Psalms 55:2
Psalms 55:2 in Multiple Translations
Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught
Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;
Attend unto me, and answer me: I am restless in my complaint, and moan,
Give thought to me, and let my prayer be answered: I have been made low in sorrow;
Please listen, and give me an answer. I'm terribly troubled by my problems! I'm frantic!
Hearken vnto me, and answere me: I mourne in my prayer, and make a noyse,
Attend to me, and answer me, I mourn in my meditation, and make a noise,
Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan
Attend to me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;
Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me.
Listen to me, and answer me, because I am overwhelmed by all my troubles.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 55:2
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 55:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַאֲזִ֣ינָ/ה
אֱ֭לֹהִים
תְּפִלָּתִ֑/י
וְ/אַל
תִּ֝תְעַלַּ֗ם
מִ/תְּחִנָּתִֽ/י
הַאֲזִ֣ינָ/ה
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
תְּפִלָּתִ֑/י
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
N-fs | Suff
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תִּ֝תְעַלַּ֗ם
ʻâlam
H5956
to conceal
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
מִ/תְּחִנָּתִֽ/י
tᵉchinnâh
H8467
supplication
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 55:2
הַאֲזִ֣ינָ/ה
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
אֱ֭לֹהִים
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.
תְּפִלָּתִ֑/י
tᵉphillâh
H8605
"prayer"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּ֝תְעַלַּ֗ם
ʻâlam
H5956
"to conceal"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to hide or conceal something from view. It appears in various forms, including being hidden or keeping a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding oneself or something from others.
Definition: 1) to conceal, hide, be hidden, be concealed, be secret 1a) (Qal) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be concealed 1b2) concealed, dissembler (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1d) (Hithpael) to hide oneself
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, blind, dissembler, hide (self), secret (thing). See also: Leviticus 4:13; Job 6:16; Psalms 10:1.
מִ/תְּחִנָּתִֽ/י
tᵉchinnâh
H8467
"supplication"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a humble request for favor or grace, often used to describe a prayer to God for help. It appears in the Bible as a plea for mercy or kindness. In the KJV, it is translated as favor, grace, or supplication.
Definition: 1) favour, supplication, supplication for favour 1a) favour 1b) supplication for favour
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace, supplication. See also: Joshua 11:20; 2 Chronicles 6:39; Psalms 6:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 55:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 55:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
- Sermons on Psalms 55:2
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. 4My heart pounds within me, and the terrors of death assail me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 38:14 | I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security.” |
| 2 | Psalms 66:19 | But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer. |
| 3 | Psalms 77:3 | I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah |
| 4 | Psalms 64:1 | Hear, O God, my voice of complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. |
| 5 | Isaiah 59:11 | We all growl like bears and moan like doves. We hope for justice, but find none, for salvation, but it is far from us. |
| 6 | Psalms 43:2 | For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression? |
| 7 | Psalms 38:6 | I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning. |
| 8 | Psalms 102:9–10 | For I have eaten ashes like bread and mixed my drink with tears because of Your indignation and wrath, for You have picked me up and cast me aside. |
| 9 | Psalms 32:3 | When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. |
| 10 | Psalms 13:1–2 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me? |
Psalms 55:2 Summary
[Psalms 55:2 is a heartfelt cry to God for help and attention in a time of great trouble and distress. The speaker is feeling overwhelmed and anxious, and is seeking God's comfort and response. This verse reminds us that we can be honest with God about our emotions, just like the Psalmist in Psalms 38:9, and trust that He will hear and respond to our prayers (Jeremiah 33:3). By being open and vulnerable with God, we can build a deeper relationship with Him and find peace in the midst of turmoil.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'attend to me' in Psalms 55:2?
In this context, 'attend to me' is a plea for God to give His full attention to the speaker's prayer, similar to how God commands us to give our full attention to Him in Deuteronomy 6:13. The speaker is seeking a personal and intimate response from God.
Why does the speaker say they are 'restless in my complaint'?
The speaker is overwhelmed with anxiety and worry, unable to find peace due to the troubles they are facing, much like the Psalmist in Psalms 38:9 who pours out his heart before God. This restlessness is a cry for God's intervention and comfort.
Is it okay to express our emotions to God like the speaker in Psalms 55:2?
