Read the Bible — American Standard Version · Psalms

Psalms 55

1 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; And hide not thyself from my supplication.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • To the chief Musician H5329 (נָצַח) — properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
  • on Neginoth H5058 (נְגִינָה) — properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram
  • Maschil H4905 (מַשְׂכִּיל) — instructive, i.e. a didactic poem
  • of David H1732 (דָּוִד) — David, the youngest son of Jesse
  • Give ear H238 (אָזַן) — to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e. (by implication) to listen
  • to my prayer H8605 (תְּפִלָּה) — intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
  • O God H430 (אֱלֹהִים) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference…
  • and hide H5956 (עָלַם) — to veil from sight, i.e. conceal (literally or figuratively)
  • not thyself from my supplication H8467 (תְּחִנָּה) — graciousness; causatively, entreaty

2 Attend unto me, and answer me: I am restless in my complaint, and moan,

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Attend H7181 (קָשַׁב) — to prick up the ears, i.e. hearken
  • unto me, and hear H6030 (עָנָה) — properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, a…
  • me: I mourn H7300 (רוּד) — to tramp about, i.e. ramble (free or disconsolate)
  • in my complaint H7879 (שִׂיחַ) — a contemplation; by implication, an utterance
  • and make a noise H1949 (הוּם) — to make an uproar, or agitate greatly

3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they cast iniquity upon me, And in anger they persecute me.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Because of the voice H6963 (קוֹל) — a voice or sound
  • of the enemy H341 (אֹיֵב) — hating; an adversary
  • because H6440 (פָּנִים) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (befo…
  • of the oppression H6125 (עָקָה) — constraint
  • of the wicked H7563 (רָשָׁע) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
  • for they cast H4131 (מוֹט) — to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
  • affliction H205 (אָוֶן) — strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
  • upon me, and in wrath H639 (אַף) — properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
  • they hate H7852 (שָׂטַם) — properly, to lurk for, i.e. persecute

4 My heart is sore pained within me: And the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • My heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
  • is sore pained H2342 (חוּל) — properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e. (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; figuratively,…
  • within H7130 (קֶרֶב) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
  • me: and the terrors H367 (אֵימָה) — fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)
  • of death H4194 (מָוֶת) — death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
  • are fallen H5307 (נָפַל) — to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, And horror hath overwhelmed me.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Fearfulness H3374 (יִרְאָה) — fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
  • and trembling H7461 (רַעַד) — a shudder
  • are come H935 (בּוֹא) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
  • upon me, and horror H6427 (פַּלָּצוּת) — affright
  • hath overwhelmed H3680 (כָּסָה) — properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest.

Cross references & Strong's
Cross references (TSK): Psalms 11:1 · Psalms 139:9 · Isaiah 21:4 · Revelation 12:14
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • And I said H559 (אָמַר) — to say (used with great latitude)
  • Oh that H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
  • I had wings H83 (אֵבֶר) — a pinion
  • like a dove H3123 (יוֹנָה) — a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)
  • would I fly away H5774 (עוּף) — to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
  • and be at rest H7931 (שָׁכַן) — to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

7 Lo, then would I wander far off, I would lodge in the wilderness. [Selah

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • would I wander H5074 (נָדַד) — properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
  • far off H7368 (רָחַק) — to widen (in any direction), i.e. (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
  • remain H3885 (לוּן) — to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
  • in the wilderness H4057 (מִדְבָּר) — a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also speech (including its organs)
  • Selah H5542 (סֶלָה) — suspension (of music), i.e. pause

8 I would haste me to a shelter From the stormy wind and tempest.

Cross references & Strong's
Cross references (TSK): Psalms 18:4 · Isaiah 4:6 · Isaiah 17:12 · Matthew 7:25
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • I would hasten H2363 (חוּשׁ) — to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment
  • my escape H4655 (מִפְלָט) — an escape
  • from the windy H7307 (רוּחַ) — wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by re…
  • storm H5584 (סָעָה) — to rush
  • tempest H5591 (סַעַר) — a hurricane

