Psalms 139:20

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 139:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take [thy name] in vain.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take [thy name] in vain.
Psalms 139:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 139

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20For they speak against thee wickedly, And thine enemies take [thy name] in vain.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For they speak against thee wickedly, etc.] Against his being, his perfections, his purposes, his providences, his doctrines, ordinances, ministers, and people; or “they speak of thee for wickedness”f1870, they made mention of the name of God to cover their wickedness, pretending to fear God and love him, to have a reverence of him and serve him, putting on a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; [and] thine enemies take [thy name] in vain: either by profane swearing, or by false swearing. The Targum interprets both clauses of swearing deceitfully and vainly; or “he”, that is, everyone that is “lifted up to vanity [are] thine enemies”f1871, whose hearts are lifted up to vanity,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. It is always a sufficient reason for avoiding the society, the friendship, and the fellowship of others, when they profane, blaspheme, or calumniate the name of God. From such men we should at once withdraw. Piety shrinks from the society of such men, whatever may be their rank, or their social qualities, and turns away in pain, in sorrow, in abhorrence. See the notes at Psalms 26:9. And thine enemies take thy name in vain - It is proof that they are thine enemies that they take…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“for they speak: Psa 73:8, Psa 73:9, Psa 74:18, Psa 74:22, Psa 74:23; Job 21:14, Job 21:15; Isa 37:23, Isa 37:28, Isa 37:29; Jde 1:15; Rev 13:6 thine: Psa 2:1-3; Exo 20:7 Psalms 139:21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification