Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 55:23
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
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.
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
This Hebrew word refers to a burden or a lot given by Providence. It is used to describe a responsibility or a task assigned to someone, like a weight to carry. It appears in the Bible as a burden or a load.
Definition: burden, lot (that which is given)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: burden. See also: Psalms 55:23.
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
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.
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
Context — Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Proverbs 10:27 |
The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short. |
| 2 |
Psalms 5:6 |
You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. |
| 3 |
Job 15:32 |
It will be paid in full before his time, and his branch will not flourish. |
| 4 |
Psalms 7:15–16 |
He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. |
| 5 |
Psalms 73:18 |
Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. |
| 6 |
Ecclesiastes 7:17 |
Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? |
| 7 |
Isaiah 38:17 |
Surely for my own welfare I had such great anguish; but Your love has delivered me from the pit of oblivion, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back. |
| 8 |
Proverbs 15:11 |
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD— how much more the hearts of men! |
| 9 |
1 Kings 2:5–6 |
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. |
| 10 |
Proverbs 27:20 |
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. |
Psalms 55:23 Summary
This verse tells us that God will judge those who are wicked and do evil, and they will not live a full life. But even in the midst of seeing bad things happen, we can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, just like the psalmist. We can cast our worries and problems on Him, as it says in Psalm 55:22, and have faith that He will take care of us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can have peace and hope, even when things seem unfair or difficult, because we know that He is in control and will ultimately bring justice to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'Pit of destruction' refer to in this verse?
The 'Pit of destruction' is a metaphor for eternal judgment and separation from God, as seen in Psalm 9:17 and Revelation 20:14-15, where those who reject God will face His wrath.
Who are the 'men of bloodshed and deceit' mentioned in this verse?
These individuals are those who have rejected God and live lives of violence and dishonesty, similar to those described in Romans 3:15-17, and will face God's judgment for their actions.
How can we trust in God like the psalmist does in this verse?
We can trust in God by following the example of Psalm 55:23 and casting our burdens upon Him, as instructed in Psalm 55:22, and having faith in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:33.
What is the significance of 'not living out half their days' for the wicked?
This phrase suggests that God will cut short the lives of those who engage in evil, as also seen in Isaiah 57:1, where the righteous are spared but the wicked are taken away suddenly, emphasizing God's justice and judgment.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I see wickedness and injustice around me, and what does this verse teach me about God's perspective on these issues?
- In what ways can I 'trust in You' like the psalmist, and what are some practical steps I can take to deepen my faith in God's goodness and sovereignty?
- What are some 'burdens' in my life that I need to cast upon the Lord, and how can I apply the promise of Psalm 55:22 to my situation?
- How does this verse encourage me to live my life, knowing that God is just and will ultimately bring wickedness to an end, and what impact should this have on my daily choices and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:23
But thou, O God, shall bring them down,.... Ahithophel and his accomplices in the conspiracy against David, Judas and the wicked Jews concerned in Christ's death; and did not believe in him; into the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:23
But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:23
Shalt bring them down; my wicked enemies, of whom I have hitherto spoken. Bloody and deceitful men; that colour their cruel intentions with specious and deceitful pretences; which are most hateful to God and all men. Shall not live out half their days; not half of what others live, and they by the course of nature might live; but shall be cut off by God’ s just judgment, by an untimely and violent death. But I will trust in thee; and in this confidence I will quietly and patiently wait upon thee, for their downfall, and for my deliverance.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:23
Psalms 55:23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.Ver. 23. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction] Into the deep Gehenna, saith the Chaldee; thou shalt hurl them into hell, from their lofty tops here. Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days] Heb. shall not half their days; that is, shall be soon cut off, die in the flower of their age, come to an untimely end ( Ad generum Cereris, &c.); either the sword in battle or the sword of justice shall cut them off; or some treachery of men, or their own intemperance, or God’ s immediate hand, shall make an end of them betimes, and before they come to the full age of a man, or before they have effected their evil designs (Luther rendereth it, Non dimidiabunt negotia), or before they are in fit case to die, Tempore non sue, Ecclesiastes 7:17, then when it were better for them to do anything than to die. Our Richard III and Queen Mary reigned the shortest while of any other since the conquest. Charles IX of France, that bloody prince, died young, of a bloody disease, &c. Absalom and Ahithophel came to tragic and unhappy ends; so did all the primitive persecutors, those cruel crafties. But I will trust in thee] For safety here and for salvation hereafter.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:23
