Psalms 139:19

KJV

Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely thou wilt slay {H6991} the wicked {H7563}, O God {H433}: depart {H5493} from me therefore, ye bloody {H1818} men {H582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God, if only you would kill off the wicked! Men of blood, get away from me!

Berean Standard Bible

O God, that You would slay the wicked— away from me, you bloodthirsty men—

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 139:19 marks a dramatic shift in the psalmist's contemplation, moving from profound awe at God's intimate knowledge and presence to a fervent declaration of divine justice. David expresses his absolute conviction that God will indeed judge and eliminate the wicked, asserting God's righteous character. This declaration is immediately followed by a passionate plea for personal separation from "bloody men," reflecting a deep spiritual and moral revulsion against those whose lives are characterized by violence and opposition to God's ways. It is an outburst of zeal for God's holiness and a desire for purity in the psalmist's own walk, rather than a call for personal vengeance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 139 stands as a profound meditation on the attributes of God, particularly His omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. The preceding verses (1-18) are a deeply personal and worshipful reflection on God's intimate knowledge of the psalmist's thoughts, words, and very being, from conception to the present moment. David marvels at God's inescapable presence and intricate design of his life, concluding with a sense of overwhelming wonder at God's wisdom. Verse 19 introduces an abrupt, yet logically connected, pivot. Having established God's perfect character and absolute sovereignty, the psalmist's natural response is a righteous indignation against those who actively defy such a God. This imprecation (vv. 19-22) is not a deviation but an extension of his zeal for God's honor, flowing seamlessly into a final prayer for self-examination and guidance in verses [23-24](/psalms/139-23 "Psalms 139:23-24 - A Prayer for Self-Examination").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, this psalm reflects the realities of his life as a king and a man of God constantly surrounded by enemies and opposition. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the king was seen as God's representative, and attacks on the king or his people were often perceived as attacks on God Himself. The concept of divine justice was central to Israelite theology, with God as the ultimate judge who would uphold righteousness and punish wickedness. "Bloody men" (Hebrew: *anshei damim*) would have been a vivid descriptor for those who engaged in violence, treachery, and oppression, often in direct defiance of God's covenant and law. David's plea for separation aligns with the broader biblical call for God's people to be distinct from the ungodly nations around them, maintaining moral and spiritual purity.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 139:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, asserting God's unwavering commitment to confront and overcome evil, a concept reiterated throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine"). Secondly, it highlights the **Abhorrence of Evil** from a righteous perspective, demonstrating that true devotion to God necessitates a strong repulsion for that which opposes His character and commands. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Zeal for God's Honor**, showing that the psalmist's concern is not merely personal safety but the vindication of God's name and righteousness in the face of flagrant wickedness. Finally, it introduces the theme of **Moral and Spiritual Separation**, a principle seen in passages like [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them"), where believers are called to distance themselves from ungodly influences to maintain their integrity before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slay (Hebrew, _qâṭal'_):** This primitive root means "to cut off" or "put to death." In this context, it signifies a decisive, final act of judgment by God. It implies not just physical death but the ultimate removal of the wicked from the sphere of God's holy presence and righteous order, affirming divine retribution.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be wrong," this term describes someone who is morally wrong, actively bad, and often guilty or ungodly. It refers to individuals who are in rebellion against God and His laws, characterized by their unrighteous actions and persistent defiance, rather than merely those who make mistakes.
* **bloody (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This word primarily refers to "blood" as that which, when shed, causes death. Figuratively, especially in the plural form (as implied in "bloody men"), it denotes "bloodshed" or "blood-guiltiness." When applied to "men," it describes individuals characterized by violence, deceit, and a disregard for human life and God's law, indicating their moral corruption and destructive nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God:"** This opening clause expresses the psalmist's absolute confidence and conviction in God's ultimate justice. The adverb "Surely" emphasizes the certainty of this divine judgment. It is a declaration of faith in God as the sovereign Judge who will not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely. David's plea is rooted in his understanding of God's holy character, which necessitates a response to evil. It is a prayer for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done, bringing an end to the reign of wickedness.
* **"depart from me therefore, ye bloody men."** This second clause is a direct imperative, a fervent plea for separation. The "therefore" links it to the preceding declaration of God's judgment: because God will slay the wicked, the psalmist desires no association with them. "Bloody men" (Hebrew: *anshei damim*) refers to those characterized by violence, deceit, and a disregard for life and God's law. David seeks not merely physical distance but a moral and spiritual separation, refusing to partake in their ungodly ways or be defiled by their presence. It reflects a desire for purity and alignment with God's righteous standards.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 139:19 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, a direct appeal to God for judgment upon the wicked. This is not personal vengeance but a righteous indignation born of zeal for God's honor and justice. The psalmist also uses **Apostrophe**, directly addressing both God ("O God") and the wicked ("ye bloody men"), intensifying the emotional and theological weight of his words. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the holy, omniscient God (as described in the preceding verses) and the "wicked" and "bloody men" who oppose Him, highlighting the irreconcilable nature of good and evil. The term "bloody men" functions as a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "blood" stands for the entire character of violence, guilt, and moral corruption that defines these individuals. The initial "Surely" acts as an **Intensifier**, emphasizing the psalmist's unwavering conviction in God's certain judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God is not only a God of love and mercy but also a God of perfect justice who will ultimately judge all wickedness. It reflects a deep theological understanding that evil cannot prevail indefinitely in the face of a holy and sovereign God. The psalmist's desire for separation from "bloody men" underscores the call for God's people to live distinct lives, marked by righteousness and purity, refusing to participate in or condone the practices of the ungodly. This separation is not about isolation from the world, but about maintaining moral integrity and a clear allegiance to God's values. It also reveals that a genuine love for God often includes a righteous indignation against that which dishonors Him and harms His creation.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and recompence")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Abhor What Is Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 139:19 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by injustice and moral decay, this verse reminds us to anchor our hope in God's ultimate sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. While we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, this does not negate the reality of evil or the need for righteous indignation against it. We are encouraged to cultivate a keen moral discernment, abhorring what is wicked and actively pursuing holiness in our own lives. This means intentionally distancing ourselves from influences, attitudes, and behaviors that contradict God's character, even if it means standing apart from cultural norms. Our prayers should include a longing for God's justice to prevail, trusting that He will, in His perfect timing and way, deal with all unrighteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's confidence in God's justice impact your own trust in God when faced with rampant evil in the world?**
* **What does it mean practically to "depart from" ungodly influences in your life without isolating yourself from people?**
* **How can you cultivate a righteous indignation against sin and injustice that aligns with God's heart, rather than personal vengeance?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to seek greater separation from "bloody" or ungodly influences?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse advocating for personal vengeance or hatred towards specific individuals?**

