Psalms 54:5
Psalms 54:5 in Multiple Translations
He will reward my enemies with evil. In Your faithfulness, destroy them.
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
He will requite the evil unto mine enemies: Destroy thou them in thy truth.
Let the evil works of my haters come back on them again; let them be cut off by your good faith.
The evil my enemies have done will come back upon them. I depend on you to destroy them.
He shall rewarde euill vnto mine enemies: Oh cut them off in thy trueth!
Turn back doth the evil thing to mine enemies, In Thy truth cut them off.
He will repay the evil to my enemies. Destroy them in your truth.
He will reward evil to my enemies; cut them off in thy truth.
My heart is troubled within me: and the fear of death is fallen upon me.
He will cause the evil things that they want to do to me to happen to them instead; because he faithfully does what he promises, he will get rid of them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 54:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 54:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
זָרִ֨ים
קָ֤מוּ
עָלַ֗/י
וְֽ֭/עָרִיצִים
בִּקְשׁ֣וּ
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
לֹ֤א
שָׂ֨מוּ
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
לְ/נֶגְדָּ֣/ם
סֶֽלָה
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
זָרִ֨ים
zûwr
H2114
be a stranger
Adj
קָ֤מוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עָלַ֗/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וְֽ֭/עָרִיצִים
ʻârîyts
H6184
ruthless
Conj | Adj
בִּקְשׁ֣וּ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָׂ֨מוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
לְ/נֶגְדָּ֣/ם
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep | Suff
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 54:5
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
זָרִ֨ים
zûwr
H2114
"be a stranger"
Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
קָ֤מוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
עָלַ֗/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וְֽ֭/עָרִיצִים
ʻârîyts
H6184
"ruthless"
Conj | Adj
This word describes someone or something that inspires fear or awe, often due to great power or strength. It can be translated as mighty, oppressor, or ruthless in different contexts.
Definition: awe-inspiring, terror-striking, awesome, terrifying, ruthless, mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent. See also: Job 6:23; Isaiah 25:5; Psalms 37:35.
בִּקְשׁ֣וּ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׂ֨מוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לְ/נֶגְדָּ֣/ם
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep | Suff
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 54:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 54:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 54:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 54:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 54:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 54:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
- Sermons on Psalms 54:5
Context — Save Me by Your Name
3For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life— men with no regard for God. Selah
4Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
5He will reward my enemies with evil. In Your faithfulness, destroy them.
6Freely I will sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good. 7For He has delivered me from every trouble, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 143:12 | And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies. Destroy all who afflict me, for I am Your servant. |
| 2 | Psalms 89:49 | Where, O Lord, is Your loving devotion of old, which You faithfully swore to David? |
| 3 | Psalms 31:23 | Love the LORD, all His saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant. |
| 4 | Psalms 94:23 | He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them. |
| 5 | Revelation 18:6 | Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup. |
| 6 | Psalms 137:8 | O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us. |
| 7 | Psalms 27:11 | Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors. |
| 8 | 2 Timothy 4:14 | Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. |
| 9 | Psalms 5:8 | Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. |
| 10 | Psalms 143:1 | O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me. |
Psalms 54:5 Summary
[This verse means that God will take care of our enemies and bring them to justice, not because we are seeking revenge, but because He is a faithful and just God, as seen in Psalms 7:11, which says that God is a righteous judge. We can trust that He will bring justice in His perfect timing. When we face opposition or enemies, we can trust God to bring justice and vindication, just as David did in this verse, and we can praise and thank Him for His deliverance and salvation.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to reward my enemies with evil?
This phrase means that God will bring judgment upon those who oppose us, as seen in Psalms 7:16, where it says that the wicked will fall into their own trap, and in Proverbs 26:27, which states that those who dig a pit will fall into it themselves.
Is it wrong to ask God to destroy my enemies?
In the context of Psalms 54:5, David is not seeking personal revenge, but rather trusting God to bring justice and vindication, as seen in Romans 12:19, where it says that we should not take revenge, but instead leave room for God's wrath.
How can I be sure that God will destroy my enemies?
We can trust in God's faithfulness, as mentioned in this verse, and know that He will bring justice in His perfect timing, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, which describes God as a rock, whose works are perfect, and all His ways are just.
What does it mean for God to act in His faithfulness?
When God acts in His faithfulness, it means that He is being true to His character and promises, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23, where it says that God's faithfulness is new every morning, and His mercies never come to an end.
Reflection Questions
- How do I feel when I am faced with enemies or opposition, and what can I learn from David's response in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust God to bring justice and vindication in my life, just as David did in this verse?
- What does it mean for me to 'leave room for God's wrath' in my relationships with others, as mentioned in Romans 12:19?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's faithfulness, especially when faced with difficult circumstances?
- In what ways can I praise and thank God for His deliverance and salvation, as David did in Psalms 54:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 54:5
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies,.... That eyed him as Saul did; that observed his haunts, where he resorted, and who were with him, as the Ziphites did under Saul's direction; as the Word (m)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 54:5
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
In thy truth; or, for or according to thy truth; whereby thou art engaged to fulfil thy promises made to me, and thy threatenings denounced against thine and mine implacable enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
Psalms 54:5 He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.Ver. 5. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies] Or, mine observers, that watch me a mischief. I shall escape out of trouble, and they shall come in my stead, Proverbs 11:8. Cut them off in thy truth] i.e. According as thou hast pronounced against such as seek and suck innocent blood.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
(5) Cut them off.—Or, put them to silence.In thy truth.—Or, according to thy faithfulness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
Verse 5. He shall reward evil] Saul and his courtiers, instead of having God's approbation, shall have his curse. Cut them off in thy truth.] Thou hast promised to save me; these have purposed to destroy me. Thy truth is engaged in my defence; they will destroy me if permitted to live: to save thy truth, and to accomplish its promises, thou must cut them off.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 54:5
5. He shall requite the evil unto them that lie in wait for me: Destroy thou them in thy truth. God will cause the evil which they are plotting to recoil upon their own heads: or, according to the K’thîbh or written text (Introd. p. li), The evil shall return &c.: cp. Psalms 7:16. Enemies (A.V.) is a peculiar word found only in Psalms 5:8; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 56:2; Psalms 59:10, meaning those who lie in wait for him, like fowlers (Jeremiah 5:26 R.V.), or a leopard for its prey (Hosea 13:7). Jerome renders it insidiatores. in thy truth] For Thou canst not be false to Thy promise to deliver me.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 54:5
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies - Margin, “those that observe me.” The original word here means literally “to twist, to twist together;” then, to press together; then, to “oppress,” or to treat as an enemy.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 54:5
5. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies—The “evil” they sought to do to me shall recoil upon themselves. God shall turn it back upon them. So the word rendered “reward” properly signifies.
Sermons on Psalms 54:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalm 143 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the power of prayer, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's faithfulness and righteousness in times of supplication. He highlights the contrast between t |
|
Exposition on Psalm 144 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the spiritual battles we face, drawing parallels between David's victory over Goliath and Christ's triumph over the devil. He emphasizes the importance of |
|
Spiritual Fluctuations by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink explores the concept of 'Spiritual Fluctuations,' emphasizing that true Christians experience significant changes in their spiritual lives, contrasting with those who mai |
|
Beg God for the Miracle of Humility by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in the eyes of God. It highlights how God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as seen in Psa |
|
Eternal Depth of Love Divine by Count Zinzendorf | Count Zinzendorf preaches about the eternal depth of God's divine love displayed in Jesus, emphasizing the vastness of God's grace and the all-encompassing nature of His love for s |
|
|
Faithfulness by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of faithfulness in ministry, asserting that it is a non-negotiable requirement for those appointed as stewards of God's Word. He highli |
|
Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th |