Psalms 55:13

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Psalms 55:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend.

King James Version KJV

But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

American Standard Version ASV

But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But it was you, my equal, my guide, my well-loved friend.

Free Bible Version FBV

No, it's you, a man just like me, my best friend who I know so well!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But it was thou, O man, euen my companion, my guide and my familiar:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

But thou, a man — as mine equal, My familiar friend, and mine acquaintance.

World English Bible WEB

But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But it was thou, a man my equal, my guide, and my acquaintance.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Because thou hast delivered my soul from death, my feet from falling: that I may please in the sight of God, in the light of the living.

Translation for Translators T4T

But it is someone who is just like me, my companion, someone who was my friend who is doing this to me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 55:13

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 55:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּ֤י לֹֽא אוֹיֵ֥ב יְחָֽרְפֵ֗/נִי וְ/אֶ֫שָּׂ֥א לֹֽא מְ֭שַׂנְאִ/י עָלַ֣/י הִגְדִּ֑יל וְ/אֶסָּתֵ֥ר מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

אוֹיֵ֥ב ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal

יְחָֽרְפֵ֗/נִי châraph H2778 to taunt V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff

וְ/אֶ֫שָּׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

מְ֭שַׂנְאִ/י sânêʼ H8130 to hate V-Piel | Suff

עָלַ֣/י ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

הִגְדִּ֑יל gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

וְ/אֶסָּתֵ֥ר çâthar H5641 to hide Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs

מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 55:13

כִּ֤י 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.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.

אוֹיֵ֥ב ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

יְחָֽרְפֵ֗/נִי châraph H2778 "to taunt" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff

The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.

Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.

וְ/אֶ֫שָּׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.

מְ֭שַׂנְאִ/י sânêʼ H8130 "to hate" V-Piel | Suff

To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.

Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)

Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.

עָלַ֣/י 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.

הִגְדִּ֑יל gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.

Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.

וְ/אֶסָּתֵ֥ר çâthar H5641 "to hide" Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs

This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.

Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.

מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

Study Notes — Psalms 55:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 55:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:13
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:13
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:13
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:13
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:13
Sermons on Psalms 55:13

Context — Cast Your Burden upon the LORD

11Destruction is within; oppression and deceit never leave the streets. 12For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide.

13But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend.

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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 15:12	While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.
2	Micah 7:5	Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.
3	Jeremiah 9:4	“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.
4	Psalms 41:9	Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
5	2 Samuel 16:23	Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.
6	Mark 14:44–45	Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
7	Luke 22:47–48	While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
8	Luke 22:21	Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table.
9	John 19:13	When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha.
10	Matthew 26:47–50	While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.

Psalms 55:13 Summary

Psalms 55:13 is talking about a very sad and painful situation where someone the psalmist trusted and considered a close friend has turned against him. This verse shows us that even in the midst of hurt and betrayal, we can be honest with God about our feelings, just like the psalmist does here. The psalmist's experience reminds us that we are not alone in our pain, and that God is always with us, even in difficult times, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Hebrews 13:5. We can learn from the psalmist's example to turn to God in our own times of need and trust in His love and care for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the phrase 'a man like myself' in Psalms 55:13?

This phrase highlights the depth of the betrayal felt by the psalmist, as it emphasizes that the one who has turned against him is someone he considered a peer and equal, much like the relationship between David and Saul in 1 Samuel 18:1-4 or Jesus and Judas in Matthew 26:47-50.

How can we understand the concept of a 'companion and close friend' in this verse?

The psalmist is referring to someone with whom he had a strong bond, similar to the friendship between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18:1-4, and this close relationship makes the betrayal even more painful and personal.

Is this verse talking about a specific person or a general situation?

While we don't know the exact identity of the person being addressed, the language used suggests a specific individual who has betrayed the psalmist's trust, much like the situation described in Psalms 41:9 where David writes about a friend who turned against him.

What can we learn from the psalmist's experience in this verse?

