Psalms 38:20

KJV

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow [the thing that] good [is].

KJV (with Strong's)

They also that render {H7999} evil {H7451} for good {H2896} are mine adversaries {H7853}{H8799)}; because I follow {H7291}{H8800)} the thing that good {H2896} is.

Complete Jewish Bible

and, since they repay good with evil, they oppose me because I pursue good.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good.

American Standard Version

They also that render evil for good Are adversaries unto me, because I follow the thing that is good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 38:20 profoundly articulates the psalmist's anguish over those who repay his virtuous actions with hostility, identifying them as adversaries. It highlights the painful paradox where one's commitment to righteousness becomes the very catalyst for opposition, underscoring the deep injustice and treachery faced by the faithful. This verse captures the psalmist's lament over undeserved suffering and the malevolence of those who actively oppose goodness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 38 is a deeply personal and poignant lament, often categorized as a penitential psalm due to the psalmist's confession of sin (though this verse focuses on external adversaries). It forms part of a larger section (Psalms 38-41) that continues themes of suffering, trust, and the struggle with enemies. The psalm opens with a cry for God's mercy amidst severe physical affliction and mental distress, described as God's chastisement. The psalmist feels abandoned by friends and family ([Psalms 38:11](/psalms/38-11 "Psalms 38:11 - Friends and Kinsmen Stand Aloof")), while his enemies are strong and active, plotting his downfall ([Psalms 38:12](/psalms/38-12 "Psalms 38:12 - Enemies Lay Snares")). Verse 20 specifically addresses the moral perversion of these adversaries, who not only fail to reciprocate kindness but actively return evil for good, intensifying the psalmist's sense of betrayal and injustice within his already dire circumstances. This verse serves as a stark contrast to the psalmist's own commitment to "follow the thing that good is," emphasizing the unreasonableness of his opponents' malice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 38 is attributed to David and reflects the typical experiences of a king or leader facing opposition, its specific historical backdrop is not explicitly stated. However, it resonates with periods of David's life marked by intense personal suffering and betrayal, such as the rebellion of Absalom ([2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")) or the persecution by Saul ([1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul")). In the ancient Near East, loyalty, gratitude, and reciprocal kindness were highly valued social virtues, especially within a community or among those who had received favor. To "render evil for good" was considered a profound violation of social and moral order, an act of extreme ingratitude and malice. This cultural expectation amplifies the psalmist's distress, as his adversaries' actions are not merely opposition but a perversion of fundamental societal norms, making their animosity particularly shocking and painful.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **unjust suffering**, particularly the suffering of the righteous. The psalmist is not being opposed for wrongdoing, but precisely *because* he pursues goodness, a painful reality often experienced by those who walk in integrity in a fallen world. Secondly, it underscores the **cost of righteousness**. Living righteously can provoke animosity from those who resent divine standards or whose own wickedness is exposed by another's virtue. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from Abel's murder by Cain ([Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel")) to the persecution of prophets ([Matthew 5:12](/matthew/5-12 "Matthew 5:12 - Persecution of the Prophets")). Finally, the verse implicitly points to the theme of **divine vindication**. Though the psalmist identifies these individuals as "mine adversaries," the broader context of the Psalms consistently places ultimate trust in God to judge and deliver the righteous from their oppressors, even when human justice fails.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"render evil for good" (Hebrew: רָעָה תַּחַת טוֹבָה, _ra'ah takhat tovah'_):** This phrase describes a deliberate and perverse exchange. _Ra'ah_ (evil) encompasses moral wickedness, harm, disaster, or misfortune. _Tovah_ (good) refers to that which is morally excellent, beneficial, pleasing, or proper. The preposition _takhat_ means "under, in place of, instead of." Thus, the phrase denotes a direct, intentional, and morally inverted act: returning harm or malice in response to kindness, benefit, or righteousness. It signifies a profound betrayal and a rejection of reciprocal positive action.
* **"adversaries" (Hebrew: שָׂטָן, _satan'_):** While this is the same root as the proper name "Satan," in this context, _satan_ functions as a common noun meaning "opponent," "adversary," "accuser," or "one who resists." It describes individuals who actively oppose, hinder, or maliciously accuse the psalmist. The use of this term emphasizes the intense, often malevolent, nature of their opposition, suggesting a deliberate and personal enmity rather than mere disagreement.
* **"good" (Hebrew: טוֹב, _tov'_):** This word, appearing again at the end of the verse, signifies not merely subjective well-being but objective moral uprightness, what is pleasing to God, beneficial, and righteous. The psalmist's commitment is to that which is inherently right and virtuous in God's eyes. This "good" is the standard by which he lives, and it is precisely this adherence to divine standards that provokes the animosity of his opponents.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries;":** This clause identifies the nature and identity of the psalmist's opponents. They are not merely indifferent or passively ungrateful; they actively and intentionally return "evil" (harm, malice, injustice) in exchange for the "good" (kindness, righteousness, benefit) that the psalmist has extended or embodied. The declaration "are mine adversaries" underscores the direct, personal, and hostile nature of their opposition, marking them as enemies who are actively working against him.
* **"because I follow [the thing that] good [is].":** This second clause provides the shocking reason for their enmity. The psalmist is not being persecuted for his sin or wrongdoing, but precisely *because* he is committed to pursuing and embodying what is morally right and pleasing to God. His adherence to "good" (righteousness, integrity, virtue) exposes the darkness or perversity of his adversaries, leading them to oppose him rather than emulate or appreciate his conduct. This highlights the profound injustice of his suffering and the moral inversion present in his circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 38:20 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the psalmist's commitment to "good" is presented as the very reason for his adversaries' "evil" actions. This creates a stark and painful paradox, where virtue is met with vice, contrary to natural expectation. Closely related is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's meaning: the "evil" rendered by the adversaries is directly contrasted with the "good" that the psalmist pursues. This sharp juxtaposition highlights the moral perversion of his opponents. The verse also functions as a form of **Lament/Confession**, articulating the psalmist's personal experience of injustice and betrayal, a common feature of the Psalms where the speaker pours out their distress to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse speaks to the profound biblical truth that living righteously in a fallen world often invites opposition, rather than commendation. It challenges the simplistic notion that good deeds always lead to good outcomes from others. The psalmist's experience foreshadows a consistent pattern in Scripture: those who align themselves with God's goodness will inevitably face antagonism from those who are hostile to divine truth and righteousness. This is not merely human ingratitude but often a spiritual battle, where the light of goodness exposes the darkness, provoking a reaction. It compels believers to understand that suffering for righteousness is not an anomaly but a potential consequence of faithful living, requiring steadfastness and trust in God's ultimate justice.

