Psalms 55:20
Psalms 55:20 in Multiple Translations
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.
He has put out his hand against those who were at peace with him; he has not kept his agreement.
As for my best friend, he attacked his friends who had no quarrel with him; he broke the promises he had made to them.
Hee layed his hande vpon such, as be at peace with him, and he brake his couenant.
He hath sent forth his hands against his well-wishers, He hath polluted his covenant.
He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant.
He hath put forth his hands against such as are at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
My companion, whom I mentioned previously, betrayed his friends and broke the agreement that he made with them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 55:20
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 55:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִשְׁמַ֤ע
אֵ֨ל
וְֽ/יַעֲנֵ/ם֮
וְ/יֹ֤שֵׁ֥ב
קֶ֗דֶם
סֶ֥לָה
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
אֵ֣ין
חֲלִיפ֣וֹת
לָ֑/מוֹ
וְ/לֹ֖א
יָרְא֣וּ
אֱלֹהִֽים
יִשְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵ֨ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
וְֽ/יַעֲנֵ/ם֮
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/יֹ֤שֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal
קֶ֗דֶם
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms
סֶ֥לָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
חֲלִיפ֣וֹת
chălîyphâh
H2487
change
N-fp
לָ֑/מוֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָרְא֣וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 55:20
יִשְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵ֨ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
וְֽ/יַעֲנֵ/ם֮
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
וְ/יֹ֤שֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
קֶ֗דֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
סֶ֥לָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
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.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
חֲלִיפ֣וֹת
chălîyphâh
H2487
"change"
N-fp
This word refers to a change or replacement, like switching clothes or taking turns, and is used in the Bible to describe things like changing courses in life.
Definition: 1) a change, change (of garments), replacement 1a) change (of raiment) 1b) relays 1c) relief (from death) 1d) changing, varying (course of life)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: change, course. See also: Genesis 45:22; 2 Kings 5:5; Psalms 55:20.
לָ֑/מוֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָרְא֣וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אֱלֹהִֽים
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 55:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 55:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:20
- Sermons on Psalms 55:20
Context — Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
18He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.
19God will hear and humiliate them— the One enthroned for the ages— Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God.
20My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
21His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. 22Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 12:1 | About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. |
| 2 | Psalms 89:34 | I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips. |
| 3 | Psalms 7:4 | if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, |
| 4 | Psalms 120:6–7 | Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace. I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war. |
| 5 | Psalms 109:5 | They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love. |
| 6 | Psalms 89:38 | Now, however, You have spurned and rejected him; You are enraged by Your anointed one. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 8:2 | Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. |
| 8 | Psalms 89:28 | I will forever preserve My loving devotion for him, and My covenant with him will stand fast. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 5:3 | So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 2:4 | Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” |
Psalms 55:20 Summary
Psalms 55:20 is talking about someone who is supposed to be a friend but is actually hurting and betraying others. This person is breaking their promises and being dishonest, which is very hurtful. We can see a similar situation in Jeremiah 9:8, where the prophet talks about people who are deceitful and untrustworthy. As Christians, we should strive to be faithful friends and keep our promises, just like God keeps His promises to us, as seen in Numbers 23:19 and 1 Corinthians 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to violate a covenant in Psalms 55:20?
To violate a covenant means to break a promise or an agreement, as seen in Psalms 55:20, where it says 'he violates his covenant'. This is similar to what we see in Genesis 31:19, where Laban's daughters and Jacob make a covenant, and in Deuteronomy 29:12-13, where the Israelites make a covenant with God.
Why would a companion attack his friends?
A companion attacking his friends, as mentioned in Psalms 55:20, may be due to a lack of fear of God, as stated in Psalms 55:19, which says 'because they do not change and they have no fear of God'. This lack of fear can lead to a breakdown in relationships and a disregard for the well-being of others.
How can we recognize someone who violates covenants and attacks their friends?
We can recognize someone who violates covenants and attacks their friends by their actions and speech, as seen in Psalms 55:21, which says 'His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart'. This is similar to what the Apostle Paul warns about in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, where he describes people who are lovers of themselves and have a form of godliness but deny its power.