We can learn that even in the midst of pain and betrayal, we can turn to God and express our feelings honestly, just as the psalmist does in Psalms 55:13, and trust in His sovereignty and justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I have experienced betrayal or hurt from someone close to me, and how can I apply the psalmist's example to my own situation?
How can I cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships with others, while also being mindful of the potential risks of betrayal?
In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and justice, even when faced with painful or difficult circumstances, like the psalmist in Psalms 55:13?
What are some practical steps I can take to forgive and heal from past hurts, and how can I use those experiences to grow in my faith and trust in God?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:13

But [it was] thou,.... The Targum is, "but thou Ahithophel"; of whom the words are literally to be understood, and so they are in the Talmud (u); and mystically and typically of Judas; a man mine

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:13

But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. But it was thou, a man mine equal - literally, 'a man according to my rank' or 'estimation.' Friendship binds only equals; these it unites in the closest bonds.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:13

Mine equal; not in power and dignity, which could not be, but in reputation for his deep wisdom and excellent conduct, and the great influence which he had upon me, and upon all my people. My guide; whose counsel I highly prized, and constantly sought and followed: all which agrees very well to Ahithophel. See ,31 16:23.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:13

Psalms 55:13 But [it was] thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.Ver. 13. But it was thou, a man mine equal] Heb. according to my rank, my compeer, my colleague, mine Alter-ego, my bosom friend, one that stood even with me, and upon the same ground, as it were. My guide] In all mine affairs and actions; so that I thought nothing well done that I did not by his advice and counsel; my duke, my doctor, my Rabbi Davidis, as Rabbi David hath it, out of Kabuenaki.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:13

(13) But it was . . .—Better, But thou art a man of my own standing. The word erek is used (Exodus 40:23) of the row of loaves constituting the shewbread, and the cognate verb means “to arrange.” Here it may denote rank, but more probably the expression is man of my assessment, and so of the same importance in society. (Comp. Leviticus 5:15; 2 Kings 12:4.) The LXX. and Vulgate have “of one soul with me.” Symmachus, “of like disposition.” This sense may be implied, though not expressed in the Hebrew. Guide.—So the old versions: the Hebrew word does denote the head of a tribe or family (Genesis 36:15, &c, “duke”), but that meaning seems excluded here by the previous description. Render, companion.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:13

13. Mine equal in rank and position; my associate or companion (as in Proverbs 16:28, chief friends; Micah 7:5, where R.V. marg. familiar friend is right); my close acquaintance or familiar friend (Psalms 31:11). Cp. Jeremiah 9:4 f.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:13

But it was thou, a man mine equal - Margin, “a man according to my rank.” Septuagint, ἰσόψυχε isopsuche, equal-souled, like-souled, “second self” (Thompson); Vulgate, “unanimus,” of the same mind; Luther, “Geselle,” companion.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:13

13. A man mine equal—A man of my rank. Guide—A word indicating at once his princely rank and his familiar friendship with the king.

Sermons on Psalms 55:13

	Sermon	Description
	Exposition on Psalm 55 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches about the division caused by those who separate themselves from unity, leading to spiritual deaths and deceitfulness. He emphasizes the importance of casting
	When a Man's Enemies Are the Members of His Own Household by Keith Daniel	Keith Daniel delivers a powerful sermon on the painful reality of facing opposition from one's own family when choosing to follow Christ. He emphasizes that true discipleship may l
	Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome	Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit
	Luke 14 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby expounds on Luke 14, illustrating God's distributive justice and the importance of humility and grace. He emphasizes that true rest can only be found in Christ, a
	The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 6 by Dr. D. Vaughan Rees	Dr. D. Vaughan Rees shares harrowing experiences with Communists, highlighting the cruelty and brutality faced by many, including being subjected to horrific methods of execution.
	Gleanings From the Garden - Part 1 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of engaging in conversations with students at a university. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussion
	Christ Is All - in Scripture by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection a