Amplified Bible
Psalms 73:20
20Like a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, O Lord, when stirred, [You observe the wicked], You will despise their image.
Psalms 73:20 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
- New International Version (NIV)They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
- New King James Version (NKJV)As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
Context of Psalms 73:20
18Surely You set the wicked-minded and immoral on slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19How they are destroyed in a moment! They are completely swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, O Lord, when stirred, [You observe the wicked], You will despise their image. 21When my heart was embittered And I was pierced within [as with the fang of an adder], 22Then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
Read all of Psalms 73Psalms 73:20 word by word
כַּחֲל֥וֹם מֵהָקִ֑יץ אֲ֝דֹנָי בָּעִ֤יר׀ צַלְמָ֬ם תִּבְזֶֽה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Psalms 73:20
- Psalms 90:5You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep [forgotten as soon as they are gone]; In the morning they are like grass which grows anew—
- Job 20:8He flies away like a dream and cannot be found; Yes, he is chased away like a vision of the night.
- Isaiah 29:7And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel (Jerusalem), Even all who fight against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, Will be like a dream, a vision of the night.
- Psalms 7:6Arise, O Lord, in Your anger; Lift up Yourself against the rage of my enemies; Rise up for me; You have commanded judgment and vindication.
- Psalms 78:65Then the Lord awakened as from sleep, Like a [mighty] warrior who awakens from the sleep of wine [fully conscious of his power].
- Psalms 39:6Surely every man walks around like a shadow [in a charade]; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; Each one builds up riches, not knowing who will receive them.
Commentaries on Psalms 73:20
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 20As a dream when one awaketh - So their goods fled away. Their possession was a dream - their privation, real. Thou shalt despise their image - While destitute of true religion, whatever appearance they had of greatness, nobility, honor, and happiness; yet in the sight of God they had no more than the ghost or shade of excellence which God is said here to despise. Who would be rich at such risk and dishonor?Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 20As a dream when one awaketh - Their prosperity is like the visions of a dream; the reality is seen when one awakes. A man in a dream may imagine that he is a king; that he dwells in a palace; that he is surrounded by flatterers and courtiers; that he walks in pleasant groves, listens to the sounds of sweet music, sits down at a table loaded with the luxuries of all climes, and lies upon a bed of down. He may awake only to find that he is encompassed with…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 15-20Verses 15-20 The psalmist having shown the progress of his temptation, shows how faith and grace prevailed. He kept up respect for God's people, and with that he restrained himself from speaking what he had thought amiss. It is a sign that we repent of the evil thoughts of the heart, if we suppress them. Nothing gives more offence to God's children, than to say it is vain to serve God; for there is nothing more contrary to their universal experience. He…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 17-20During this period, God's sanctuary was the temple in Jerusalem. In God's presence, the psalmist receives special insight (compare Psalm 18:6). God deals with the wicked over the long term. He waits patiently and gives them time to repent (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9). Those who do not repent will get what they deserve.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 18-2018-20. their end--future (Psa 37:37, 38), which is dismal and terribly sudden (Pr 1:27; 29:1), aggravated and hastened by terror. As one despises an unsubstantial dream, so God, waking up to judgment (Psa 7:6; 44:23), despises their vain shadow of happiness (Psa 39:6; Is 29:7). They are thrown into ruins as a building falling to pieces (Psa 74:3).Read the comment
Topics related to Psalms 73:20
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Psalms 73
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- The Treasury of David
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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