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Psalms 37:20

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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.

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)}.

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

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.

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

Psalms 37:20 offers a striking contrast to the temporary success often observed in the unrighteous, providing reassurance of God's ultimate and unwavering justice. This verse is a powerful declaration of the inevitable end for those who oppose the Lord.

Context

Psalm 37 is an instructional or wisdom psalm, widely attributed to David. It addresses a common human dilemma: why do the wicked often prosper while the righteous suffer? The psalm repeatedly advises believers not to "fret" or be envious of evildoers (Psalm 37:1), but rather to trust in the Lord, delight in Him, and commit their way to Him. This verse serves as a crucial part of the psalm's larger argument, emphasizing that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, and their ultimate destiny is destruction, while the righteous will inherit the land and enjoy peace.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse unequivocally declares the certain fate of the wicked and God's enemies, affirming that God will indeed bring about judgment.
  • Ephemeral Nature of Wickedness: It highlights that the apparent success and very existence of the ungodly are temporary and will ultimately vanish.
  • God's Sovereignty and Ultimate Triumph: It reinforces the biblical truth that God is in complete control and will ultimately establish His righteous reign, overcoming all opposition.

Linguistic Insights

The imagery used in this verse is particularly vivid and significant:

  • The phrase "as the fat of lambs" is deeply symbolic. In ancient Israelite sacrificial practices, the fat of animals, especially lambs, was considered the best part and was to be entirely burned on the altar as an offering to the Lord (Leviticus 3:16). This fat would produce much smoke and be completely consumed, leaving nothing behind. The comparison here powerfully conveys total, irreversible destruction and disappearance, emphasizing that the wicked will vanish without a trace.
  • The repetition of "they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away" (Hebrew: kalah, meaning "to complete, finish, perish") emphasizes the finality and thoroughness of their annihilation. It suggests a complete vanishing, a termination without residue, much like smoke dissipating into the air.

Significance and Application

Psalms 37:20 provides profound encouragement and a stern warning:

  • For the Righteous: It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice. Believers are assured that evil will not prevail indefinitely, and those who oppose God will ultimately face their just recompense. This should empower them to persevere in faith, avoiding envy or discouragement by the momentary success of the ungodly. Their end is sure, as also stated in Psalm 1:6, "the way of the ungodly shall perish."
  • For the Wicked: The verse stands as a solemn warning that their path leads to certain destruction. It calls for repentance and a turning towards God, highlighting the stark contrast between the destiny of those who trust in the Lord and those who rebel against Him.

Ultimately, this verse reinforces the critical importance of choosing God's path, trusting in His timing, and resting in the certainty of His divine justice.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 68:2 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Luke 13:3 (4 votes)

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

  • Judges 5:31 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 33:16 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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