Yes, the Bible encourages us to be honest and open with God about our feelings, as seen in Psalms 42:4 where the Psalmist pours out his soul to God. Expressing our emotions to God is a key part of building a deep and personal relationship with Him.
How can we apply the principle of Psalms 55:2 to our own prayer lives?
We can apply this principle by being honest and vulnerable in our prayers, sharing our deepest concerns and emotions with God, just as the speaker does in Psalms 55:2. We can also trust that God will hear and respond to our prayers, as promised in Jeremiah 33:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel 'restless in my complaint', and how can I bring these concerns to God in prayer?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when I'm feeling overwhelmed and distraught?
- How can I balance being honest about my emotions with trusting in God's goodness and plan for my life, as seen in Romans 8:28?
- What are some specific ways I can 'attend to' God and give Him my full attention in my daily life, such as in quiet time or worship?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:2
Attend unto me, and hear me,.... So as to answer, and that immediately and directly, his case requiring present help; I mourn in my complaint; or "in my meditation" (p); solitary thoughts, and melancholy views of things.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:2
Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Development of the prayer generally set forth in the introduction; two strophes (Psalms 55:2-8, and Psalms 55:9-15).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
For my misery is very great, and forceth tears and bitter cries from me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
Psalms 55:2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;Ver. 2. Attend unto me, and hear me] Heb. answer me, that is, grant me deliverance from this death which threateneth me. This is his sense, as appeareth by the sequel; though at present he could not instance, but only beggeth audience. I mourn in my complaint] Heb. I toss this way and that way; I am so much troubled ut meipsum lamentando huc et illuc versare, et mire agitare cogar. Prae dolore moveo me nunc huc nunc illuc (Campensis). And make a noise] Plungo, et perstrepo. Of our Saviour it is said, that, being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly; he bent, as it were, all his nerves, and set up his note, Luke 22:44.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
(2) I mourn.—A verb found in this form only in three other passages, always with the idea of restlessness—e.g., Genesis 27:40, of the roving life of a Bedouin; Jeremiah 2:31, of moral restlessness; Hosea 12:1, of political instability. Here it may either indicate that bodily restlessness which often serves as an outlet of grief: “Hard mechanic exercise, Like dull narcotics, numbing pain,” or the distracted state of the mind itself. And make a noise.—Better, and must roar, the form of the verb expressing the compulsion which the sufferer feels to give vent to his feelings in groans and murmurs. (See Note on Psalms 42:5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
Verse 2. I mourn in my complaint] בשיחי besichi, in my sighing; a strong guttural sound, expressive of the natural accents of sorrow. And make a noise] I am in a tumult - I am strongly agitated.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:2
2. hear me] Answer me. I mourn &c.] Render, I am restless in my complaint, and am distracted (R.V. moan). A word used in Genesis 27:40 of a roving life, in Jeremiah 2:31 of impatience of restraint (R.V. break loose), is here applied to the restlessness of a distracted mind.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:2
Attend unto me, and hear me - This also is the language of earnest supplication, as if he was afraid that God would not regard his cry.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:2
2. I mourn in my complaint—I wander about in my complaint. As one who has lost his way, I go up and down in meditative grief. The word rendered “mourn” signifies to wander, to roam about.
Sermons on Psalms 55:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Crying Unto Jesus by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches on the fervent and intense prayers of the Syro-Phoenician woman in Matthew 15:22, highlighting the importance of urgent prayer that is filled with need, |
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Soul Trouble by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the spiritual instruction found in John 12:27, where Jesus expresses His soul's trouble and submission to the Father's will. Bradbury emphasizes the dee |
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The Oppressed Soul Seeking Divine Interposition. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the need for someone to undertake for us in various aspects of life, including supporting and comforting us through trials, guiding us, assisting in ov |
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The Sick Man's Prayer and the Sinner's Cry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the deep reliance of God's people on Him alone for help and deliverance, emphasizing the need for a spiritual understanding of the malady of sin, the knowl |
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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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How the Turning Point Came by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and not erecting barriers between oneself and others. They highlight the need to love unconditionally, regardless of w |
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The Illogic of Complaining by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the detrimental effects of complaining on the soul and the Christian testimony, emphasizing that this sin is often overlooked despite its prevalence. He argues |