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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Psalms 55  › Psalms 55:15

Psalms 55:15

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Psalms 55:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes.

King James Version KJV

Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let the hand of death come on them suddenly, and let them go down living into the underworld; because evil is in their houses and in their hearts.

Free Bible Version FBV

May death come quickly to them; may they go down into the grave alive, because evil finds its home in them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Let death sense vpon them: let them goe downe quicke into the graue: for wickednes is in their dwellings, euen in the middes of them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Desolations [are] upon them, They go down [to] Sheol — alive, For wickedness [is] in their dwelling, in their midst.

World English Bible WEB

Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is among them, in their dwelling.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

Translation for Translators T4T

I desire/hope that my enemies will die suddenly; while they are still young, cause them to go down to the place where the dead people are. They they think evil things.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 55:15

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 55:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַ֭חְדָּו נַמְתִּ֣יק ס֑וֹד בְּ/בֵ֥ית אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים נְהַלֵּ֥ךְ בְּ/רָֽגֶשׁ
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יַ֭חְדָּו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv
נַמְתִּ֣יק mâthaq H4985 be sweet V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
ס֑וֹד çôwd H5475 counsel N-ms
בְּ/בֵ֥ית bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
נְהַלֵּ֥ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Piel-Imperf-1cp
בְּ/רָֽגֶשׁ regesh H7285 throng Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 55:15

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יַ֭חְדָּו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
נַמְתִּ֣יק mâthaq H4985 "be sweet" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cp
To be sweet means to be pleasing or enjoyable, like a sweet taste or a pleasant conversation. It can also mean to suck, like a baby nursing, and is used in Psalm 119:103 to describe the sweetness of God's words.
Definition: 1) to be or become sweet or pleasing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or become sweet 1a2) to be or become pleasant 1a3) to suck 1b) (Hiphil) to give sweet taste Also means: ma.taq (מָתָק "to sweeten" H4988)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be (made, [idiom] take) sweet. See also: Exodus 15:25; Job 21:33; Psalms 55:15.
ס֑וֹד çôwd H5475 "counsel" N-ms
This word refers to a council or gathering of people for discussion, and can also mean a secret or intimate conversation with God.
Definition: 1) council, counsel, assembly 1a) council (of familiar conversation) 1a1) divan, circle (of familiar friends) 1a2) assembly, company 1b) counsel 1b1) counsel (itself) 1b2) secret counsel 1b3) familiar converse, intimacy (with God)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: assembly, consel, inward, secret (counsel). See also: Genesis 49:6; Proverbs 3:32; Psalms 25:14.
בְּ/בֵ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים 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.
נְהַלֵּ֥ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Piel-Imperf-1cp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/רָֽגֶשׁ regesh H7285 "throng" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a group of people scheming or plotting together. It can also describe a riotous or unruly crowd.
Definition: throng, in company
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: company, insurrection. See also: Psalms 55:15; Psalms 64:3.

Study Notes — Psalms 55:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 59:13 Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, so it may be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah
2 Psalms 64:7 But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be wounded.
3 Psalms 9:17 The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God.
4 Acts 1:18–20 (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. This became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his position.’
5 Psalms 109:6–20 Set over him a wicked man; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayer be regarded as sin. May his days be few; may another take his position. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children wander as beggars, seeking sustenance far from their ruined homes. May the creditor seize all he owns, and strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May there be no one to extend kindness to him, and no one to favor his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth. For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death. The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him. The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil. May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. May this be the LORD’s reward to my accusers, to those who speak evil against me.
6 Acts 1:25 to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.”
7 Matthew 27:5 So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
8 2 Samuel 18:9 Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair.
9 2 Samuel 18:14 But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.
10 Numbers 16:30–34 But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.” As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!”

