📖 Psalms — Chapter 55 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Psalms 55:1 RGive ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
Psalms 55:2 Attend unto me, and hear me: RI mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;
Psalms 55:3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the Roppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.
Psalms 55:4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the Rterrors of death are fallen upon me.
Psalms 55:5 RFearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath Toverwhelmed me.
Psalms 55:6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
Psalms 55:7 RLo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.
Psalms 55:8 I would hasten my escape from Rthe windy storm and tempest.
Psalms 55:9 Destroy, O Lord, and Rdivide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Psalms 55:10 RDay and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
Psalms 55:11 RWickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.
Psalms 55:12 RFor 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:
Psalms 55:13 But it was thou, a man Tmine equal, Rmy guide, and mine acquaintance.
Psalms 55:14 TWe took sweet counsel together, and Rwalked unto the house of God in company.
Psalms 55:15 RLet death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into Thell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
Psalms 55:16 RAs for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
Psalms 55:17 REvening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Psalms 55:18 RHe hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
Psalms 55:19 God shall Rhear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. TBecause they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
Psalms 55:20 He hath Rput forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath Tbroken his covenant.
Psalms 55:21 RThe words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
Psalms 55:22 RCast thy Tburden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psalms 55:23 But thou, RO God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Tbloody and deceitful men Tshall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 55:1–8 — Overwhelming fear and the wish to escape
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The speaker pleads to be heard amid oppression, inner pain, trembling, and terror. He imagines wings like a dove to fly away and rest. The lament makes room for the understandable desire to escape distress, directing that longing into prayer rather than pretending fear is absent.
Key Truth: God receives prayer from an overwhelmed heart.
Check What You Remember
1. What has overwhelmed the speaker? (Psalms 55:5)
Find it in Psalms 55:5 (KJV).
2. What bird's wings does he wish for? (Psalms 55:6)
Find it in Psalms 55:6 (KJV).
3. What would he seek after flying away? (Psalms 55:6)
Find it in Psalms 55:6 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 55:9–15 — A city's violence and a friend's betrayal
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Violence and deceit fill the city, but the most painful reproach comes from a companion who once shared worship and counsel. The fierce appeal for judgment expresses betrayal and danger. Readers should distinguish this anguished petition to God from a personal command to harm a former friend.
Key Truth: Betrayal by a trusted companion can be brought to God.
Check What You Remember
1. What two troubles does he see in the city? (Psalms 55:9)
Find it in Psalms 55:9 (KJV).
2. What relationship does he describe alongside guide and acquaintance? (Psalms 55:13)
Find it in Psalms 55:13 (KJV).
3. Where did they walk together? (Psalms 55:14)
Find it in Psalms 55:14 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 55:16–23 — Prayer and the sustaining Lord
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The speaker resolves to call upon God throughout the day. Smooth words conceal hostility, but he urges casting the burden upon the Lord who sustains. The closing trust does not approve deceit or eliminate the need for support; it places the weight of betrayal and judgment before God.
Key Truth: Cast your burden upon the Lord who sustains.
Check What You Remember
1. What three times will he pray? (Psalms 55:17)
Find it in Psalms 55:17 (KJV).
2. What should be cast upon the Lord? (Psalms 55:22)
Find it in Psalms 55:22 (KJV).
3. What will the speaker do at the close? (Psalms 55:23)
Find it in Psalms 55:23 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
1 Peter 5:7 — Peter calls believers to cast their cares upon God.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
What burden of fear or betrayal can you bring to God while also seeking wise support?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. How does inner terror shape the wish for wings?
2. Why is the reproach harder to bear than an open enemy’s?
3. How does regular prayer counter the desire to flee?
4. How do words and intent contradict each other?
5. How does the closing trust answer the burden?
Notes
Write what you want to remember, questions to explore, or Scriptures to look up later. Your saved notes are private to your account.
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