9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongue; For I have seen violence and strife in the city.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Destroy H1104 (בָּלַע) — to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
  • O Lord H136 (אֲדֹנָי) — the Lord (used as a proper name of God only)
  • divide H6385 (פָּלַג) — to split (literally or figuratively)
  • their tongues H3956 (לָשׁוֹן) — the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of…
  • for I have seen H7200 (רָאָה) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
  • violence H2555 (חָמָס) — violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
  • and strife H7379 (רִיב) — a contest (personal or legal)
  • in the city H5892 (עִיר) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: Iniquity also and mischief are in the midst of it.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Day H3119 (יוֹמָם) — daily
  • and night H3915 (לַיִל) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity
  • they go about H5437 (סָבַב) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
  • it upon the walls H2346 (חוֹמָה) — a wall of protection
  • thereof: mischief H205 (אָוֶן) — strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
  • also and sorrow H5999 (עָמָל) — toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
  • in the midst H7130 (קֶרֶב) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

11 Wickedness is in the midst thereof: Oppression and guile depart not from its streets.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Wickedness H1942 (הַוָּה) — by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin
  • in the midst H7130 (קֶרֶב) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
  • thereof: deceit H8496 (תֹּךְ) — oppression
  • and guile H4820 (מִרְמָה) — fraud
  • depart H4185 (מוּשׁ) — to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
  • not from her streets H7339 (רְחֹב) — a width, i.e. (concretely) avenue or area

12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; Then I could have borne it: Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; Then I would have hid myself from him:

Cross references & Strong's
Cross references (TSK): Psalms 35:26 · Psalms 38:16 · Psalms 41:9 · Isaiah 10:15 · Matthew 26:21
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • not an enemy H341 (אֹיֵב) — hating; an adversary
  • reproached H2778 (חָרַף) — to pull off, i.e. (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e. defame; to spend th…
  • me; then I could have borne H5375 (נָשָׂא) — to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
  • he that hated H8130 (שָׂנֵא) — to hate (personally)
  • did magnify H1431 (גָּדַל) — to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
  • against me; then I would have hid H5641 (סָתַר) — to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • thou, a man H582 (אֱנוֹשׁ) — properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified 120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
  • mine equal H6187 (עֵרֶךְ) — a pile, equipment, estimate
  • my guide H441 (אַלּוּף) — familiar; a friend, also gentle; hence, a bullock (as being tame; applied, although masculine, to a cow); and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)
  • and mine acquaintance H3045 (יָדַע) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation…

14 We took sweet counsel together; We walked in the house of God with the throng.

Cross references & Strong's
Cross references (TSK): Job 19:19 · Psalms 41:10 · Psalms 42:4 · Psalms 122:1 · Isaiah 2:3
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • We took sweet H4985 (מָתַק) — to suck, by implication, to relish, or (intransitively) be sweet
  • counsel H5475 (סוֹד) — a session, i.e. company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
  • together H3162 (יַחַד) — properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly
  • walked H1980 (הָלַךְ) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
  • unto the house H1004 (בַּיִת) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
  • of God H430 (אֱלֹהִים) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference…
  • in company H7285 (רֶגֶשׁ) — a tumultuous crowd

15 Let death come suddenly upon them, Let them go down alive into Sheol; For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Let death H4194 (מָוֶת) — death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
  • seize H3451 (יְשִׁימַה) — desolation
  • seize H5377 (נָשָׁא) — to lead astray, i.e. (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce
  • let them go down H3381 (יָרַד) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); causatively,…
  • quick H2416 (חַי) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing),…
  • into hell H7585 (שְׁאוֹל) — hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
  • for wickedness H7451 (רַע) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
  • in their dwellings H4033 (מָגוּר) — a temporary abode; by extension, a permanent residence
  • among H7130 (קֶרֶב) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