Verse 23. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction] The Chaldee is emphatic: "And thou, O Lord, by thy WORD (במימרך bemeymerach) shalt thrust them into the deep gehenna, the bottomless pit, whence they shall never come out; the pit of destruction, where all is amazement, horror, anguish, dismay, ruin, endless loss, and endless suffering." Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days] So we find, if there be an appointed time to man upon earth, beyond which he cannot pass; yet he may so live as to provoke the justice of God to cut him off before he arrives at that period; yea, before he has reached half way to that limit. According to the decree of God, he might have lived the other half; but he has not done it. But I will trust in thee.] Therefore I shall not be moved, and shall live out all the days of my appointed time. The fathers in general apply the principal passages of this Psalm to our Lord's sufferings, the treason of Judas, and the wickedness of the Jews; but these things do not appear to me fairly deducible from the text. It seems to refer plainly enough to the rebellion of Absalom. "The consternation and distress expressed in Psalms 55:4-8, describe the king's state of mind when he fled from Jerusalem, and marched up the mount of Olives, weeping. The iniquity cast upon the psalmist answers to the complaints artfully laid against the king by his son of a negligent administration of justice: and to the reproach of cruelty cast upon him by Shimei, 2 Samuel 15:2; 2 Samuel 15:4; 2 Samuel 16:7-8. The equal, the guide, and the familiar friend, we find in Ahithophel, the confidential counsellor, first of David, afterwards of his son Absalom. The buttery mouth and oily words describe the insidious character of Absalom, as it is delineated, 2 Samuel 15:5-9.
Still the believer, accustomed to the double edge of the prophetic style, in reading this Psalm, notwithstanding its agreement with the occurrences of David's life, will be led to think of David's great descendant, who endured a bitter agony, and was the victim of a baser treachery, in the same spot where David is supposed to have uttered these complaints." - Bishop Horsley. ANALYSIS OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PSALM There are five general parts in this Psalm: - I. The psalmist entreats God to hear his prayer, Psalms 55:1-2. II. He complains of his trouble, Psalms 55:3-8. II. He prays against his enemies, and shows the causes, Psalms 55:8-15. IV. He takes courage upon assurance of God's help, and his enemies' overthrow, Psalms 55:15-21. V.
An epilogue, in which he exhorts all men to rely upon God, Psalms 55:22-23. I. He begs audience. 1. "Give ear - hide not thyself - attend - hear me." 2.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:23
23. shalt bring them down] Namely, the foes, who are still in the Psalmist’s mind: their end is the pit of the grave: a premature death awaits bloodthirsty and deceitful men, whom God abhors (Psalms 5:6). Cp. Psalms 37:35 f; Psalms 109:8, and many passages which speak of the penal death of the wicked. But I &c.] But as for me, I will trust in thee. The same God who destroys the wicked is the object of the Psalmist’s trust: and in truth the extermination of the wicked is but the converse of the reward and exaltation of the righteous: the one is the necessary preliminary to the other: and the earth, be it remembered, is the stage upon which the Psalmist expects to see the dénouement of the drama of life, the vindication of God’s moral government of the world. See Introd. p. xci ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:23
But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction - The word “them,” here evidently refers to the enemies of the psalmist; the wicked people who were arrayed against him, and who sought his life.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:23
23. Thou… shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction—This verse must be taken as a repetition of the sense and intention of Psa 55:15, “pit of destruction,” here, being equal to sheol there.
Sermons on Psalms 55:23
| Sermon | Description |
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The Benefits of Wisdom
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in one's life. He encourages listeners to seek wisdom and not to forsake the instructions o |
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Sunday Night Meditations 34 Message and Song - 1950's
by Welcome Detweiler
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of gratitude and the consequences of neglecting others. He shares a story of a gardener's son who saved a boy from drowning, |
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He With Us; We With Him
by C.H. Spurgeon
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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord as a means to prolong life, highlighting that virtuous habits fostered by faith can prevent the wastefulness of sin. He |
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Empty Words
by A.W. Tozer
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The preacher delves into the concept of falsehood, emphasizing that it describes intentional lies or deceptions, which are contrary to the truth. The sermon highlights how lies are |
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A Season and a Time
by Keith Daniel
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using words wisely and knowing when to keep silent. He shares a personal story of encountering a young man with a rebellio |
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Ransom for the Righteous
by E.A. Adeboye
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E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the concept of ransom in the Bible, highlighting how Jesus became the ultimate ransom for our sins, as stated in Matthew 20:28. God, out of His love, is wil |
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
by Jonathan Edwards
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The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |