Psalms 55:16
Psalms 55:16 in Multiple Translations
But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.
As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
As for me, I will call upon God; And Jehovah will save me.
As for me, I will make my prayer to God, and he will be my saviour.
As for me, I cry out to God, and the Lord will save me.
But I will call vnto God, and the Lord will saue me.
I — to God I call, and Jehovah saveth me.
As for me, I will call on God. The LORD will save me.
As for me, I will call upon God: and the LORD will save me.
But I will ask Yahweh, my God, to help me, and he will save me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 55:16
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 55:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ישימות
יַשִּׁ֤י
מָ֨וֶת
עָלֵ֗י/מוֹ
יֵרְד֣וּ
שְׁא֣וֹל
חַיִּ֑ים
כִּֽי
רָע֖וֹת
בִּ/מְגוּרָ֣/ם
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/ם
ישימות
yᵉshîymah
H3451
desolation
N-fp
יַשִּׁ֤י
nâshâʼ
H5377
to deceive
V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
מָ֨וֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
עָלֵ֗י/מוֹ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
יֵרְד֣וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
N-proper
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רָע֖וֹת
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fp
בִּ/מְגוּרָ֣/ם
mâgûwr
H4033
sojourning
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/ם
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
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 55:16
ישימות
yᵉshîymah
H3451
"desolation"
N-fp
Desolation refers to a state of emptiness or ruin, as seen in the margin of some Bible translations. It is a state of being deserted or empty.
Definition: desolation
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: let death seize (from the margin). See also: Psalms 55:16.
יַשִּׁ֤י
nâshâʼ
H5377
"to deceive"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
This word means to deceive or lead someone astray, often used in a negative way. It appears in books like Genesis and Proverbs, warning about being deceived or misled. It's about being tricked or seduced into doing something wrong.
Definition: 1) to beguile, deceive 1a) (Niphal) to be beguiled 1b) (Hiphil) to beguile, deceive 1c) (Qal) utterly (infinitive)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: beguile, deceive, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 3:13; Isaiah 37:10; Psalms 55:16.
מָ֨וֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
עָלֵ֗י/מוֹ
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.
יֵרְד֣וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
כִּֽי
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.
רָע֖וֹת
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fp
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
בִּ/מְגוּרָ֣/ם
mâgûwr
H4033
"sojourning"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a temporary or permanent place to live, like a home or dwelling. It appears in the Bible when talking about where people lived, like the Israelites in a foreign land. The KJV translates it as dwelling or pilgrimage.
Definition: 1) sojourning place, dwelling-place, sojourning 1a) dwelling-place 1b) sojourning, lifetime
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dwelling, pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger. Compare H4032 (מָגוֹר). See also: Genesis 17:8; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 55:16.
בְּ/קִרְבָּֽ/ם
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 55:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 55:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:16
- Sermons on Psalms 55:16
Context — Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
14We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
15Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes.
16But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.
17Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. 18He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 2 | Psalms 109:4 | In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. |
| 3 | Psalms 73:28 | But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works. |
| 4 | Luke 6:11–12 | But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. |
| 5 | Psalms 91:15 | When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. |
Psalms 55:16 Summary
[Psalms 55:16 tells us that when we call to God, He saves us, which means that no matter what trouble we are in, we can trust God to help us. This is similar to what we read in Matthew 7:7-8, where Jesus teaches us to ask, seek, and knock, and God will answer us. By calling to God, we are putting our trust in Him and His power to save us from any situation, as seen in the story of Jonah, who cried out to God from the belly of the fish and was saved (Jonah 2:2). This gives us great comfort and peace, knowing that God is always near to help us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'call to God' in Psalms 55:16?
To call to God means to cry out to Him in prayer, trusting in His power and love to save us, as seen in Psalms 145:18, which says that the LORD is near to all who call on Him in truth.
How does God save us according to this verse?
Although the verse does not specify how God saves us, we can look to other scriptures like Romans 10:13, which tells us that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, implying a spiritual salvation from sin and its consequences.
Is this verse only for extreme situations or can it be applied to everyday life?
This verse can be applied to everyday life, as we see in Psalms 34:17-18, where it says that the righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them, delivering them from all their troubles, which includes both major and minor challenges.
What is the relationship between calling to God and being saved in this context?
The relationship is one of direct causality - when we call to God, He saves us, as stated in the verse, similar to what we see in Jeremiah 33:3, where the LORD says to call to Him, and He will answer us, and show us great and unsearchable things.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can you apply the principle of calling to God in times of distress, as seen in Psalms 55:16, to your own life?
- How does the promise that God saves those who call to Him encourage you to be more faithful in prayer?
- What are some areas in your life where you need to call out to God for salvation or deliverance, and how can you start doing that today?
- Reflecting on Psalms 55:16, what does it mean to you personally that God is a Savior who hears and responds to the cries of His people?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:16
As for me, I will call upon God,.... Not upon a creature, on idols and images, on angels or saints departed; but upon God, in his time of trouble, for salvation and deliverance from enemies; who is able to save.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:16
As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. -Third strophe. His confident hope, resting upon the grounds stated in the previous prayer. Verse 16,17.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:16
Whilst he destroys them. As they and I differ in the courses of our lives, so shall we in our ends.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:16
Psalms 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.Ver. 16. As for me, I will call upon God] Or, I have called upon God, sc. for good to be done to myself, Psalms 55:1, &c., and for evil to mine enemies, Psalms 55:9, &c. (of which sort of imprecations. And he hath heard me] I know he hath, both for myself, Psalms 55:17-18, and against them, Psalms 55:19-21. For what reason? first, they fear not God, Psalms 55:19; secondly, they break covenant, Psalms 55:20; thirdly, they use deceit, Psalms 55:21. These courses will work their ruth and ruin.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:16
Verse 16. I will call upon God] He foresaw his deliverance, and the defeat of his enemies, and therefore speaks confidently, "The Lord shall save me;" or, as the Targum, "The WORD of the Lord shall redeem me."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:16
16–23. In this division of the Psalm the storm of indignation dies away, and the Psalmist’s trustful confidence revives.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:16
As for me, I will call upon God - That is, I have no other refuge in my troubles, yet I can go to him, and pour out all the desires of my heart before him. And the Lord shall save me - This expresses strong confidence.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:16
16. As for me—The pronoun is emphatic, and indicates the contrast between himself and his enemies.
Sermons on Psalms 55:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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God's People Will Never Be Ashamed in the Time of Calamity by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity, highlighting the need to commit to God's promises and believe in His ability to work mir |
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Psalm 3 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to the Lord in times of need. He shares a personal testimony of a doctor who was also a minister and how he expe |
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Prayer in a Surrounded City by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 55 focuses on the power of prayer in a surrounded city, emphasizing the importance of kindness and love towards those who oppose us. It highlights the need |
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I Will Call Upon God by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 55 emphasizes the importance of calling upon God in times of trouble and oppression. It highlights the need for believers to rely on God's strength, joy, an |
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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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Comfort in Uncertain Times by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of seeking comfort in God during uncertain times, urging listeners to cry out to the Lord in desperation and to prioritize their relationshi |