Psalms 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the wicked {H7563} shall perish {H6}, and the enemies {H341}{H8802)} of the LORD {H3068} shall be as the fat {H3368} of lambs {H3733}: they shall consume {H3615}{H8804)}; into smoke {H6227} shall they consume away {H3615}{H8804)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the wicked will perish; ADONAI's enemies will be like sheep fat, ending up as smoke, finished.

Berean Standard Bible

But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away.

American Standard Version

But the wicked shall perish, And the enemies of Jehovah shall be as the fat of lambs: They shall consume; in smoke shall they consume away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:20 delivers a powerful and unyielding declaration of divine justice, presenting a stark contrast between the fleeting, apparent prosperity of the wicked and their inevitable, total destruction. This verse serves as a profound assurance to the righteous that those who stand in opposition to the Lord, regardless of any momentary success, will ultimately face complete annihilation, vanishing without a trace. It powerfully affirms God's ultimate sovereignty, His unwavering moral order, and the certain triumph of righteousness over all evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, likely penned by David, structured as an alphabetic acrostic (though imperfectly so in its extant form). Its central purpose is didactic, instructing God's people on how to live faithfully and patiently in a world where the wicked often seem to prosper and the righteous suffer. The psalm repeatedly admonishes the reader not to "fret" or be envious of evildoers, a theme introduced immediately in [Psalm 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret Over Evildoers"). Instead, it calls for unwavering trust in the Lord, delight in His ways, and commitment to His path. Throughout the psalm, a consistent antithetical parallelism is employed, vividly contrasting the temporary, ultimately destructive destiny of the wicked with the secure, enduring inheritance of the righteous. Verse 20 functions as a climactic and definitive statement within this ongoing argument, providing a vivid and unforgettable image of the wicked's inevitable demise. It directly follows earlier affirmations of the wicked's short-lived existence (e.g., [Psalm 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalm 37:2 - They Soon Fade Like Grass")) and precedes further assurances of the righteous inheriting the land ([Psalm 37:29](/psalms/37-29 "Psalm 37:29 - The Righteous Inherit the Land")). The verse's strong imagery reinforces the psalm's overarching call to patient trust in God's perfect timing and His righteous judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed in ancient Israel, Psalm 37 reflects a universal human dilemma: the perplexing observation of the wicked flourishing while the righteous endure hardship. This paradox was a significant concern within the wisdom tradition of the ancient Near East, particularly in biblical books like Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, all of which sought to reconcile this apparent injustice with God's moral governance of the world. The imagery employed in verse 20, particularly "the fat of lambs" and its consumption "into smoke," is deeply embedded in the ritual practices of Israelite worship. According to the Mosaic Law, specifically detailed in books like Leviticus, the fat of sacrificial animals—especially lambs—was considered the choicest and most valuable part. It was exclusively reserved for burning on the altar as a "food offering" to Yahweh, a "pleasing aroma" ([Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All the Fat is the Lord's")). When burned, this fat would produce copious smoke and be entirely consumed, leaving no physical residue. This cultural and religious understanding lends immense power and gravitas to the simile in the psalm. It signifies not merely destruction but a total, irreversible obliteration and disappearance, mirroring the complete consumption of a sacrifice by fire, dissipating entirely into smoke.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 37:20 profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes central to Psalm 37 and the broader biblical canon. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, unequivocally declaring that God will indeed execute judgment upon those who oppose Him, ensuring that evil and unrighteousness do not have the final word. This provides assurance that God's moral order will ultimately be vindicated. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Ephemeral Nature of Wickedness**, emphasizing that the apparent success, influence, and even the very existence of the ungodly are fundamentally temporary and will ultimately vanish. This stands in stark contrast to the enduring and eternal inheritance promised to the righteous, whose steps are established by the Lord ([Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of the Righteous")). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Ultimate Triumph**, affirming that the Lord is in complete control of history, destiny, and the ultimate outcome of all human endeavors. He will ultimately establish His righteous reign, overcoming all opposition and fully vindicating His faithful people. The wicked are like grass that soon withers ([Psalm 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalm 37:2 - The Wicked Wither")), but the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever ([Psalm 37:29](/psalms/37-29 "Psalm 37:29 - The Righteous Inherit the Land")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** (H7563) This term describes someone who is morally wrong, ungodly, or guilty. It refers to an actively bad person, one who deviates from God's righteous path and lives in opposition to His will. In this context, it encompasses not merely those who commit individual sins, but those whose entire way of life is characterized by rebellion against divine standards, often marked by oppression or injustice towards others. Their "perishing" is a direct consequence of this inherent moral corruption.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _yâqâr'_):** (H3368) While commonly translated "fat" in this context, the root word primarily means "valuable," "precious," or "honorable." In ancient Israelite sacrificial rituals, the fat of an animal was considered the most valuable and choicest part, exclusively reserved for God and burned on the altar. Thus, the "fat of lambs" represents something highly esteemed, valuable, and entirely consumed in a sacred offering. By comparing the wicked to this "fat," the psalm suggests that their apparent prosperity or valuable status is ultimately destined for complete consumption and disappearance, like a costly offering entirely consumed by fire, leaving nothing behind.
* **Consume (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** (H3615) This primitive root signifies to end, cease, be finished, or perish. It can also mean to complete, prepare, or consume entirely. Its repetition in the verse ("they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away") intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the absolute finality and thoroughness of the wicked's annihilation. It implies a complete vanishing, a termination without residue, much like smoke dissipating into the air, leaving no lasting mark or memory. This word underscores the irreversible nature of their end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the wicked shall perish":** This opening clause immediately establishes a stark contrast with the preceding verses that speak of the righteous. The term "wicked" (H7563, _râshâʻ_) refers to those whose lives are characterized by active rebellion against God's ways. The verb "perish" (H6, _ʼâbad_) denotes not merely death, but a complete and utter destruction, a vanishing of their influence, power, and the very way of life that defines them as "wicked." It sets the stage for the inevitable downfall of the ungodly, signifying a comprehensive undoing of their being and legacy in opposition to God.
* **"and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the fat of lambs":** This is a powerful and culturally rich simile. The "enemies of the LORD" (H341, _ʼôyêb_) are those who actively hate and oppose God. The comparison to "the fat of lambs" (H3368, _yâqâr_ and H3733, _kar_) draws on the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, where the fat, considered the most valuable part, was entirely burned on the altar as an offering to God. Just as this choicest part was completely consumed by fire, so too will the enemies of the Lord be utterly consumed. This imagery conveys total, irreversible destruction, leaving no trace behind, highlighting the thoroughness and sacred nature of God's judgment.
* **"they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away":** This concluding phrase reiterates and intensifies the preceding imagery through powerful repetition. The verb "consume" (H3615, _kâlâh_) is used twice, emphasizing the finality and completeness of their vanishing. The addition "into smoke shall they consume away" vividly paints a picture of something that dissipates entirely, leaving no substance, no memory, and no lasting impact. It underscores the ephemeral nature of the wicked's existence and their ultimate, irreversible disappearance from the scene, much like smoke that rises and then vanishes into the vastness of the sky.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:20 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine justice and the certainty of the wicked's demise. The most prominent device is **Simile**, powerfully rendered in the phrase "as the fat of lambs." This comparison vividly likens the complete destruction of the wicked to the total consumption of sacrificial fat on the altar. This simile relies heavily on the cultural and religious understanding of ancient Israelite sacrificial rites, where the fat, being the choicest part, was entirely burned and vanished into smoke. This brings us to the device of **Imagery**, as the verse paints a strong visual and sensory picture of fire, smoke, and complete dissipation. This allows the reader to viscerally grasp the thoroughness and irreversibility of the judgment. **Repetition** is also a key rhetorical strategy, with the verb "consume" appearing twice ("they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away"). This doubling serves to emphasize and intensify the finality, certainty, and completeness of the wicked's end, leaving no doubt about their ultimate fate. Finally, the entire verse, and indeed the psalm, is built upon a fundamental **Contrast**: the temporary, destructive path of the wicked versus the enduring, blessed path of the righteous. This antithetical parallelism underscores the psalm's didactic purpose and its core message of divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:20 stands as a foundational declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. It assures believers that the apparent prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and illusory, and that a divine reckoning is certain and comprehensive. This truth provides immense comfort and encouragement for the righteous who may feel disheartened or tempted to envy the prevalence of evil in the world. It reminds them that God sees, God judges, and God will ultimately set all things right according to His perfect timing. The verse underscores the biblical principle that while God is patient and longs for repentance, His patience is not infinite, and His justice will inevitably prevail, ensuring that no unrighteousness will stand forever. For those who persist in rebellion against God, it serves as a stark and solemn warning, highlighting the inevitable and thorough destruction that awaits them, a complete vanishing from the stage of divine history.

