Psalms 55:1
Psalms 55:1 in Multiple Translations
Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.
Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
Give ear to my prayer, O God; And hide not thyself from my supplication.
Give hearing to my prayer, O God; and let not your ear be shut against my request.
God, please hear my prayer; don't ignore my cry for help!
To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalme of David to give instruction. Heare my prayer, O God, and hide not thy selfe from my supplication.
To the Overseer with stringed instruments. — An instruction, by David. Give ear, O God, [to] my prayer, And hide not from my supplication.
Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication.
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
Unto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance from the sanctuary for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar) when the Philistines held him in Geth.
God, listen to my prayer, and do not turn away from me while I am pleading with you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 55:1
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 55:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
בִּ/נְגִינֹ֗ת
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל
לְ/דָוִֽד
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
nâtsach
H5329
to conduct
Prep | V-Piel
בִּ/נְגִינֹ֗ת
nᵉgîynâh
H5058
music
Prep | N-fp
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל
maskîyl
H4905
Maskil
N-ms
לְ/דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 55:1
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
nâtsach
H5329
"to conduct"
Prep | V-Piel
To conduct or oversee, this word describes a leader or chief musician. In the Bible, it is used in the book of Psalms to describe the role of a music director. The word implies a sense of leadership and guidance.
Definition: 1) to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring 1a) (Niphal) enduring (participle) 1b) (Piel) to act as overseer or superintendent or director or chief Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsach (נְצַח "to distinguish oneself" H5330)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalms 49:1; Psalms 4:1.
בִּ/נְגִינֹ֗ת
nᵉgîynâh
H5058
"music"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to music or song, especially instrumental music played on a stringed instrument. In the Bible, it is used to describe the music played by musicians or the songs sung by worshipers.
Definition: 1) music, song, taunt song 1a) music (of stringed instrument) 1b) song 1b1) taunting or mocking song
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: stringed instrument, musick, Neginoth (plural), song. See also: Job 30:9; Psalms 69:13; Psalms 4:1.
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל
maskîyl
H4905
"Maskil"
N-ms
Maskil refers to a type of poem or song that teaches a lesson. It's used in the Psalms to describe instructive songs, like Psalm 32. These poems aim to educate and inspire.
Definition: (Hiphil) poem, song or poem of contemplation
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Maschil. See also: Psalms 32:1; Psalms 54:1; Psalms 42:1.
לְ/דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 55:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 55:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:1
- Sermons on Psalms 55:1
Context — Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
1Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.
2Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught 3at the voice of the enemy, at the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster upon me and resent me in their anger.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 3:12 | For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” |
| 2 | Psalms 86:6 | Hear my prayer, O LORD, and attend to my plea for mercy. |
| 3 | Psalms 61:1 | Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. |
| 4 | Psalms 27:9 | Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation. |
| 5 | Psalms 80:1 | Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth |
| 6 | Psalms 64:1 | Hear, O God, my voice of complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. |
| 7 | Psalms 84:8 | O LORD God of Hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah |
| 8 | Psalms 54:1–2 | Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might! Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. |
| 9 | Psalms 143:7 | Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit. |
| 10 | Psalms 5:1 | Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. |
Psalms 55:1 Summary
In Psalms 55:1, the psalmist is asking God to listen to their prayer and not ignore their plea. This is a simple but powerful request that reminds us that God is always available to hear us and help us in our times of need, as promised in Jeremiah 33:3 and Matthew 11:28. When we pray, we can trust that God is listening and will respond in His perfect time, even if it doesn't always feel like it, as seen in Psalms 138:8. By being honest and open with God, we can deepen our relationship with Him and experience His peace and comfort in the midst of challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main request the psalmist is making to God in Psalms 55:1?
The psalmist is asking God to listen to their prayer and not ignore their plea, which is a cry for help and comfort in a time of distress, as seen in other prayers like Psalms 102:1 and Isaiah 37:4.
Why is it important for the psalmist to be heard by God in this verse?
The psalmist needs to be heard by God because they are facing opposition and pressure from enemies, and they are looking to God for deliverance and peace, as promised in Exodus 22:27 and Psalms 34:15.
How can we apply the principle of this verse to our own prayer lives?
We can apply this principle by being honest and open with God about our struggles and fears, and trusting that He will hear and answer us, as Jesus teaches in John 15:7 and Romans 8:26-27.
What does this verse reveal about the character of God?
This verse reveals that God is a loving and attentive Father who desires to hear and respond to the cries of His children, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 31:8 and Matthew 7:7-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like God was not listening to my prayers, and how did I respond to those feelings?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and confidence in God's willingness to hear and answer my prayers?
