Psalms 139:20
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 6
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לִמְזִמָּ֑ה
against thee wickedly
H4209
לִמְזִמָּ֑ה
against thee wickedly
Strong's:
H4209
Word #:
3 of 6
a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)
נָשׂ֖וּא
take
H5375
נָשׂ֖וּא
take
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
4 of 6
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Cross References
Exodus 20:7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.Jude 1:15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.Psalms 74:18Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.Revelation 13:6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.Isaiah 37:23Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, false prophets and wicked leaders used God's name to authorize injustice (Jeremiah 23:16-17, Ezekiel 13:6-7). In David's time, rival claimants to the throne may have invoked YHWH's name falsely. Jesus faced similar blasphemy from religious leaders who claimed God's authority while rejecting God's Son.
Questions for Reflection
- In what subtle ways might you be 'taking God's name in vain' by claiming His authority for your own agenda?
- How does deep intimacy with God (vv. 1-18) create intolerance for seeing His name profaned by others?
- What is your responsibility when you witness God's name or character being misrepresented?
Analysis & Commentary
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. This verse explains why David prays for judgment: the wicked don't just harm people but blaspheme God. Speak against thee wickedly (לִמְזִמָּה, limzimmah) carries the idea of plotting, scheming with malicious intent—not casual irreverence but calculated rebellion. Thine enemies (עָרֶיךָ, arecha) are God's adversaries, not merely David's.
Take thy name in vain (נָשְׂאוּ לַשָּׁוְא, nas'u lashav) violates the third commandment (Exodus 20:7)—using God's name for empty, deceptive purposes or treating it with contempt. The wicked invoke God's name to legitimize their evil schemes. For David, God's honor is at stake; this isn't about personal offense but defending divine glory. Those intimate with God (vv. 1-18) cannot be neutral when His name is profaned.