* [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Ungodly Perishes"): "For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
* [Proverbs 10:25](/proverbs/10-25 "Proverbs 10:25 - The Wicked Are No More"): "When the whirlwind passeth, the wicked is no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation."
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of Burning"): "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 37:20 offers both a profound comfort for the faithful and a sobering warning for those who disregard God. For believers, it serves as a powerful antidote to the temptation of envy and despair when confronted with the temporary flourishing of the ungodly. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering justice, reminding us that His perspective is eternal, and His judgment is absolutely sure. Instead of fretting, seeking our own vengeance, or allowing bitterness to take root, we are invited to rest in the certainty that God will ultimately vindicate His name and His people. This verse encourages patient endurance in righteousness, knowing that the end of the wicked is certain and complete, while the inheritance of the righteous is eternal and secure. For those who are not walking in God's ways, it serves as a solemn call to repentance, highlighting the stark and irreversible consequences of opposing the Lord. It urges a reevaluation of priorities and a turning towards the path of life and righteousness before the opportunity for reconciliation is consumed and vanishes like smoke.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vivid imagery of "the fat of lambs" being consumed "into smoke" deepen your understanding of the finality and thoroughness of God's judgment?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you most tempted to "fret" or be envious of the apparent success of the wicked, and how can the truth of this verse help you to trust God more fully?**
* **Considering the ultimate destiny of both the wicked and the righteous, what practical steps can you take today to live in greater alignment with God's righteous path and cultivate a heart of patient trust?**

### FAQ
**What does "as the fat of lambs" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "as the fat of lambs" is a vivid and potent simile rooted deeply in ancient Israelite sacrificial practices. In the Mosaic Law, the fat of sacrificial animals, particularly lambs, was considered the choicest and most valuable part. It was exclusively reserved for burning on the altar as a "food offering" to the Lord, described as a "pleasing aroma" ([Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All the Fat is the Lord's")). When burned, this fat would produce copious smoke and be entirely consumed, leaving no physical residue. Therefore, the comparison signifies total, irreversible destruction and disappearance. It means that the wicked and the enemies of the Lord will be completely consumed and vanish without a trace, much like the sacrificial fat dissipating into smoke, leaving nothing behind. This imagery powerfully emphasizes the thoroughness, finality, and sacred nature of their judgment, indicating that their existence and influence will be utterly obliterated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:20 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament speaks of the perishing of the wicked, it is in Christ that God's ultimate justice is both perfectly displayed and perfectly executed, not only in judgment but also in salvation. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, absorbing the full wrath and judgment due to humanity's wickedness. His resurrection signifies His decisive triumph over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness and wickedness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the one appointed by God to be the [Judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Christ Appointed Judge"), and it is at His glorious return that the final, complete consumption of all evil will occur. The "perishing" of the wicked described here points forward to the Great White Throne Judgment, where all who reject Christ will face eternal separation and the complete undoing of their rebellion, vanishing "into smoke" in the sense of being utterly removed from God's presence and the new creation ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Christ is not only the means by which the righteous are saved from perishing through His atoning sacrifice, but also the very agent through whom the wicked are ultimately consumed and banished, establishing His eternal kingdom where [righteousness dwells](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth").

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 68:2

As smoke is driven away, [so] drive [them] away: as wax melteth before the fire, [so] let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Psalms 102:3

For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.

Luke 13:3

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Judges 5:31

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but [let] them that love him [be] as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

Deuteronomy 33:14

And for the precious fruits [brought forth] by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,

Deuteronomy 33:16

And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and [for] the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let [the blessing] come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him [that was] separated from his brethren.

Luke 13:5

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.