Psalms 37:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wicked will be destroyed and vanish like melting fat—completely consumed.
The Context of Psalms 37:20
The complete and total destruction of the wicked.
What Does Psalms 37:20 Mean?
The image of fat melting is striking. Fat, a symbol of richness and substance, is nonetheless perishable. Exposed to heat, it liquefies, transforms, and disappears. This is the wicked's fate: what appears substantial and enduring will melt away utterly.
'Into smoke shall they consume away' carries the sense of not even leaving ashes—only vapor, nothing solid remaining. They are the 'enemies of the LORD,' and their opposition to God's order ensures their dissolution. This is not a partial defeat or diminishment; it is utter erasure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 37:20
What does Psalms 37:20 mean?
The wicked will be destroyed and vanish like melting fat—completely consumed.
What is the context of Psalms 37:20?
The complete and total destruction of the wicked.