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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רְשָׁעִ֨ים׀
But the wicked
H7563
רְשָׁעִ֨ים׀
But the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 10
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
יֹאבֵ֗דוּ
shall perish
H6
יֹאבֵ֗דוּ
shall perish
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּרִ֑ים
of lambs
H3733
כָּרִ֑ים
of lambs
Strong's:
H3733
Word #:
7 of 10
a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)
כָּֽלוּ׃
shall they consume away
H3615
כָּֽלוּ׃
shall they consume away
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
8 of 10
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
Cross References
Psalms 68:2As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.Psalms 102:3For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.Luke 13:3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.Judges 5:31So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the certainty of the wicked's final judgment affect your response to present injustice?
- What does it mean that opposing God's people makes one 'enemies of the LORD'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.