Psalms 55:15 Summary

Psalm 55:15 is a prayer for God to bring justice to those who have done wrong, specifically those who have been evil in their homes. The speaker is asking for God to intervene and bring an end to their wickedness, much like what is described in Psalms 7:9, where God judges the righteous and the wicked. This verse reminds us that God is a God of justice and that He will ultimately bring justice to those who have been wronged, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4. We can trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and bring our concerns to Him in prayer, just like the speaker in Psalm 55:15.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Psalm 55:15 and why is the speaker asking for death to seize them by surprise?

The speaker in Psalm 55:15 is asking for judgment on their enemies because they have been betrayed by someone they trusted, as seen in Psalm 55:13-14, where it says they shared sweet fellowship together, but the enemy's actions were evil, similar to what is described in Psalms 101:5, where God says He will destroy those who slander their neighbor in secret.

What does it mean to 'go down to Sheol alive'?

Going down to Sheol alive, as mentioned in Psalm 55:15, refers to a premature and unexpected death, where the person is suddenly cut off from the living, similar to what happened to Korah in Numbers 16:30-33, where he and his family were swallowed up by the earth as a judgment from God.

Is the speaker in Psalm 55:15 seeking revenge or justice?

The speaker in Psalm 55:15 is seeking justice, not revenge, as they are calling upon God to deal with their enemies, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 32:35, where it says 'Vengeance belongs to Me, I will repay', showing that God is the one who will ultimately bring justice.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Psalms?

This verse relates to the overall message of Psalms, which often expresses trust in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Psalms 37:5-6, where it says to commit everything to God and trust in Him, and He will bring justice to those who have been wronged.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I have experienced betrayal or hurt, and how can I bring those to God in prayer, like the speaker in Psalm 55:15?
  2. How can I balance my desire for justice with my need to trust in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 55:15 and other verses like Romans 12:19?
  3. In what ways can I be more mindful of the evil that can be present in my own home, as mentioned in Psalm 55:15, and how can I seek God's help in overcoming it?
  4. How does the speaker's cry for justice in Psalm 55:15 compare to my own responses to injustice, and what can I learn from their example?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:15

Let death seize upon them,.... Ahithophel and his accomplices, Judas and the men with him; as a mighty man, as the king of terrors, and shake them to pieces.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:15

Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:15

Them, i.e. him and all such false-hearted wretches, that pretended religion with wicked design, and now have manifestly apostatized, both from the profession and practice of it, and fallen into all manner of wickedness; for such are the vilest of men, and most obnoxious to the curse of God. Into hell; or, into the grave; cut them off by a sudden and violent death, as thou didst those . But these imprecations used by inspired persons in extraordinary cases is no precedent for our imitation. Their dwellings; or, where they sojourn. They carry their wickedness along with them from place to place, and leave the impressions and effects of it wheresoever they come. Among them, Heb. in their inwards. Wickedness is deeply rooted in their hearts, and it breaks forth in all their houses and actions.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:15

Psalms 55:15 Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them.Ver. 15. Let death seize upon them] Irruat super illos mors, as a merciless landlord, as a cruel creditor, or as he in the Gospel, who took his fellow by the throat, and said, Pay that thou owest me. A sad time it must needs be with the wicked when death shall come upon them with a writ of Habeas corpus, and the devil with another of Habeas animam. Capiat illos mors, Thou shalt have the spirit. Let death seize them, so Aben Ezra rendereth it; Exigat mors in cos, so Kimchi, a ðåשׁç Psalms 89:22. Here it is written, saith he, without an Aleph, as it were, with a swift hand; and as if death and seize were all one word; to note the sudden stroke of death, and that it will soon despatch them. To which sense also some render it, Decipiat eos mors, Let death deceive them, be too nimble for them. And let them go down quick into hell] As did Dathan and his complices, Numbers 16:31-33 According to this imprecation Ahithophel and Judas, hanging themselves, went to hell alive, that is, hale and well; not enfeebled by sickness first. Augustine saith that heretics do the like, falling with open eyes, and self-condemned. For wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them] Heb. in their sojourning place (for here we are but guests and sojourners), and in the middle of them, that is, in their hearts and houses both, undique circumfluunt malitia et maleficiis, they are as naught as need to be.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:15

