Psalms 139:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to slay the wicked and commands them to leave.
The Context of Psalms 139:19
The psalmist shifts to calling God's judgment upon the wicked and commanding them away.
What Does Psalms 139:19 Mean?
The tone shifts sharply from meditation to confrontation. 'Surely thou wilt slay the wicked' is a statement of confidence in divine justice. The psalmist affirms that God will execute judgment against the wicked. The certainty expressed ('surely') suggests this is not a doubt but a conviction that God's holiness demands response to wickedness. This represents the application of all that has been established about God's knowledge and power.
'Depart from me therefore, ye bloody men' is a command to the wicked to leave. 'Bloody men' suggests men given to violence and murder. The psalmist's confidence in God's justice gives him standing to order them away. This is not a prayer for escape but a demand for separation, rooted in the conviction that he belongs to God and stands opposed to those who oppose God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 139:19
What does Psalms 139:19 mean?
The psalmist asks God to slay the wicked and commands them to leave.
What is the context of Psalms 139:19?
The psalmist shifts to calling God's judgment upon the wicked and commanding them away.