Psalms 37:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 37:20 mean?

Psalms 37:20 says that those who oppose God—the wicked and His enemies—will come to a complete end, disappearing as completely as the fat of lambs that burns up and vanishes into smoke. The verse uses a vivid image to show that their destruction will be total and irreversible.

In this psalm, David is writing to people who are troubled by the apparent success of the wicked. He reassures his listeners that, despite how things may look, those who do evil will not last. The picture of fat melting away in fire would have been familiar to his audience, making the point that the wicked will be gone without a trace.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 37:20

• "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha): This word refers to those who act in opposition to what is right, often with a sense of active hostility toward God’s ways.
• "fat" (יָקָר, yaqar): Here, the word usually means something precious or valuable, but in this context, it is often understood as the fat of sacrificial animals, which was burned up and disappeared entirely.
• "consume" (כָּלָה, kalah): This word means to be finished, spent, or used up, emphasizing the idea of complete destruction.
• "smoke" (עָשָׁן, ashan): Smoke is what remains after something is burned, quickly vanishing and leaving nothing behind, reinforcing the idea of total disappearance.

Why Psalms 37:20 matters

• This verse corrects the idea that the wicked will always prosper or escape consequences; it promises their end is certain and complete.
• The use of the image of fat burning up connects to the sacrificial practices familiar to ancient Israelites, making the warning more vivid and relatable.
• In the wider context of Psalm 37, this verse reassures those who are discouraged by injustice, reminding them that God’s justice will prevail in the end.