Psalms 139:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 139:20 is a powerful expression of the psalmist's righteous indignation against those who actively oppose God and profane His holy name. Following a profound meditation on God's intimate knowledge and omnipresence, David pivots to lament the wicked, whose malicious speech and irreverent use of God's name demonstrate their deep-seated enmity toward the Divine, thereby underscoring the sanctity of God's character and the psalmist's fervent zeal for His honor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 139 stands as a profound theological masterpiece, beginning with David's awe-filled contemplation of God's omniscience and omnipresence (verses 1-12), where he marvels at God's intimate knowledge of his thoughts, words, and paths, and the inescapable nature of God's Spirit. This personal reflection deepens into a celebration of God's intricate creative work in forming him in the womb (verses 13-18), highlighting the divine artistry and purpose behind human life. The tone shifts dramatically in verse 19, where the psalmist, having just glorified God's perfect being, expresses a vehement desire for God to slay the wicked. Verse 20 continues this theme, providing the specific offenses that provoke such righteous anger: malicious speech and the profanation of God's name. This transition is not an abrupt change but a natural progression for a man deeply devoted to God, whose love for God's holiness necessitates an abhorrence of all that opposes Him. The psalm then concludes with a humble plea for God to search his own heart and lead him in the way everlasting (verses 23-24), demonstrating that his indignation is not personal vengeance but a desire for divine purity and justice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "name" of God (Yahweh) was not merely a label but represented His very character, presence, and authority. To "take God's name in vain" (as forbidden in [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")) was a grave offense, signifying a profound disrespect, treating God's sacred essence as empty, worthless, or using it for deceitful purposes like false oaths or trivial matters. This was an act of rebellion against the covenant God, who had revealed Himself through His name. The concept of "enemies" in the Psalms often refers not just to personal adversaries but to those who are inherently hostile to God and His righteous ways, often manifesting as opposition to God's people or His revealed truth. The psalmist's lament reflects the worldview of a covenant community where God's honor was paramount, and any assault on His name or character was seen as an assault on the very foundation of their existence and faith.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 139 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the **sanctity of God's name and character**, emphasizing the profound reverence due to Him. The profanation of God's name is depicted as a serious offense, directly violating the covenant stipulations and undermining divine authority. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **righteous indignation and zeal for God's honor**. The psalmist's strong language is not born of personal malice but a fervent desire to see God's holiness upheld and His name vindicated against those who scorn Him, echoing the zeal seen in other biblical figures for God's glory (e.g., [Numbers 25:11](/numbers/25-11 "Numbers 25:11 - Phinehas's Zeal")). Thirdly, the verse implicitly touches upon **divine justice**, as the psalmist's lament over the wicked's actions anticipates God's ultimate judgment against unrighteousness. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God is portrayed as one who will justly deal with those who defy Him and His revealed truth, a theme prevalent throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wickedly (Hebrew, _mᵉzimmâh'_):** From H4209, this word denotes a plan or device, usually evil. It signifies malicious intent, cunning schemes, or mischievous thoughts. When applied to speech against God, it implies that the words are not accidental or ignorant, but are part of a deliberate, calculated effort to undermine or defame God. It suggests treachery and deceit in their opposition.
* **take (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, this primitive root means "to lift" or "to bear." In the context of "taking God's name in vain," it refers to the act of lifting up or bearing the name, but doing so in a way that is empty, useless, or for false purposes. It's not merely speaking the name, but associating it with something worthless or using it in a manner that devalues its inherent holiness and power.
* **in vain (Hebrew, _shâvᵉʼ'_):** From H7723, this word carries the sense of emptiness, falsehood, ruin, or uselessness. It describes something that is deceptive, objective, or without substance. When God's name is taken "in vain," it means it is treated as empty, without power, falsely invoked, or used for trivial, deceitful, or destructive purposes, directly violating its sacred nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they speak against thee wickedly":** This clause describes the active, malicious verbal opposition directed towards God. The term "wickedly" (mᵉzimmâh) emphasizes that this speech is not accidental but is a deliberate, calculated, and often deceitful attack on God's character, sovereignty, or truth. It implies a hostile intent behind their words.
* **"and thine enemies take thy name in vain":** This second clause specifies another grave offense. "Thine enemies" are those who are fundamentally opposed to God. Their act of "taking thy name in vain" (nâsâʼ shâvᵉʼ) means they treat God's holy name—which represents His very being, power, and covenant faithfulness—as empty, worthless, or use it for false, trivial, or deceptive purposes. This is a profound act of irreverence and dishonor, a direct violation of the Third Commandment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "speak against thee wickedly" is paralleled by "take thy name in vain." Both expressions describe offenses committed by God's adversaries, highlighting different facets of their irreverence and hostility. The use of "thy name" serves as a form of **metonymy**, where God's name stands in for His entire being, character, and authority. Thus, taking His name in vain is an attack not just on a word, but on God Himself. Furthermore, the psalmist's strong language reflects **hyperbole** or **intensification**, conveying the depth of his righteous indignation and the gravity of the offenses committed against the holy God. This emotional intensity underscores the profound reverence due to God and the seriousness of defying Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 139:20 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of God's name and the righteous anger against its profanation. The "name" of God in Scripture encapsulates His very being, character, and power; to treat it lightly or maliciously is to deny His holiness and authority. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of irreverence and the active opposition of those who stand against God's truth. It underscores that true devotion to God involves a zealous defense of His honor and a profound respect for His revealed identity. The psalmist's lament is not merely personal grievance but a reflection of divine justice and the ultimate vindication of God's glory.

