Psalms 73:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 73:20 mean?

Psalms 73:20 compares the end of the wicked to a dream that vanishes when someone wakes up; when God "awakens," He will see their lives for what they truly are and reject their false image. The verse uses the idea of waking from a dream to show how quickly and completely God will bring judgment and expose empty appearances.

The writer is Asaph, speaking to God about the fate of people who seem prosperous but live without regard for Him. In this psalm, Asaph wrestles with why the wicked appear to thrive, but here he realizes their success is temporary and unsubstantial—like a fleeting dream. The verse emphasizes that God’s perspective is the true one, and when He acts, the shallow image (or reputation) of the wicked will be despised and dismissed.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 73:20

• "dream" (חֲלוֹם, ḥalôm): This word means a dream or vision, highlighting how the wicked’s lives are insubstantial and quickly forgotten, just like a dream upon waking.
• "awaketh" (יָקוּם, yaqûm) and "awakest" (תָּעוּר, taʿûr): Both words relate to waking up, but the second refers to God "arising" or "becoming alert" to act. This suggests a moment when God decisively intervenes.
• "despise" (בָּזָה, bazah): This word means to scorn or treat with contempt, showing that God will not just ignore but actively reject the false image or reputation of the wicked.
• "image" (צֶלֶם, tselem): This word often means a likeness or representation, here pointing to the outward appearance or reputation the wicked have built, which God will see as worthless.

Why Psalms 73:20 matters

• Psalms 73:20 clarifies that the apparent success of the wicked is temporary and not as real as it seems; it will disappear as quickly as a dream fades.
• The verse stresses that God’s judgment is based on reality, not on outward appearances or reputations that people may build for themselves.
• This verse connects to the larger theme of Psalm 73, where Asaph moves from confusion about the prosperity of the wicked to understanding their ultimate end from God’s perspective.