King James Version

What Does Psalms 37:20 Mean?

Psalms 37:20 in the King James Version says “But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke sh...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. the fat: Heb. the preciousness”

Psalms 37:20 · KJV

Salvation

Context

18

The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

19

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

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. the fat: Heb. the preciousness

21

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

22

For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

Read Psalms 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The verse begins with emphatic certainty 'But the wicked shall perish,' contrasting promised satisfaction (v. 19). 'Enemies of the LORD' makes wickedness personal opposition to God Himself, warranting ultimate judgment. The imagery shifts to sacrifice: 'fat of lambs' refers to the choicest portions burned on the altar, consumed completely. 'Into smoke shall they consume away' depicts total annihilation—solid substance becoming insubstantial vapor, dispersing into nothing. This graphic image emphasizes the wicked's utter destruction, leaving no trace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israelites witnessed daily sacrifices where fat portions burned completely, producing smoke that ascended and dissipated. This familiar image powerfully communicated total consumption and disappearance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the certainty of the wicked's final judgment affect your response to present injustice?
  2. What does it mean that opposing God's people makes one 'enemies of the LORD'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֤י1 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רְשָׁעִ֨ים׀2 of 10

“But the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יֹאבֵ֗דוּ3 of 10

“shall perish”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

וְאֹיְבֵ֣י4 of 10

“and the enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

יְ֭הוָה5 of 10

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּיקַ֣ר6 of 10

“shall be as the fat”

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

כָּרִ֑ים7 of 10

“of lambs”

H3733

a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)

כָּֽלוּ׃8 of 10

“shall they consume away”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

בֶעָשָׁ֣ן9 of 10

“into smoke”

H6227

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

כָּֽלוּ׃10 of 10

“shall they consume away”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 37:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 37:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 68:2Psalms 102:3Luke 13:3Judges 5:31Deuteronomy 33:14-16Genesis 19:28

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