Psalms 139:20
Psalms 139:20 in Multiple Translations
who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain.
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take thy name in vain.
For they go against you with evil designs, and your haters make sport of your name.
When they speak of you they're being deceptively evil. Since they are your enemies, they call on you in vain.
Which speake wickedly of thee, and being thine enemies are lifted vp in vaine.
Who exchange Thee for wickedness, Lifted up to vanity [are] Thine enemies.
For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain.
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thy enemies take thy name in vain.
They say wicked/malicious things about you; they slander your name.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:20
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 139:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
יֹ֭אמְרֻ/ךָ
לִ/מְזִמָּ֑ה
נָשֻׂ֖א
לַ/שָּׁ֣וְא
עָרֶֽי/ךָ
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יֹ֭אמְרֻ/ךָ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
לִ/מְזִמָּ֑ה
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
plot
Prep | N-fs
נָשֻׂ֖א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לַ/שָּׁ֣וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
vanity
Prep | N-ms
עָרֶֽי/ךָ
ʻâr
H6145
enemy
N-mp | Suff
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 139:20
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יֹ֭אמְרֻ/ךָ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִ/מְזִמָּ֑ה
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
"plot"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a plan or plot, which can be either good or evil. It appears in the Bible as a device, discretion, or intent. In the KJV, it is translated as a wicked device or witty invention.
Definition: 1) purpose, discretion, device, plot 1a) purpose 1b) discretion 1c) devices (evil)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. See also: Job 21:27; Proverbs 3:21; Psalms 10:2.
נָשֻׂ֖א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
לַ/שָּׁ֣וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
"vanity"
Prep | N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
עָרֶֽי/ךָ
ʻâr
H6145
"enemy"
N-mp | Suff
This word means enemy or foe, describing someone who is watchful for mischief. It is used to describe adversaries in the Bible, such as enemies of the Israelites. The term is often used in a negative context.
Definition: enemy, adversary, foe Aramaic equivalent: ar (עָר "foe" H6146)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: enemy. See also: 1 Samuel 28:16; Psalms 139:20.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
- Sermons on Psalms 139:20
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
18If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.
19O God, that You would slay the wicked— away from me, you bloodthirsty men—
20who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You? 22I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jude 1:15 | to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.” |
| 2 | Exodus 20:7 | You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. |
| 3 | Psalms 74:18 | Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name. |
| 4 | Isaiah 37:23 | Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! |
| 5 | Isaiah 37:28–29 | But I know your sitting down, your going out and coming in, and your raging against Me. Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’ |
| 6 | Psalms 73:8–9 | They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. |
| 7 | Psalms 74:22–23 | Rise up, O God; defend Your cause! Remember how the fool mocks You all day long. Do not disregard the clamor of Your adversaries, the uproar of Your enemies that ascends continually. |
| 8 | Psalms 2:1–3 | Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” |
| 9 | Revelation 13:6 | And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven. |
| 10 | Job 21:14–15 | Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ |
Psalms 139:20 Summary
[This verse is talking about people who use God's name in a way that is not truthful or respectful, as seen in Psalms 139:20. They might say things that sound good, but are actually false or misleading, similar to what is warned against in Matthew 15:8-9. We should be careful not to do this, and instead seek to honor God with our words and actions, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17. By doing so, we can show our love and respect for God, and avoid using His name in vain.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to speak of God deceitfully?
Speaking of God deceitfully means to use His name or teachings in a way that is false or misleading, as seen in Psalms 139:20. This can include misrepresenting God's character or using His name to justify wrongdoing, as warned against in Exodus 20:7.
Why do people take God's name in vain?
People take God's name in vain when they use it carelessly or irreverently, often to express strong emotions or to add emphasis to their words, as seen in Psalms 139:20. This is a violation of the third commandment, as stated in Exodus 20:7, and shows a lack of respect for God's holy name.
How can we avoid speaking of God deceitfully?
To avoid speaking of God deceitfully, we must be careful to represent His character and teachings accurately, as seen in Psalms 119:160. We can do this by studying Scripture, such as 2 Timothy 2:15, and seeking to understand God's heart and intentions.
What is the consequence of speaking of God deceitfully?
The consequence of speaking of God deceitfully is that it can lead to spiritual confusion and harm, as seen in 2 Peter 3:16. It can also damage our relationship with God and with others, as warned against in Proverbs 6:16-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be speaking of God deceitfully, even unintentionally, and how can I correct this?
- How can I balance my desire to share God's truth with others with the need to avoid using His name in vain?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that my words and actions accurately represent God's character and teachings?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's name and a greater awareness of how I use it in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:20
For they speak against thee wickedly,.... Against his being, his perfections, his purposes, his providences, his doctrines, ordinances, ministers, and people; or "they speak of thee for wickedness"
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:20
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. For they speak against thee wickedly - literally, 'for wickedness.' "They speak against thee." So the Syriac. Compare Psalms 10:4-7; Psalms 5:4-5.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
They speak against thee wickedly, by profane scoffs, and a professed denial or contempt of thine omniscience and providence. Or, they speak of thee in or unto wickedness; they make use of religion to cover or further their wicked designs. But our translation is more favoured by the context, which speaks of God’ s open and professed enemies. And thine enemies take thy name in vain; or, according to the order of the Hebrew words, and take thy name in vain, and are thine enemies, or haters of thee, as it follows . These words, thy name, are understood here, as also , out of , where they are expressed. They abuse thy blessed name with hellish oaths, and perjuries, and blasphemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
Psalms 139:20 For they speak against thee wickedly, [and] thine enemies take [thy name] in vain.Ver. 20. For they speak against thee wickedly] Inasmuch as they speak against me; Tua causa erit inca causa, Your cause will be my cause, said Charles V, emperor, to Julius Pflugius, who complained he had been wronged by the Duke of Saxony; so saith God to every David. This Luther knew, and therefore wrote thus to Melancthon, Causa ut sit magna, magnus est actor, et auctor eius; neque enim nostra est. The cause is Christ’ s; and he will see to it and us. Moses told the people that their murmurings were not against him, but against the Lord, Exodus 16:8. As unskilful hunters, shooting at wild beasts, kill a man sometimes, so while men shoot at Christians, they hit Christ. And thine enemies take thy name in vain] While they would despoil thee of thine omnipresence, omnipotence, &c., casting thee into a dishonourable mould, as it were, and having base and bald conceits and speeches of thee and thine. Kimchi interpreteth it of heretics, those false friends, but true enemies to God; of whom they make great boasts, as did the Gnostics, Manichees, Novations, and lately the Swenckfeldians (who styled themselves the confessors of the glory of Christ), and many of our modern sects. p &&& Heretics-False friends of God
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
(20) For they speak.—Better, Who rebel against thee. This is actually the reading of the fifth of the Greek translations preserved by Origen, and entails only a change of the vowel pointing. And thine enemies.—The state of the text is unsatisfactory. The subject to the verb must be that of the last clause, and the rendering “enemies” of a word properly meaning cities is very doubtful, in spite of 1 Samuel 28:16 (but Aquila has “rivals,” and Symmachus” adversaries”), where there is also a textual correction required. Of the various proposed emendations, the simplest produces “And rise up against them in vain.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
Verse 20. Thine enemies take thy name in vain.] Bishop Horsley translates the whole verse thus: - "They have deserted me who are disobedient to thee; "They who are sworn to a rash purpose - thy refractory adversaries." The original is obscure: but I cannot see these things in it. Some translate the Hebrew thus: "Those who oppose thee iniquitously seize unjustly upon thy cities;" and so almost all the Versions. The words, thus translated, may apply to Sanballat, Tobiah, and the other enemies of the returned Jews, who endeavoured to drive them from the land, that they might possess the cities of Judea.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:20
20. For they speak against thee] This rendering involves a questionable construction. That of R.V. marg. utter thy name, lit. thee, i.e. swear falsely by thy name, suits the parallelism, but is also doubtful. Most probably the word should be read with different vowels, rebel against thee (ιַ ?ξְ ?ψεּ ?κָ for ιֹ ?ξְ ?ψεּ ?κָ); cp. Psalms 78:40. thine enemies take thy name in vain] The text is difficult and perhaps corrupt. The word rendered thine enemies has this meaning in Aramaic, but not in Hebrew: thy name is not expressed: the verb is spelt anomalously. But slight alterations of the text would give the sense, and take thy name in vain.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:20
For they speak against thee wickedly - This is one form or manifestation of their character as wicked people, that they speak maliciously against God. The psalmist, therefore, desired to have nothing to do with them.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:20
20. For they speak against thee—This is the ground and nature of his hatred of the wicked.
Sermons on Psalms 139:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Humble Thyself by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and avoiding pride in our actions and achievements. He warns against seeking personal glory and attention instead |
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Jacob by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and his journey from a man who began well but ended up in a state of spiritual degeneration. The preacher emphasizes that t |
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Kirk Cameron Testimony by Kirk Cameron | The video begins with the speaker introducing a gospel track that serves as an icebreaker and a tool for sharing the gospel message. He explains how the track uses an optical illus |
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Change Our Heart's - Part 3 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's glory before the people. He warns that neglecting to do so will result in God bringing judgment upon thos |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 19-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a right relationship with God in order to have a right relationship with others. He explains that the first law is |
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Houston Colonial Hills Conference 1995-05 Joshua 24:14 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making decisions in life, particularly decisions that align with God's will. He encourages listeners to be people of prayer |
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The Message of Baptism by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being baptized and making a public profession of faith. He compares the seriousness of being baptized to the high crimes of |