Psalms 37:20
Psalms 37:20 in Multiple Translations
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 the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume 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.
But the wrongdoers will come to destruction, and the haters of the Lord will be like the fat of lambs, they will be burned up; they will go up in smoke, and never again be seen.
But the wicked will die. The enemies of the Lord are like the flowers of the field—they will vanish like smoke.
But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be consumed as the fatte of lambes: euen with the smoke shall they consume away.
But the wicked perish, and the enemies of Jehovah, As the preciousness of lambs, Have been consumed, In smoke they have been consumed.
But the wicked shall perish. The enemies of the LORD shall be like the beauty of the fields. They will vanish— vanish like smoke.
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 my enemies live, and are stronger that I: and they hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
But wicked people will die; just like the beautiful wild flowers in the fields die under the hot sun and disappear like smoke [MET], Yahweh will cause his enemies to suddenly disappear.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 37:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
רְשָׁעִ֨ים
יֹאבֵ֗דוּ
וְ/אֹיְבֵ֣י
יְ֭הוָה
כִּ/יקַ֣ר
כָּרִ֑ים
כָּל֖וּ
בֶ/עָשָׁ֣ן
כָּֽלוּ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רְשָׁעִ֨ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יֹאבֵ֗דוּ
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/אֹיְבֵ֣י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
Conj | V-Qal
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּ/יקַ֣ר
yâqâr
H3368
precious
Prep | Adj
כָּרִ֑ים
kar
H3733
saddle
N-mp
כָּל֖וּ
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בֶ/עָשָׁ֣ן
ʻâshân
H6227
smoke
Prep | N-ms
כָּֽלוּ
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:20
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רְשָׁעִ֨ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
יֹאבֵ֗דוּ
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
וְ/אֹיְבֵ֣י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּ/יקַ֣ר
yâqâr
H3368
"precious"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is valuable and precious, like costly jewels or highly valued people, as seen in descriptions of honorable women and precious stones in the Bible.
Definition: 1) valuable, prized, weighty, precious, rare, splendid 1a) precious 1a1) costly 1a2) precious, highly valued 1a3) precious stones or jewels 1b) rare 1c) glorious, splendid 1d) weighty, influential
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: brightness, clear, costly, excellent, fat, honourable women, precious, reputation. See also: 1 Samuel 3:1; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 37:20.
כָּרִ֑ים
kar
H3733
"saddle"
N-mp
A kar is a full-grown ram, often used for sacrifice or as a symbol of strength. It can also refer to a battering-ram used in battle or a type of furniture. In the Bible, it is sometimes translated as 'lamb' or 'captain'.
Definition: 1) howdah, palanquin, basket saddle 1a) an enclosed riding space erected on a camel's saddle
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: captain, furniture, lamb, (large) pasture, ram. See also H1033 (בֵּית כַּר), H3746 (כָּרִי). See also: Genesis 31:34; Isaiah 30:23; Psalms 37:20.
כָּל֖וּ
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
בֶ/עָשָׁ֣ן
ʻâshân
H6227
"smoke"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for smoke, whether literal or figurative, is used throughout the Bible. In Exodus, God appears to Moses in a cloud of smoke, while in other places it represents God's anger or judgment. Smoke can also symbolize prayer rising to God.
Definition: 1) smoke 1a) smoke 1b) in metaphor, simile 1c) smoke (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: smoke(-ing). See also: Genesis 15:17; Proverbs 10:26; Psalms 18:9.
כָּֽלוּ
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
Study Notes — Psalms 37:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 37:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
- Sermons on Psalms 37:20
Context — Delight Yourself in the LORD
18The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will last forever.
19In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied.
20But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away.
21The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving. 22Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 68:2 | As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God. |
| 2 | Psalms 102:3 | For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. |
| 3 | Luke 13:3 | No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish. |
| 4 | Judges 5:31 | So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” And the land had rest for forty years. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 33:14–16 | with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons, with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills, with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers. |
| 6 | Psalms 92:9 | For surely Your enemies, O LORD, surely Your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. |
| 7 | Leviticus 3:3–11 | From the peace offering he is to bring an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. If, however, one’s peace offering to the LORD is from the flock, he must present a male or female without blemish. If he is presenting a lamb for his offering, he must present it before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood on all sides of the altar. And from the peace offering he shall bring an offering made by fire to the LORD consisting of its fat: the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then the priest is to burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire to the LORD. |
| 8 | Luke 13:5 | No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 29:20 | The LORD will never be willing to forgive him. Instead, His anger and jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse written in this book will fall upon him. The LORD will blot out his name from under heaven |
| 10 | Hebrews 12:29 | “For our God is a consuming fire.” |
Psalms 37:20 Summary
This verse tells us that people who are against God and do bad things will not last, they will disappear like smoke. On the other hand, people who love and follow God will be happy and have a good life (Psalm 37:18-19). It's like the difference between a beautiful garden that blooms and then fades away, and a strong tree that keeps growing and producing fruit (Psalm 1:3). We can choose to follow God and have a good life, or we can choose to do bad things and face the consequences (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wicked to perish like the glory of the fields?
This phrase suggests that the wicked will fade away quickly and be forgotten, much like the fleeting beauty of a field in bloom, as described in Isaiah 40:6-8. Their legacy will not last, and they will not be remembered for their accomplishments.
How can we be sure that the wicked will face judgment?
The Bible is clear that God will judge the wicked, as seen in Psalm 37:20 and Revelation 20:11-15. We can trust in God's justice and know that He will ultimately hold all people accountable for their actions.
What is the difference between the fate of the wicked and the righteous?
According to Psalm 37:18-22, the righteous will be satisfied and inherit the land, while the wicked will perish and be destroyed. This contrast highlights the importance of following God and living a righteous life, as seen in Proverbs 10:2-3.
How can we apply this verse to our lives today?
We can apply this verse by recognizing that our choices have consequences, and that following God's ways will lead to blessing and satisfaction, while rejecting Him will lead to destruction, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19 and Psalm 1:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be acting like the wicked, and how can I turn away from those actions to follow God?
- How can I trust in God's justice and timing when it seems like the wicked are prospering?
- What are some ways that I can be a light in the darkness and share God's love with those around me, especially those who may be living wickedly?
- What does it mean for me to 'vanish like smoke' if I am living a life opposed to God, and how can I avoid that fate?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:20
But the wicked shall perish,.... In a time of famine, in an evil day, and particularly at the day of judgment: for this is to be understood, not merely of being in bodily distress and want; nor of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:20
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
Fat of lambs, which in an instant melteth before the fire. Consume into smoke, i.e. utterly and irrecoverably,
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
Psalms 37:20 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.Ver. 20. But the wicked shall perish] In tbe midst of their wealth and greatest abundance; their money shall perish with them. And the enemies of the Lord] These are worse than those wicked aforementioned, said Theodoret; they are such as go on still in their trespasses, Psalms 68:21. Shall be as the fat of lambs] Which in sacrifices was wholly to be burnt and consumed, Leviticus 3:15-17. Into smoke shall they consume away] Smoke the higher it ascendeth the sooner it vanisheth. Quanto fuerit globus ille grandior, tanto vanter, saith Austin. They shall be consumed in the smoke of Gehenna, or hell, saith the Chaldee here.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
(20) As the fat of lambs.—It is now generally allowed that this should be rendered as the glory of the meadows, recurring to the image of Psa 37:2. The next clause may then be either, they are consumed, with smoke they are consumed; or, they pass away, like smoke they pass away.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
Verse 20. The enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs] This verse has given the critics some trouble. Several of the Versions read thus: "But the enemies of the Lord, as soon as they are exalted to honour, shall vanish; like smoke they vanish." If we follow the Hebrew, it intimates that they shall consume as the fat of lambs. That is, as the fat is wholly consumed in sacrifices by the fire on the altar, so shall they consume away in the fire of God's wrath.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:20
20. Stanza of Kaph. The end of the wicked. the enemies of the Lord] For His people’s enemies are His enemies. Cp. Psalms 92:9. as the fat of lambs] A rendering derived from the Targum. But the consumption of the fat of the sacrifice upon the altar would be a strange simile for the evanescence of the wicked: and we must render as the excellency of the pastures, or, (R.V.) as the splendour of the meadows. The gay show of flowers, so quickly vanishing, is an apt emblem for the short-lived pomp of the wicked. The force of the comparison is hardly realised in our moist northern climate, where verdure is perpetual. “But let a traveller ride over the downs of Bethlehem in February, one spangled carpet of brilliant flowers, and again in May, when all traces of verdure are gone; or let him push his horse through the deep solid growth of clovers and grasses in the valley of the Jordan in the early spring, and then return and gallop across a brown, hard-baked, gaping plain in June, … and the Scriptural imagery will come home to him with tenfold power.” Tristram’s Natural History of the Bible, p. 455. Cp. Psalms 37:2; Matthew 6:29-30; James 1:10-11. they shall consume &c.
Lit. they are consumed; in smoke (or, like smoke) are they consumed away. Smoke is in itself a natural figure of speedy and complete disappearance (Hosea 13:3): possibly, however, the idea of the preceding line is continued, and we are to think of “the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven” (Matthew 6:30). The perfect tense, as in Psalms 36:12, forcibly expresses the realising certainty of faith.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:20
But the wicked shall perish - The general sentiment here is the same as in Psalms 1:1-6, that the righteous shall be prospered and saved, and that the wicked shall perish. See the notes at Psalms 1:4-5.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:20
20. The fat of lambs—The fat pieces of the lamb which were offered upon the altar in sacrifice, and which, being oily, were the more quickly consumed by the fire; herein lies the point of the comparison.
Sermons on Psalms 37:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Keeping Your Spirit Focused by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience not to worry or be envious of those who do wrong. He emphasizes the temporary nature of evil and compares it to withering grass |
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2001 Advent Week 2 - Prodigal's Sister by John Piper | In this sermon transcript, a woman is depicted watching a beautiful sunset and reflecting on the heritage of her ancestors. She wonders where she should stay for the night and pray |
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1 Corinthians 15:11 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of luxury and the importance of self-control, highlighting how indulging in excess leads to spiritual and physical harm, causing the soul |
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So Great Salvation by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the word of God and not allowing it to slip away. He shares a personal anecdote about his wife lo |
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(Hebrews - Part 7): Inspiration and Revelation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the question posed by King David in Psalm 8:4, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" He acknowledges that when we look at the vastness o |
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Who by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of freedom and how it is not truly attainable in society. He uses the analogy of two buns on a park bench to illustrate that even |
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Heaven and Hell by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of repentance and putting one's trust in Jesus. He warns that there is no security in earthly things and that everyone, regardle |