Psalms 55:6
Psalms 55:6 in Multiple Translations
I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest.
And I said, If only I had wings like a dove! for then I would go in flight from here and be at rest.
I tell myself, If only God would give me wings like a dove so I could fly away and be at peace!
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a doue: then would I flie away and rest.
And I say, 'Who doth give to me a pinion as a dove? I fly away and rest,
I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest.
And I said, O that I had wings like a dove! for then I would fly away, and be at rest.
All the day long they detested my words: all their thoughts were against me unto evil.
I said, “I wish that I had wings like a dove! If I had wings, I would fly away and find a place to rest.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 55:6
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 55:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִרְאָ֣ה
וָ֭/רַעַד
יָ֣בֹא
בִ֑/י
וַ֝/תְּכַסֵּ֗/נִי
פַּלָּצֽוּת
יִרְאָ֣ה
yirʼâh
H3374
fear
N-fs
וָ֭/רַעַד
raʻad
H7461
trembling
Conj | N-ms
יָ֣בֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
וַ֝/תְּכַסֵּ֗/נִי
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
פַּלָּצֽוּת
pallâtsûwth
H6427
shuddering
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 55:6
יִרְאָ֣ה
yirʼâh
H3374
"fear"
N-fs
This Hebrew word for fear can also mean reverence or respect, especially when it comes to God. It's used to describe a feeling of awe or terror, and is often translated as 'fear' or 'dreadful' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fear, terror, fearing 1a) fear, terror 1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear) 1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety 1d) revered
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). See also: Genesis 20:11; Proverbs 1:29; Psalms 2:11.
וָ֭/רַעַד
raʻad
H7461
"trembling"
Conj | N-ms
This noun describes a state of trembling or quaking, often caused by fear or anxiety. It is the result of the verb to tremble and is used to describe a physical response to a situation.
Definition: trembling Another spelling of re.a.dah (רְעַדָה "trembling" H7461B)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: trembling. See also: Exodus 15:15; Psalms 48:7; Psalms 2:11.
יָ֣בֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
וַ֝/תְּכַסֵּ֗/נִי
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
פַּלָּצֽוּת
pallâtsûwth
H6427
"shuddering"
N-fs
This noun refers to a feeling of fear or horror, like being terrified. In the Bible, it is used to describe a strong emotional response, often translated as 'fearfulness' or 'trembling'.
Definition: shuddering, trembling
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fearfulness, horror, trembling. See also: Job 21:6; Isaiah 21:4; Psalms 55:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 55:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 55:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:6
- Sermons on Psalms 55:6
Context — Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
4My heart pounds within me, and the terrors of death assail me.
5Fear and trembling grip me, and horror has overwhelmed me.
6I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.
7How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah 8I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 11:1 | In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain! |
| 2 | Revelation 12:14 | But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. |
| 3 | Psalms 139:9 | If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, |
Psalms 55:6 Summary
[The psalmist is feeling overwhelmed and scared, and he wishes he could escape his troubles like a bird flying away. He longs for a place of rest and peace, where he can be safe from the fears and worries that are plaguing him. This desire for rest and peace is something we can all relate to, and it's a promise that God makes to us in verses like Psalms 16:11 and Matthew 11:28-30. By turning to God and trusting in His love and care, we can find the rest and peace that we so desperately need, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the dove in Psalms 55:6?
The dove is often a symbol of peace and innocence in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 8:8-12, where a dove is released by Noah to determine if the floodwaters have receded. In Psalms 55:6, the dove represents a desire for peace and escape from turmoil.
Is it wrong to want to escape from difficult situations like the psalmist does in Psalms 55:6?
While it's natural to feel overwhelmed and desire escape, the Bible encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult times, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11. However, it's not wrong to acknowledge and express our feelings, as the psalmist does here.
How does this verse relate to the concept of rest in the Bible?
The idea of rest in Psalms 55:6 is reminiscent of the Sabbath rest in Exodus 20:11, where God commands the Israelites to rest on the seventh day. The psalmist longs for a similar rest, a respite from the turmoil and fear that surrounds him, and this desire is echoed in other verses like Matthew 11:28-30.
