscores the gravity of blasphemy and the sharp division between the godly and the ungodly. The verse serves as a reminder of the respect owed to the divine name and the eternal struggle between good and evil, a struggle that is both personal and communal for the people of God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4209
   There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מְזִמָּה
   Transliteration: mᵉzimmâh
   Pronunciation: mez-im-maw'
   Description: from זָמַם; a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity); (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6145
   There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָר
   Transliteration: ʻâr
   Pronunciation: awr
   Description: from עוּר; a foe (as watchful for mischief); enemy.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5375
   There are 611 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָשָׂא
   Transliteration: nâsâʼ
   Pronunciation: naw-saw'
   Description: or נָסָה; (Psalm 4:6 (אֲבַד)), a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7723
   There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁוְא
   Transliteration: shâvᵉʼ
   Pronunciation: shawv
   Description: or שַׁו; from the same as שׁוֹא in the sense of desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also adverbially, in vain); false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity.