Psalms 73:20
Psalms 73:20 in Multiple Translations
Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
As a dream when one awaketh, So, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.
As a dream when one is awake, they are ended; they are like an image gone out of mind when sleep is over.
Like waking up from a dream, Lord—when you get up you will forget all about them!
As a dreame when one awaketh! O Lord, when thou raisest vs vp, thou shalt make their image despised.
As a dream from awakening, O Lord, In awaking, their image Thou despisest.
As a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.
As a dream when one awaketh; so , O LORD, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.
Have regard to thy covenant: for they that are the obscure of the earth have been filled with dwellings of iniquity.
They will disappear as quickly as a dream disappears when a person awakes in the morning; Lord, when you arise, you will ◄cause them to disappear/forget all about them►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 73:20
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 73:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ/חֲל֥וֹם
מֵ/הָקִ֑יץ
אֲ֝דֹנָ/י
בָּ/עִ֤יר
צַלְמָ֬/ם
תִּבְזֶֽה
כַּ/חֲל֥וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
dream
Prep | N-ms
מֵ/הָקִ֑יץ
qûwts
H6974
to awake
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֲ֝דֹנָ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
בָּ/עִ֤יר
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
צַלְמָ֬/ם
tselem
H6754
image
N-ms | Suff
תִּבְזֶֽה
bâzâh
H959
to despise
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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 73:20
כַּ/חֲל֥וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
מֵ/הָקִ֑יץ
qûwts
H6974
"to awake"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In the Bible, this word means to wake up or be awake, like when God told Samuel to arise and anoint a new king in 1 Samuel 16:3. It can also mean to be watchful, as in Psalm 102:7.
Definition: 1) to awake, wake up 1a) (Hiphil) to awaken, arouse, show signs of waking, awake
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: arise, (be) (a-) wake, watch. See also: 1 Samuel 26:12; Proverbs 23:35; Psalms 3:6.
אֲ֝דֹנָ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
בָּ/עִ֤יר
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
צַלְמָ֬/ם
tselem
H6754
"image"
N-ms | Suff
This word means image or likeness, often referring to idols or illusions, and is used to describe the resemblance of something, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) image 1a) images (of tumours, mice, heathen gods) 1b) image, likeness (of resemblance) 1c) mere, empty, image, semblance (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: tse.lem (צְלֵם "image" H6755)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: image, vain shew. See also: Genesis 1:26; 2 Kings 11:18; Psalms 39:7.
תִּבְזֶֽה
bâzâh
H959
"to despise"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To despise or hold in contempt, as seen in Proverbs where it warns against despising wisdom. It can also mean to be despised or worthless, as in the case of a vile person.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, disdain 1a) (Qal) to despise, regard with contempt 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be despised 1b2) to be despicable 1b3) to be vile, worthless 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to despise Also means: ba.zoh (בָּזֹה "to despise" H0960)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible), [phrase] think to scorn, vile person. See also: Genesis 25:34; Psalms 102:18; Psalms 15:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 73:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 73:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
- Sermons on Psalms 73:20
Context — Surely God Is Good to Israel
18Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
19How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
20Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
21When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within, 22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 20:8 | He will fly away like a dream, never to be found; he will be chased away like a vision in the night. |
| 2 | Psalms 78:65 | Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a mighty warrior overcome by wine. |
| 3 | Psalms 90:5 | You whisk them away in their sleep; they are like the new grass of the morning— |
| 4 | Psalms 7:6 | Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and ordain judgment. |
| 5 | Isaiah 29:7–8 | All the many nations going out to battle against Ariel— even all who war against her, laying siege and attacking her— will be like a dream, like a vision in the night, as when a hungry man dreams he is eating, then awakens still hungry; as when a thirsty man dreams he is drinking, then awakens faint and parched. So will it be for all the many nations who go to battle against Mount Zion. |
| 6 | Psalms 39:6 | Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. |
Psalms 73:20 Summary
This verse means that God will suddenly and decisively judge the wicked, much like waking up from a dream and realizing it was not real. It reminds us that God is always aware of the wicked and will ultimately judge them, as seen in Proverbs 15:3. We can trust God's timing and judgment, even when things seem unfair, and remember that His ways are higher than ours, as stated in Isaiah 55:9. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence in His goodness, as expressed in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'awaken and despise their form' in Psalms 73:20?
This phrase suggests that God will suddenly and decisively reject the wicked, much like one waking from a dream and dismissing its fleeting imagery, as seen in Psalms 37:36 where it says 'he was there, but now he is not'
Is God truly unaware of the wicked until He 'awakens'?
No, God is always aware of the wicked, as stated in Proverbs 15:3, 'The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good', but this verse emphasizes His sudden and decisive action against them
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Psalms 73?
Psalms 73:20 is part of the psalmist's reflection on the temporary prosperity of the wicked, and how God ultimately judges them, as also seen in Psalms 73:18-19 where it describes their sudden downfall
What does 'like one waking from a dream' signify in this context?
This phrase signifies the sudden and dramatic change in perspective, where the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity becomes apparent, much like the transience of a dream, as expressed in Job 20:8 where it says 'he will fly away like a dream and not be found'
Reflection Questions
- How have I seen God's sudden and decisive judgment in my own life or in the lives of others, and what did I learn from those experiences?
- In what ways can I trust God's timing and judgment, even when the wicked seem to prosper, as expressed in Psalms 37:7-9?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'awaken' to the reality of God's presence and judgment, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:14?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with the knowledge that God's ways are higher than mine, as stated in Isaiah 55:9?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:20
As a dream when one awaketh,.... So will be all the temporal felicity of wicked men, all an illusion, all a dream; when they lift up their eyes in hell, and awake in the resurrection, they will find
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:20
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. -The victory which he gained over his doubts in the sanctuary when he understood the end of the godless. Verse 17.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
Their happiness is like that in a dream, wherein a man seems to be highly pleased and transported with ravishing delights, but when he awakes he finds himself deceived and unsatisfied. Awakest, i.e. stirrest up thyself to punish them. Or rather, when they shall awake out of the pleasant dream of this vain, sinful life by death, and the torments following it. For this seems to agree best with the metaphor here before mentioned. And the Hebrew words being only these, in awaking, may be applied either to God or to them, as the context directs. Despise their image; not so much really, for so God ever did despise it, in the height of all their glory; but declaratively, things being oft said to be done in Scripture when they appear, or are manifested; as hath been more than once noted. Thou shalt pour contempt upon them; make them despicable, both to themselves and to all others; and raise them to shame and everlasting contempt, as is said, . Their image, i. e. all their felicity and glory, which as indeed it ever was, so now it shall be evidently discerned to be, no real or substantial and solid thing, but a mere image, or shadow, or vain show, which can neither abide with them, nor yield satisfaction to them. See , where what is rendered pomp, in the Greek signifies a mere fancy or imagination, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
Psalms 73:20 As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.Ver. 20. As a dream when one awaketh] Such is the wicked man’ s pomp and bravery, know, what are dreams but pleasant follies and delusions, the empty bubbles of the mind, children and tales of fancy, idle and fruitless notions, mere baubles? See Isaiah 29:7-8. The fisherman in Theocritus dreamt that he was some demi-god; but when he awaked all his golden hopes vanished ( Sic Mycillus apud Lucian). The Chaldee explaineth it, As the dream of a drunken man; who, sleeping on the steep of a rock, may think himself a king; and starting for joy, may soon break his neck at the bottom. So, O Lord, when thou awakest thou shalt despise their image] That is, that whereof they dreamt, and whereon they do still dote, viz. their worldly pomp and pride, which is nothing else but magnum nihil, a glorious fancy, a nonentity. Some read it thus, When thou shalt raise up (the dead), thou shalt despise their image, that is, their souls; they shall rise to everlasting shame and contempt, Daniel 12:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
(20) As a dream.—Better, “As a man on waking (despises) his dream, So, O Lord, on rousing thyself, thou wilt Despise their shadow.” an image of the result of the Divine judgment on the vain and boastful tyrants, which may be illustrated by Henry V.’s rising with his royalty to self-respect:— “I have long dreamt of such a kind of man, So surfeit-swell’d, so old, and so profane; But, being awake, I do despise my dream.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
Verse 20. As a dream when one awaketh] So their goods fled away. Their possession was a dream-their privation, real. Thou shalt despise their image.] While destitute of true religion, whatever appearance they had of greatness, nobility, honour, and happiness; yet in the sight of God they had no more than the ghost or shade of excellence which God is said here to despise. Who would be rich at such risk and dishonour?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:20
20. As a dream] Cp. Job 20:8; Isaiah 29:7. when thou awakest] When thou arousest thyself, a different word from that in the previous line, used in Psalms 7:6, Psalms 35:23, of God bestirring Himself to judgement. The word may mean in the city (R.V. marg. and the Ancient Versions); but this rendering yields no satisfactory sense: the paraphrase of P.B.V., ‘so shalt thou make their image to vanish out of the city,’ is quite unjustifiable. their image] Cp. Psalms 39:6, note. All their brave pomp is a phantom, a mere counterfeit of reality, an eidolon; and God rates it at its true value.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:20
As a dream when one awaketh - Their prosperity is like the visions of a dream; the reality is seen when one awakes.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:20
20. As a dream when one awaketh—So unreal, so unworthy of their wakeful thoughts, it is soon dismissed and forgotten. O Lord, when thou awakest—To judgment. Image—Shadow, phantom. So unreal is their prosperity.
Sermons on Psalms 73:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Human Life a Dream by John Wesley | John Wesley reflects on the transient nature of human life, comparing it to a dream that vanishes upon awakening. He emphasizes the folly of the wicked who live as if their earthly |
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Arise, O Lord, in Thine Anger, Lift Up Thyself Because of the Rage of Mine Enemies by John Calvin | John Calvin emphasizes the importance of praying in faith according to God's commands, rather than selfish desires, by relying on God's word and promises. He highlights the need to |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 184 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of being influenced by man rather than God. He highlights the vanity and emptiness of worldly pursuits and the need to be free to |
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Homily 12 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of living a life separate from the ways of the world, urging believers to walk in the path of God and not in the vanity of their minds lik |
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Vanity of Vanities by Michael Wigglesworth | Michael Wigglesworth delivers a powerful sermon on the emptiness and fleeting nature of worldly pursuits, highlighting how man's best estate is still filled with restlessness and v |