What should we do when we encounter someone like this?
When we encounter someone who violates covenants and attacks their friends, we should cast our burdens upon the Lord, as stated in Psalms 55:22, which says 'Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken'. We can also follow the example in Matthew 5:44, where Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
Reflection Questions
- How have I experienced betrayal or hurt from someone I trusted, and how can I bring this pain to God in prayer?
- In what ways can I be a faithful friend and keep my covenants, just like God keeps His promises to us, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9?
- What are some warning signs that someone may be violating their covenant or attacking their friends, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- How can I balance the need to forgive others with the need to protect myself from harm, as taught in Matthew 18:21-22 and Proverbs 22:3?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:20
He hath put forth his hands,.... The psalmist returns and describes, in this verse Psalms 55:3, the cruelty, perfidy, and hypocrisy of his false friend; who had stretched forth his hands against such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:20
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 55:20
He, i.e. they, the persons last mentioned. Before the singular number, ,14, was suddenly changed into the plural, , that the punishment might reach not him only, but his partners, in those treacherous and treasonable actions; and here is as sudden a change from the plural into the singular, and he returns to that person who was the chief contriver and promoter of this rebellion under Absalom, even to Ahithophel, of whom he spoke ; and though he doth not excuse the rest, as we have seen, yet he lays the chief blame upon him, and here he adds new aggravations of his treason. Hath put forth his hands, in way of force or violence, as this phrase is used, . Against such as be at peace with him; against me, who gave him no provocation nor disturbance, but lived in great peace, and security, and friendship with him. Hath broken his covenant; all those solemn obligations by which he was tied to me, both as his king and as his friend.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:20
Psalms 55:20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.Ver. 20. He hath put forth his hands, &c.] That wicked Ahithophel hath. The Fathers understand it of God and his judgments. He hath broken his covenant] His oath of allegiance, and a particular oath when he was sworn of David’ s counsel. The Scythians were strict covenant keepers (Herod. Melp.); and the Carthaginians infamous for the contrary; as now the Turks are.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:20
(20) He hath.—As in Psalms 55:12, the individual specially prominent in the traitorous crew is here singled out, and his treachery exposed. He hath broken . . .—Literally, he perforated. In a note in his work on the Creed, referring to Colossians 2:14, Bishop Pearson says one mode of cancelling a bond was to drive a nail through it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:20
Verse 20. He hath put forth his hands] A farther description of Ahithophel. He betrayed his friends, and he broke his covenant with his king. He had agreed to serve David for his own emolument, and a stipulation was made accordingly; but while receiving the king's pay, he was endeavouring to subvert the kingdom, and destroy the life of his sovereign.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:20
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 55:20
He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him - Against those who were his friends, or who had given him no occasion for war.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:20
20. He hath broken his covenant—The covenant that was implied by their close friendship. Here again Ahithophel appears to view. See Psalms 55:14
Sermons on Psalms 55:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Against the Flow by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching in a public setting and facing disdain and mockery when he mentioned God and Jesus. He draws a parallel to the story |
|
A Revelation of Principles by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the idea that the only problem with the Bible is the first four words: "In the beginning, God." The speaker suggests that if one can accept an |
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From Simon to Peter #33 - the Spirit in the Heart With Death at the Door by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Simon Peter in the book of Acts. Peter finds himself imprisoned and facing certain death, with no human means of escape. Howeve |
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Suffering-Deliverance by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of pride and how it can lead to destruction. He uses the example of the king of Babylon who boasted about his own greatness and w |
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Prevailing, Prayer, Persecuted Church by John McGregor | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and strength of Jesus in the church. He highlights the persecution faced by the early church and how they remained faithful to God |
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(Acts) the God Who Intervenes by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the supernatural aspects of the Bible. He highlights the story of Peter's miraculous escape from |
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Persecuted by Miles DeBenedictis | This sermon emphasizes the theme of persecution and opposition faced by the early church in the Book of Acts, highlighting how the power of God through His church attracts resistan |