* [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")
* [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely by God's Name")
* [Malachi 1:6](/malachi/1-6 "Malachi 1:6 - Dishonoring God's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 139:20 calls us to a profound introspection regarding our own reverence for God's name and character. In a world where God's name is often used carelessly, profanely, or to justify ungodly actions, this verse challenges believers to uphold the sanctity of His name in every aspect of their lives. It's not just about avoiding blasphemy, but about living in a way that consistently honors and glorifies Him. Do our words, our actions, and our attitudes reflect the majesty and holiness of the God we claim to serve? This verse also reminds us that righteous indignation against those who actively oppose God and His truth is a legitimate expression of zeal for His honor, though it must always be tempered by Christ's call to love and prayer for our enemies. It prompts us to pray for God's justice to prevail and for His name to be hallowed in all the earth, starting with our own hearts and lips.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, "take God's name in vain" through casual speech, careless promises, or actions inconsistent with His character?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's name in my daily life, ensuring my words and deeds reflect His holiness?**
* **What does it mean to have "righteous indignation" for God's honor in a way that aligns with Christ's command to love my enemies?**
* **How does my personal commitment to upholding God's name contribute to the broader witness of the church in the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "take thy name in vain" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In the context of Psalms 139:20 and the Old Testament, "taking God's name in vain" (Hebrew: *nâsâʼ shâvᵉʼ*) means to treat God's holy name—which represents His very character, presence, and authority—as empty, worthless, or to use it for false, trivial, or deceptive purposes. It's a direct violation of the Third Commandment ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")). This is more than just casual swearing; it implies a profound disrespect for God's essence, using His name in a way that diminishes its sacredness, such as making false oaths in His name, using it in trivial exclamations, or invoking it to justify ungodly actions. It signifies a lack of reverence and a disregard for the covenant relationship with God.

**Why is the psalmist so angry at God's enemies in this psalm, especially after such a beautiful reflection on God's nature?**

Answer: The psalmist's anger is not personal vengeance but a righteous indignation born out of a deep love and zeal for God's holiness and honor. After contemplating God's perfect omniscience and omnipresence (as seen in [Psalms 139:1-12](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-12 - God's Omniscience and Omnipresence")), the psalmist cannot tolerate those who actively defy and dishonor such a magnificent God. Their "wicked" speech and profanation of God's name are direct assaults on God's character. This zeal for God's glory is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God's people lament the dishonor brought upon His name and long for His justice to be vindicated (e.g., [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for Your House")). It reflects a desire for God's holiness to be upheld and for His righteous reign to be established.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 139:20 expresses the psalmist's righteous indignation against those who profane God's name, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied reverence for God's name, consistently hallowing His Father's name in His life, teaching, and prayer (as seen in [John 17:6](/john/17-6 "John 17:6 - Jesus Reveals God's Name") and the Lord's Prayer in [Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - Hallowed Be Your Name")). He demonstrated a divine zeal for God's house and honor, famously cleansing the temple where God's name was being profaned by commercialism (e.g., [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). More profoundly, Christ Himself became the ultimate target of those who "spoke wickedly" against God, as He was slandered, falsely accused, and ultimately crucified by those who opposed God's truth and kingdom. Yet, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus decisively triumphed over all forms of evil and those who take God's name in vain, demonstrating God's ultimate justice and vindicating His holy character. He is the one through whom God's name is finally glorified and all opposition is ultimately subdued, ensuring that every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")).

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

Jude 1:15

¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Exodus 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Psalms 74:18

¶ Remember this, [that] the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and [that] the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

Psalms 2:1

¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Psalms 2:3

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

Psalms 73:8

They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.

Psalms 73:9

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.