* [Proverbs 17:13](/proverbs/17-13 "Proverbs 17:13 - Consequences of Repaying Evil for Good")
* [1 Peter 3:14](/1_peter/3-14 "1 Peter 3:14 - Suffering for Righteousness' Sake")
* [Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17-21 - Do Not Repay Evil for Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 38:20 offers a sobering yet strengthening truth for believers today. In a world that often rewards self-interest and punishes integrity, we should not be surprised when our commitment to Christ-like goodness is met with misunderstanding, ridicule, or outright hostility. This verse reminds us that true righteousness can expose the darkness in others, leading to conflict rather than camaraderie. It calls us to a deep resolve: to "follow the thing that good is," not for human approval or reciprocal kindness, but because it is inherently right and glorifies God. When faced with those who "render evil for good," our response should not be one of despair or retaliation, but of steadfast trust in God's sovereignty and ultimate justice. We are called to persevere in goodness, knowing that our ultimate vindication and reward come from the Lord, who sees all injustice and will make all things right in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Have you ever experienced opposition or criticism precisely because you chose to do what was right? How did you respond?**
* **How does this verse challenge your expectations about how people should react to your good deeds?**
* **What does it mean for you to "follow the thing that good is" in your daily life, even when it's unpopular or costly?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God for vindication when you face injustice, rather than seeking revenge or becoming bitter?**

### FAQ
**Why does doing good sometimes provoke evil, as seen in this verse?**

Answer: This verse highlights a painful paradox: doing good can provoke evil because goodness, particularly biblical righteousness, often exposes the darkness, sin, and unrighteousness in others. When light shines, it reveals what is hidden, and those who prefer darkness may react with hostility rather than repentance or appreciation. Furthermore, a commitment to God's standards can challenge worldly values, self-interest, and sinful lifestyles, leading to resentment and opposition from those who are unwilling to change or who actively oppose God's ways. As [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Loved Darkness") states, "men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." The psalmist's "good" was a moral standard that his adversaries found intolerable, leading them to become "adversaries" precisely because of his virtue.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 38:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of one who perfectly "followed the thing that good is," living a life of absolute righteousness, compassion, and obedience to God's will ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted But Without Sin")). Yet, His perfect goodness was met with the most egregious "evil for good" imaginable. He healed the sick, taught truth, and offered salvation, but in return, He was slandered, betrayed by His own disciple ([Luke 22:48](/luke/22-48 "Luke 22:48 - Judas' Betrayal")), falsely accused ([Mark 14:55-59](/mark/14-55 "Mark 14:55-59 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")), and ultimately crucified by those who "rendered evil for good" ([Acts 3:14-15](/acts/3-14 "Acts 3:14-15 - You Denied the Holy and Righteous One")). His death on the cross was the ultimate act of suffering for righteousness' sake, where the sinless Lamb of God bore the sins of the world. Through His resurrection, God ultimately vindicated Him, demonstrating that goodness, though persecuted, will triumph over evil ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Jesus' experience validates the psalmist's lament and provides believers with both a perfect example to follow in the face of unjust opposition ([1 Peter 2:21-23](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21-23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")) and the ultimate hope that goodness, embodied in Christ, will ultimately prevail.

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 35:12

They rewarded me evil for good [to] the spoiling of my soul.

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Jeremiah 18:20

Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, [and] to turn away thy wrath from them.

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Psalms 7:4

If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.