- What are some specific things I can pray about today, and how can I approach God with honesty and openness, like the psalmist in this verse?
- In what ways can I practice being still and listening for God's voice in response to my prayers, as encouraged in Psalms 46:10?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:1
Give ear to my prayer, O God,.... Which was for that which is just and right, and equitable to be given, as the word (n) used signifies; being promised in the covenant of grace, ratified and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:1
Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:1
Psalms 55 THE This Psalm was certainly composed by David, when he was greatly distressed and persecuted, either by Saul, or rather by Absalom, and betrayed by some pretended or former friend. David, being surrounded and surprised with danger and distress, complaineth to God, , prayeth for the frustrating the practice of his cruel and false enemies, , and strengtheneth himself with God’ s protection, , and his enemies’ utter destruction, . Turn not away thy face and ear, as one resolved not to hear nor help.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:1
Psalms 55:1 « To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David. » Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.A Psalm of David] Whether made upon occasion of his flight from Keilah, 1 Samuel 23:2, or from Absalom, 2 Samuel 15:16. Idem est argumentum, et idem usus huius Psalmi atque, superioris, saith Beza; this and the former psalm are of the same argument and for the same use. It is most probable that this psalm was written when Absalom was up, and Hushai related unto Zadock the troubled state of the city, 2 Samuel 17:15, with which compare Psalms 55:9-11 of this psalm. For thereupon David, put into a great perturbation, as Psalms 55:4-5, wished for the wings of a dove, not the pinions of a dragon, that he might fly far away. Ver. 1. Give ear to my prayer, O God] David’ s danger was present, his prayer therefore is pressing, being not the labour of his lips, but the travail of his heart. The breath that cometh from the lips is cold, not that which cometh from the lungs. Hide not thyself] As men when they are not willing to be sued unto will not be seen.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:1
PSALM LV David, in great danger and distress from the implacable malice of his enemies, calls on God for mercy, 1-5; wishes he had the wings of a dove, that he might flee away, and be at rest, 6-8; prays against his enemies, and describes their wickedness, 9-11; speaks of a false friend, who had been the principal cause of all his distresses, 12-14; again prays against his enemies, 15; expresses his confidence in God, 16-18; gives a farther description of the deceitful friend, 19-21; encourages himself in the Lord, and foretells the destruction of his foes, 22, 23. NOTES ON PSALM LV The title, "To the chief Musician upon Neginoth, A Psalm of David, giving instruction." This is the same as the preceding, which see. Psalms 54:1 Verse 1. Give ear to my prayer] The frequency of such petitions shows the great earnestness of David's soul. If God did not hear and help, he knew he could not succeed elsewhere; therefore he continues to knock at the gate of God's mercy.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:1
1–3 a. The Psalmist’s passionate appeal to God for a hearing in his distress. 1. Give ear &c.] Cp. Psalms 54:2. hide not thyself] As the unmerciful man turns away from misfortune and suffering which he does not want to relieve (Deuteronomy 22:1; Deuteronomy 22:3-4; Isaiah 58:7); or as though my prayer were the prayer of a hypocrite (Isaiah 1:15). Cp. Psalms 10:1; Lamentations 3:56.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:1
Give ear to my prayer - See the notes at Psalms 5:1; Psalms 17:6. This is the language of earnestness. The psalmist was in deep affliction, and he pleaded, therefore, that God would not turn away from him in his troubles.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:1
1. Give ear… hide not thyself—Strong, anthropomorphic words. His urgent cause requires instant personal attention and public action.
Sermons on Psalms 55:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Fearfulness in the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of faith and trust in God's plan. He uses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges to illustrate this point. Gideon was called |
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Root of Bitterness by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dangers of harboring hatred in one's heart. He explains that hatred is deceptive and can blind individuals to their true relationship wi |
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The Danger of Meddling by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dangers of meddling with sinful behaviors. He emphasizes that when we yield ourselves to sin, it can lead to enslavement and destruction |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 38 Psalm 55 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons explores Psalm 55, reflecting on the betrayal of King David by his trusted advisor Ahithophel, paralleling it with Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. The psalm expres |
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Psalm 55 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about David's unwavering trust in God amidst his troubles, finding refuge and deliverance in Him despite facing continuous challenges and betrayals. David's pray |
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The Case for a Good Conscience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good conscience as a believer. A good conscience enables consistency in one's walk with God and promotes unity and |
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Blessedness of Brokenness by Tom Palmer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the audience to write down five statements that describe their personal relationship with God. The statements range from "All of me, no |