Psalms 55:11
Psalms 55:11 in Multiple Translations
Destruction is within; oppression and deceit never leave the streets.
Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.
Wickedness is in the midst thereof: Oppression and guile depart not from its streets.
Evil is there; cruel rule and deceit are ever in the streets.
The ones causing destruction are inside the city; frauds and cheats are always on the streets.
Wickednes is in the middes thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streetes.
Mischiefs [are] in its midst. Fraud and deceit depart not from its street.
Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets.
Wickedness is in the midst of it: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.
In God will I praise the word, in the Lord will I praise his speech. In God have I hoped, I will not fear what man can do to me.
They destroy things everywhere. They oppress and defraud people in the ◄marketplaces/public squares►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 55:11
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 55:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יוֹמָ֤ם
וָ/לַ֗יְלָה
יְסוֹבְבֻ֥/הָ
עַל
חוֹמֹתֶ֑י/הָ
וְ/אָ֖וֶן
וְ/עָמָ֣ל
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/הּ
יוֹמָ֤ם
yôwmâm
H3119
by day
Adv
וָ/לַ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Conj | N-ms
יְסוֹבְבֻ֥/הָ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-m-Imperf-3mp | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חוֹמֹתֶ֑י/הָ
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
N-fp | Suff
וְ/אָ֖וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
Conj | N-ms
וְ/עָמָ֣ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
Conj | N-cs
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/הּ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 55:11
יוֹמָ֤ם
yôwmâm
H3119
"by day"
Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
וָ/לַ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Conj | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
יְסוֹבְבֻ֥/הָ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-m-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
חוֹמֹתֶ֑י/הָ
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
N-fp | Suff
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
וְ/אָ֖וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
וְ/עָמָ֣ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
Conj | N-cs
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/הּ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 55:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 55:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:11
- Sermons on Psalms 55:11
Context — Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
9O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.
10Day and night they encircle the walls, while malice and trouble lie within.
11Destruction is within; oppression and deceit never leave the streets.
12For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. 13But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 5:26–27 | For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. |
| 2 | Psalms 10:7 | His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue. |
| 3 | Psalms 5:9 | For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. |
| 4 | Isaiah 59:7 | Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 9:3–5 | “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. |
| 6 | Acts 7:51–52 | You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— |
| 7 | Ezekiel 22:1–12 | Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O city who brings her own doom by shedding blood within her walls and making idols to defile herself, you are guilty of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled by the idols you have made. You have brought your days to a close and have come to the end of your years. Therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations and a mockery to all the lands. Those near and far will mock you, O infamous city, full of turmoil. See how every prince of Israel within you has used his power to shed blood. Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed. You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths. Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency. In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity. One man commits an abomination with his neighbor’s wife; another wickedly defiles his daughter-in-law; and yet another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter. In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 8 | Matthew 26:4 | and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. |
| 9 | Psalms 109:2–3 | For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues. They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. |
Psalms 55:11 Summary
This verse is saying that there is a lot of evil and hurtful behavior in the world, and it's not just something that happens outside, but also inside our cities and communities. It's like what Jesus said in Matthew 15:19, that evil thoughts and actions come from within our own hearts. The good news is that God is aware of all this evil and hurt, and He wants to bring justice and peace, as seen in Psalms 55:9, where the psalmist asks God to confuse and confound the speech of those who perpetuate violence and strife. We can pray for God's intervention and justice in our own lives and communities, and trust that He will bring peace and comfort to those who are hurting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'destruction is within' in Psalms 55:11?
The phrase 'destruction is within' refers to the inner turmoil and chaos that can exist within a city or community, as seen in Psalms 55:10 where it says 'malice and trouble lie within'. This is similar to what Jesus says in Matthew 15:19, that evil thoughts come from within.
Why does the verse say 'oppression and deceit never leave the streets'?
The verse is highlighting the pervasive nature of sin and evil in the world, where oppression and deceit are constant and unrelenting, much like what is described in Isaiah 59:14-15, where truth and justice are lacking.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that sin and evil are still present in our world today, and that we must be vigilant and prayerful, as seen in Psalms 55:9, where the psalmist asks God to confuse and confound the speech of those who perpetuate violence and strife.
What is the role of the believer in the face of such evil and destruction?
As believers, we are called to be salt and light in a world filled with darkness and evil, as seen in Matthew 5:13-14, and to pray for God's intervention and justice, as seen in Psalms 55:9-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that you see 'destruction' and 'oppression' in your own community, and how can you pray for God's intervention?
- How can you be a force for truth and justice in a world filled with 'deceit' and 'oppression'?
- What are some ways that you can personally experience the 'destruction' and 'turmoil' described in this verse, and how can you turn to God for comfort and peace?
- How can you use this verse as a reminder to pray for your own city and community, and for God's presence and justice to be known there?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:11
Wickedness [is] in the midst thereof,.... All manner of wickedness; abominable wickedness; wickedness as arrived to its highest pitch, and as having filled up its measure; see Ezekiel 9:4; deceit and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:11
Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:11
The places of buying and selling, and of public and common conversation. So their sins were both universal and impudent.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:11
Psalms 55:11 Wickedness [is] in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.Ver. 11. Wickedness is in the midst thereof] As if it were no longer, as once, Theopolis, but Poneropolls, for all kind of naughtiness there. Deceit and guile depart not from her streets] The Vulgate hath it, Usura et dolus, Usury and guile; and Theodoret’ s note here is, Notandum est, non mode Novi Testamenti perfectionem, sed Legis statum faenus damnare, that usury is condemned in both Old and New Testament.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:11
(11) Deceit.—Rather, oppression, or violence. Streets.—Rather, squares, the open space at the gate of an Oriental city where public business was conducted. It is a miserable picture of mis-government; in the very seat of justice is nothing but oppression and guile.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:11
11. Wickedness] The same word as in Psalms 52:2; very wickedness or destruction. deceit] R.V. oppression, or, marg., fraud. her streets] Lit., broad place: the open space inside the gates, where justice was administered and business transacted. Everywhere throughout the city, in the most public places of concourse, every form of evil and injustice is rampant, without check or intermission. The whole city lies at their mercy. Cp. the catalogue of vices in Psalms 10:7 : “His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue is mischief and iniquity.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:11
Wickedness is in the midst thereof - That is, the wickedness connected with rebellion and revolt. Deceit and guile depart not from her streets - They are everywhere. They are found in every street and alley.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:11
11. Wickedness… deceit and guile—Rampant lust, perfidy, and craft everywhere prevailed.
Sermons on Psalms 55:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When Religion Wants to Be Worshipped by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the immediate effect of Satan's fallen nature being embraced by humanity and how it influenced religious practices. The story of Cain and Abel |
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A Life of Self Acknowlegement by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discipline in various aspects of life, such as time management, financial stewardship, and controlling bodily desires. It also highlights t |
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Under Sin by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals |
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Bearing the Rod by A.W. Pink | The preacher delves into the concept of cursing, originally meaning a wish or prayer for harm, but evolving into an invocation of evil upon another. Cursing involves expressing a d |
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In My Flesh Shall I See God by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'taphos,' often used in the New Testament to refer to literal burial places but also figuratively by Paul to describe de |
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Pure by Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of letting go of religious traditions and embracing the freedom found in Christ. He highlights how Jesus faced opposition from |
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The Day That Belongs to the Lord by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being creative in our daily lives and making each day a sweet and blessed day. He encourages the congregation to search the |