Can we really find rest and peace in God, as the psalmist seems to be seeking in Psalms 55:6?
Yes, the Bible promises that we can find rest and peace in God, as seen in Psalms 16:11 and Philippians 4:7. However, this often requires trusting in His sovereignty, surrendering our worries and fears to Him, and seeking His presence and guidance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel like I want to 'fly away' and escape, and how can I turn to God in those moments?
- How do I currently seek rest and peace in my life, and are these methods aligning with God's promises and provisions?
- What are some ways I can practically trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when I feel overwhelmed and afraid, like the psalmist in Psalms 55:6?
- How can I balance my desire for rest and peace with the need to face and overcome challenges in my life, and what role does God play in this balance?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:6
And I said, oh that I had wings like a dove,.... The psalmist pitches upon this creature, partly to suggest that his enemies pursuing him were like the ravenous hawk, and he like the harmless,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:6
Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me ... And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:6
Psalms 55:6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! [for then] would I fly away, and be at rest.Ver. 6. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove!] Ut citissime et longissime fugerem, that I might swiftly fly far off from Absalom’ s pursuers; as the dove saveth herself by fight, and not by fight, scoureth away to the rocks and deserts, Jeremiah 48:28. Many souls are swifter of flight than doves; but these hold out better. R. Jonah saith, that whereas other birds, when they are wearied with flying, do rest them upon rocks or trees, and are taken; the dove doth not so, but letteth down one wing, and flieth with the other, and thereby escapeth the pursuer (R. Jonah, apud Kimchi). For then would I fly away] But whither he saith not, because he knew not. The Church in the Revelation fled into the wilderness, Revelation 12:6 God provided a Pella for those primitive Christians. Luther, being asked where he would be at quiet from his enemies? answered, Sub coelo, under heave, somewhere God would secure him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:6
(6) Oh that I had.—Literally, who will give me?—The bird that was in the psalmist’s thought was doubtless the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), which selects for its nesting the lofty cliffs and deep ravines far from the neighbourhood of man. (Comp. Son 2:14, Note.) Be at rest.—So the LXX. and Vulg., and the reading is consecrated by long use; but the parallelism seems to require the more literal dwell or abide.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:6
Verse 6. O that I had wings like a dove!] He was so surrounded, so hemmed in on every side by his adversaries, that he could see no way for his escape unless he had wings, and could take flight. The dove is a bird of very rapid wing; and some oil them passing before his eyes at the time, might have suggested the idea expressed here. And be at rest.] Get a habitation.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:6
6–8. He would fain escape to some solitary refuge. Cp. Jeremiah 9:2.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:6
And I said - That is, when I saw these calamities coming upon me, and knew not what the result was to be. Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:6
6. Wings like a dove—The “dove” is here alluded to, not only because it was strong and swift of wing, (Isaiah 60:8; Genesis 8:8-12,) in its wild state choosing its quiet abode in the clefts of the
Sermons on Psalms 55:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Temptation to Run by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the feeling of wanting to run away from difficult situations and challenges in life. He uses the example of the psalmist David, who expressed |
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Under His Wings by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares stories and illustrations to emphasize the importance of accepting God's invitation for protection and salvation. He describes a scene where a c |
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Discouragement by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not being afraid and focusing on the problems and difficulties in life. He emphasizes that despite the challenges we face, w |
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Believing a Lie by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the feelings of discouragement that arise from unmet expectations and the lies of the enemy that suggest one's life has been ineffective. He draws paralle |
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Take Up Wings by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston, through the words of Hannah Whitall Smith, emphasizes the concept of finding rest and escape in God during times of trouble or distress. By waiting upon the L |
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Cast Your Burdens Upon God by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the transformative power of burdens in the life of a Christian, emphasizing that these burdens, when surrendered to God, can become wings that lift |
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David Confessing God as His Refuge by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of trusting in God as our refuge and hiding place. Just like David, who often confessed God as his refuge, we are encouraged to turn to God |