(15) Let death.—According to the written text we should render desolations upon them. Here we have another sudden outburst of overmastering feeling. Quick—i.e., alive, perhaps with reminiscence of the fate of Korah. (Comp. Proverbs 1:12.) Hell.—Sheôl. (See Note Psalms 6:5.) And among them.—The conjunction is unnecessary. Render, in their dwellings, in their very midst.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:15

Verse 15. Let death seize upon them] This is a prediction of the sudden destruction which should fall on the ringleaders in this rebellion. And it was so. Ahithophel, seeing his counsel rejected, hanged himself. Absalom was defeated; and, fleeing away, he was suspended by the hair in a tree, under which his mule had passed; and being found thus by Joab, he was despatched with three darts; and the people who espoused his interests were almost all cut off. They fell by the sword, or perished in the woods. See 2 Samuel 18:8. Let then go down quick into hell] Let them go down alive into the pit. Let the earth swallow them up! And something of this kind actually took place. Absalom and his army were defeated; twenty thousand of the rebels were slain on the field; and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured, 2 Samuel 18:7-8. The words might be rendered, "Death shall exact upon them; they shall descend alive into sheol." And death did exact his debt upon them, as we have seen above.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:15

15. The mournful recollections of past friendships so cruelly outraged give way to a fierce invocation of vengeance, and the individual disappears behind the whole body of the Psalmist’s enemies. It will be noted that he avoids any personal execration of his old friend. Let death &c.] The consonants of the written text must be rendered, Desolations be upon them! but the word for desolations is one which only occurs in the name of a place (Beth-jeshimoth) and is not a natural word to apply to persons; and the marginal reading, with which all the Ancient Versions agree, should certainly be followed in its division of the consonants into two words. Render, Let death come upon them unawares. In this and in the next line, Let them go down alive into Sheol, there may be an allusion to the fate of Korah and his company of rebels (Numbers 16:30; Numbers 16:33). Let them be overtaken in the midst of their villany by a sudden and premature death, which will be a visible judgement on their crimes. Cp. Psalms 35:8; and Psalms 124:3; Proverbs 1:12. Quick in A.V. regularly retains its old meaning alive. Sheol (A.V. hell) is not the place of torment, but the abode of the departed, the O.T. equivalent of Hades, by which it is rendered in the LXX. See note on Psalms 6:5. for wickedness &c.] For wickedness (lit. evils) is in their dwelling, in the midst of them (lit. in their inward part). Evil of every kind finds a home, not only in their dwellings, but in their hearts.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:15

Let death seize upon them - This would be more correctly rendered, “Desolations (are) upon them!” That is, Desolation, or destruction will certainly come upon them.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:15

15. Again the subdued and tender strain of the muse is suddenly broken by one of the harshest imprecations in the Book of Psalms. The style is exceedingly impassioned.

Sermons on Psalms 55:15

SermonDescription
F.B. Meyer Separated From Lot by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of separation from worldly influences, using the story of Abraham and Lot to illustrate how God can transform unworthy materials into vessels of
Rolfe Barnard (John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 4 Turn or Burn! by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance as the only command that God has for sinners. He states that God does not have time to argue or negotiate with
Alan Cairns Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6 by Alan Cairns This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being div
Alan Cairns Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 5 by Alan Cairns This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell and the warning it presents to individuals and nations. It discusses the downfall of once-great superpowers who neglected their spiritual
Rolfe Barnard Paul's Gospel by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central belief of Christianity that Jesus is Lord. He explains that Jesus' Lordship is not just a theory, but a reality that was establi
David Legge The Neglected Place Called Hell by David Legge This sermon delves into the neglected truth of the reality of hell, emphasizing the importance of understanding its existence as a real place of torment. Through the story in Luke
David Legge The Great White Throne Judgement by David Legge In this sermon, Dr. Ironside begins by reading John 3:16, emphasizing God's love for the world and the gift of His only begotten Son. He then shares a story about a man on a plane
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