Psalms 139:20

Translation
King James Version
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
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KJV (with Strong's)
For they speak H559 against thee wickedly H4209, and thine enemies H6145 take H5375 thy name in vain H7723.
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Complete Jewish Bible
They invoke your name for their crafty schemes; yes, your enemies misuse it.
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Berean Standard Bible
who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain.
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American Standard Version
For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take thy name in vain.
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World English Bible Messianic
For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Which speake wickedly of thee, and being thine enemies are lifted vp in vaine.
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Young's Literal Translation
Who exchange Thee for wickedness, Lifted up to vanity are Thine enemies.
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See also
Jude 1:15Exodus 20:7Psalms 74:18Psalms 2:1Psalms 2:3Psalms 73:8Psalms 73:9
In the KJVVerse 16,260 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalm 139:20 serves as a poignant expression of the psalmist's profound indignation against those who actively oppose God and profane His holy name. Following an awe-inspiring meditation on God's intimate knowledge, omnipresence, and creative power, David pivots to lament the wicked, whose malicious speech and irreverent use of the divine name reveal their deep-seated enmity toward the Almighty. This verse powerfully underscores the sanctity of God's character and the psalmist's fervent zeal for His honor, highlighting the stark contrast between divine perfection and human rebellion.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 139 is a theological masterpiece, commencing with David's awe-filled contemplation of God's omniscience and omnipresence (verses 1-12), where he marvels at the Lord'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 purposeful design 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 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, such as Phinehas's zeal in Numbers 25:11. 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, as seen in Psalm 7:11.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • wickedly (Hebrew, mᵉzimmâh', 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, reflecting a deep-seated malevolence.
  • take (Hebrew, nâsâʼ', 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, effectively "carrying" or "bearing" it without due reverence.
  • in vain (Hebrew, shâvᵉʼ', 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 and rendering it meaningless or even harmful.

Verse Breakdown

  • "For they speak against thee wickedly": This initial clause describes the active, malicious verbal opposition directed towards God. The term "wickedly" (mᵉzimmâh) emphasizes that this speech is not accidental or ignorant, but is a deliberate, calculated, and often deceitful attack on God's character, sovereignty, or truth. It implies a hostile, premeditated intent behind their words, aiming to undermine or defame the divine.
  • "and thine enemies take thy name in vain": This second clause specifies another grave offense, directly linked to the first. "Thine enemies" are those who are fundamentally opposed to God, not just personally, but in their very nature and actions. 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, demonstrating a profound disregard for God's sacred identity.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. Parallelism is prominently featured in the two clauses, where "speak against thee wickedly" is directly paralleled by "thine enemies take thy name in vain." Both expressions describe offenses committed by God's adversaries, highlighting different facets of their irreverence and hostility while reinforcing the gravity of their actions. The use of "thy name" serves as a potent 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, His reputation, and His very essence. Furthermore, the psalmist's strong, emotionally charged language reflects a degree of intensification or hyperbole, conveying the depth of his righteous indignation and the extreme 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, anticipating a time when God's name will be universally hallowed.

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 overt 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, ensuring our lives are a testament to His worthiness.

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 found in Exodus 20:7. 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, 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, as expressed in Psalm 69:9. It reflects a desire for God's holiness to be upheld and for His righteous reign to be established, demonstrating that true worship includes a fervent desire for God's honor to be vindicated.

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 His declaration that He has revealed God's name to His disciples in John 17:6 and in the petition "Hallowed be Your name" from the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9. He demonstrated a divine zeal for God's house and honor, famously cleansing the temple where God's name was being profaned by commercialism, as recounted in John 2:13-17. 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, as proclaimed in Philippians 2:9-11.

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Commentary on Psalms 139 verses 17–24

Here the psalmist makes application of the doctrine of God's omniscience, divers ways.

I. He acknowledges, with wonder and thankfulness, the care God had taken of him all his days, Psa 139:17, Psa 139:18. God, who knew him, thought of him, and his thoughts towards him were thoughts of love, thought of good, and not of evil, Jer 29:11. God's omniscience, which might justly have watched over us to do us hurt, has been employed for us, and has watched over us to do us good, Jer 31:28. God's counsels concerning us and our welfare have been, 1. Precious to admiration: How precious are they! They are deep in themselves, such as cannot possibly be fathomed and comprehended. Providence has had a vast reach in its dispensations concerning us, and has brought things about for our good quite beyond our contrivance and foresight. They are dear to us; we must think of them with a great deal of reverence, and yet with pleasure and thankfulness. Our thoughts concerning God must be delightful to us, above any other thoughts. 2. Numerous to admiration: How great is the sum of them! We cannot conceive how many God's kind counsels have been concerning us, how many good turns he has done us, and what variety of mercies we have received from him. If we would count them, the heads of them, much more the particulars of them, they are more in number than the sand, and yet every one great and very considerable, Psa 40:5. We cannot conceive the multitude of God's compassions, which are all new every morning. 3. Constant at all times: "When I awake, every morning, I am still with thee, under thy eye and care, safe and easy under thy protection." This bespeaks also the continual devout sense David had of the eye of God upon him: When I awake I am with thee, in my thoughts; and it would help to keep us in the fear of the Lord all the day long if, when we awake in the morning, our first thoughts were of him and we did then set him before us.

II. He concludes from this doctrine that ruin will certainly be the end of sinners. God knows all the wickedness of the wicked, and therefore he will reckon for it: "Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God! for all their wickedness is open before thee, however it may be artfully disguised and coloured over, to hide it from the eye of the world. However thou suffer them to prosper for a while, surely thou wilt slay them at last." Now observe, 1. The reason why God will punish them, because they daringly affront him and set him at defiance (Psa 139:20): They speak against thee wickedly; they set their mouth against the heavens (Psa 73:9), and shall be called to account for the hard speeches they have spoken against him, Jde 1:15. They are his enemies, and declare their enmity by taking his name in vain, as we show our contempt of a man if we make a by-word of his name, and never mention him but in a way of jest and banter. Those that profane the sacred forms of swearing or praying by using them in an impertinent irreverent manner take God's name in vain, and thereby show themselves enemies to him. Some make it to be a description of hypocrites: "They speak of thee for mischief; they talk of God, pretending to piety, but it is with some ill design, for a cloak of maliciousness; and, being enemies to God, while they pretend friendship, they take his name in vain; they swear falsely." 2. The use David makes of this prospect which he has of the ruin of the wicked. (1.) He defies them: "Depart from me, you bloody men; you shall not debauch me, for I will not admit your friendship nor have fellowship with you; and you cannot destroy me, for, being under God's protection, he shall force you to depart from me." (2.) He detests them (Psa 139:21, Psa 139:22): "Lord, thou knowest the heart, and canst witness for me; do not I hate those that hate thee, and for that reason, because they hate thee? I hate them because I love thee, and hate to see such affronts and indignities put upon thy blessed name. Am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee, grieved to see their rebellion and to foresee their ruin, which it will certainly end in?" Note, Sin is hated, and sinners are lamented, by all that fear God. "I hate them" (that is, "I hate the work of them that turn aside," as he explains himself, Psa 101:3) "with a sincere and perfect hatred; I count those that are enemies to God as enemies to me, and will not have any intimacy with them," Psa 69:8.

III. He appeals to God concerning his sincerity, Psa 139:23, Psa 139:24. 1. He desires that as far as he was in the wrong God would discover it to him. Those that are upright can take comfort in God's omniscience as a witness of their uprightness, and can with a humble confidence beg of him to search and try them, to discover them to themselves (for a good man desires to know the worst of himself) and to discover them to others. He that means honestly could wish he had a window in his breast that any man may look into his heart: "Lord, I hope I am not in a wicked way, but see if there be any wicked way in me, any corrupt inclination remaining; let me see it; and root it out of me, for I do not allow it." 2. He desires that, as far as he was in the right, he might be forwarded in it, which he that knows the heart knows how to do effectually: Lead me in the way everlasting. Note, (1.) The way of godliness is an everlasting way; it is everlastingly true and good, pleasing to God and profitable to us, and will end in everlasting life. It is the way of antiquity (so some), the good old way. (2.) All the saints desire to be kept and led in this way, that they may not miss it, turn out of it, nor tire in it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 17–24. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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