Answer: No, this verse is not advocating for personal vengeance or hatred. While the language is strong, it reflects a righteous indignation rooted in zeal for God's holiness and justice, not personal vendetta. David, as God's anointed king, often saw attacks against himself and Israel as attacks against God's kingdom. His prayer is an appeal to God, the ultimate Judge, to intervene and uphold His righteousness. The psalmist is expressing confidence that God *will* deal with the wicked, and a desire to be separate from their ungodly ways, aligning himself with God's perfect character. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord, as seen in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine").

**How does this verse reconcile with Jesus' command to love our enemies?**

Answer: This verse, an Old Testament imprecation, must be understood within the progressive revelation of Scripture, culminating in Christ. While David expresses a desire for God's justice against the wicked, Jesus' command to [love our enemies](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies") and [pray for those who persecute us](/luke/6-28 "Luke 6:28 - Pray for Those Who Abuse You") elevates the standard for personal conduct. However, these are not contradictory. Jesus' teaching focuses on the individual's response to personal offense, promoting mercy and grace. Psalms 139:19, on the other hand, expresses a longing for divine justice to prevail over systemic evil and active rebellion against God. Believers are called to love people, even enemies, but to hate evil and injustice, trusting God for ultimate judgment and the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 139:19, with its declaration of God's certain judgment upon the wicked and the psalmist's desire for separation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of God's perfect justice and holiness, and He is also the one through whom all judgment will ultimately be executed, as [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One") declares. While David prayed for God to "slay the wicked," Jesus, through His death and resurrection, decisively conquered sin, death, and the devil, the ultimate sources of wickedness, as foreshadowed in [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - He Destroyed the One Who Has the Power of Death"). His first coming was to save, but His second coming will be to judge the living and the dead, bringing an end to all unrighteousness and establishing His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Furthermore, the psalmist's plea to "depart from me therefore, ye bloody men" is echoed in the New Testament call for believers to be set apart from the world's sinful patterns and values, not by physical isolation, but by a transformed mind and renewed spirit, as urged in [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World"). Christ Himself demonstrated this separation by confronting sin and evil directly, yet loving sinners, ultimately offering Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, this psalm points to Christ as the one who perfectly embodies God's righteous zeal against evil and ultimately brings about its final defeat.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 5:6

Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Psalms 119:115

¶ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

Psalms 6:8

¶ Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

Psalms 64:7

¶ But God shall shoot at them [with] an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.

Psalms 9:17

The wicked shall be turned into hell, [and] all the nations that forget God.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.