16 As for me, I will call upon God; And Jehovah will save me.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • As for me, I will call H7121 (קָרָא) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
  • upon God H430 (אֱלֹהִים) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference…
  • And Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • shall save H3467 (יָשַׁע) — properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

17 Evening, and morning, and at noonday, will I complain, and moan; And he will hear my voice.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Evening H6153 (עֶרֶב) — dusk
  • and morning H1242 (בֹּקֶר) — properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
  • and at noon H6672 (צֹהַר) — a light (i.e. window); dual double light, i.e. noon
  • will I pray H7878 (שִׂיחַ) — to ponder, i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter
  • and cry aloud H1993 (הָמָה) — to make a loud sound (like English 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
  • and he shall hear H8085 (שָׁמַע) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
  • my voice H6963 (קוֹל) — a voice or sound

18 He hath redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; For they were many that strove with me.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He hath delivered H6299 (פָּדָה) — to sever, i.e. ransom; generally to release, preserve
  • my soul H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
  • in peace H7965 (שָׁלוֹם) — safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace
  • from the battle H7128 (קְרָב) — hostile encounter
  • against me: for there were many H7227 (רַב) — abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

19 God will hear, and answer them, Even he that abideth of old, [Selah The men who have no changes, And who fear not God.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • God H410 (אֵל) — strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity)
  • shall hear H8085 (שָׁמַע) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
  • and afflict H6030 (עָנָה) — properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, a…
  • them, even he that abideth H3427 (יָשַׁב) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
  • of old H6924 (קֶדֶם) — the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the East) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
  • Selah H5542 (סֶלָה) — suspension (of music), i.e. pause
  • Because they have no changes H2487 (חֲלִיפָה) — alternation
  • therefore they fear H3372 (יָרֵא) — to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
  • not God H430 (אֱלֹהִים) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference…

20 He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • He hath put forth H7971 (שָׁלַח) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
  • his hands H3027 (יָד) — a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of a…
  • against such as be at peace H7965 (שָׁלוֹם) — safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace
  • with him: he hath broken H2490 (חָלַל) — properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin (as if by a…
  • his covenant H1285 (בְּרִית) — a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

21 His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • of his mouth H6310 (פֶּה) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) acc…
  • were smoother H2505 (חָלַק) — to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or separate
  • than butter H4260 (מַחֲמָאָה) — something buttery (i.e. unctuous and pleasant), as (figuratively) flattery
  • but war H7128 (קְרָב) — hostile encounter
  • in his heart H3820 (לֵב) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
  • his words H1697 (דָּבָר) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
  • were softer H7401 (רָכַךְ) — to soften (intransitively or transitively), used figuratively
  • than oil H8081 (שֶׁמֶן) — grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
  • they drawn swords H6609 (פְּתִחָה) — something opened, i.e. a drawn sword

22 Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Cast H7993 (שָׁלַךְ) — to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
  • thy burden H3053 (יְהָב) — properly, what is given (by Providence), i.e. a lot
  • upon Yhwh H3068 (יְהֹוָה) — (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jeho-vah, Jewish national name of God
  • and he shall sustain H3557 (כּוּל) — properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
  • thee: he shall never H5769 (עוֹלָם) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially…
  • suffer H5414 (נָתַן) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
  • the righteous H6662 (צַדִּיק) — just
  • to be moved H4131 (מוֹט) — to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

23 But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in thee.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • But thou, O God H430 (אֱלֹהִים) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference…
  • shalt bring them down H3381 (יָרַד) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); causatively,…
  • into the pit H875 (בְּאֵר) — a pit; especially a well
  • of destruction H7845 (שַׁחַת) — a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction
  • bloody H1818 (דָּם) — blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. dr…
  • and deceitful H4820 (מִרְמָה) — fraud
  • men H582 (אֱנוֹשׁ) — properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified 120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
  • shall not live out half H2673 (חָצָה) — to cut or split in two; to halve
  • their days H3117 (יוֹם) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated ter…
  • but I will trust H982 (בָּטַח) — properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as 2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure