Psalms 55:4
Psalms 55:4 in Multiple Translations
My heart murmurs within me, and the terrors of death assail me.
My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
My heart is sore pained within me: And the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
My heart is deeply wounded, and the fear of death has come on me.
My heart thumps in agony! Terrified, I feel I'm about to die!
Mine heart trembleth within mee, and the terrours of death are fallen vpon me.
My heart is pained within me, And terrors of death have fallen on me.
My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me.
My heart is severely pained within me: and the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
From the height of the day I shall fear: but I will trust in thee.
I am terrified, and I am very much afraid that I will die.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 55:4
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 55:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/קּ֤וֹל
אוֹיֵ֗ב
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
עָקַ֣ת
רָשָׁ֑ע
כִּי
יָמִ֥יטוּ
עָלַ֥/י
אָ֝֗וֶן
וּ/בְ/אַ֥ף
יִשְׂטְמֽוּ/נִי
מִ/קּ֤וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
אוֹיֵ֗ב
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
עָקַ֣ת
ʻâqâh
H6125
pressure
N-fs
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָמִ֥יטוּ
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
עָלַ֥/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אָ֝֗וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
וּ/בְ/אַ֥ף
ʼaph
H639
face
Conj | Prep | N-ms
יִשְׂטְמֽוּ/נִי
sâṭam
H7852
to hate
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 55:4
מִ/קּ֤וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
אוֹיֵ֗ב
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.
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
עָקַ֣ת
ʻâqâh
H6125
"pressure"
N-fs
Pressure or oppression refers to a force or burden that weighs heavily on someone, like a difficult circumstance or an unfair situation, often used in the Bible to describe the struggles of God's people. This concept is seen in the book of Exodus, describing the Israelites' experience in Egypt.
Definition: oppression, pressure
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: oppression. See also: Psalms 55:4.
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
כִּי
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.
יָמִ֥יטוּ
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
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.
עָלַ֥/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.
אָ֝֗וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
וּ/בְ/אַ֥ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
יִשְׂטְמֽוּ/נִי
sâṭam
H7852
"to hate"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This verb means to hate or oppose someone, often implying a long-held grudge. It is used in various books of the Bible, including Psalms and Proverbs, to describe animosity.
Definition: 1) to hate, oppose oneself to, bear a grudge, retain animosity against, cherish animosity against 1a) (Qal) to cherish animosity against
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: hate, oppose self against. See also: Genesis 27:41; Job 16:9; Psalms 55:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 55:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 55:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
- Sermons on Psalms 55:4
Context — Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
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.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 116:3 | The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. |
| 2 | Mark 14:33–34 | He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 1:8–10 | We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, |
| 4 | Psalms 18:4–5 | The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. |
| 5 | Hebrews 5:7 | During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. |
| 6 | Matthew 26:37–38 | He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” |
| 7 | Psalms 69:20 | Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one. |
| 8 | Isaiah 38:10–13 | I said, “In the prime of my life I must go through the gates of Sheol and be deprived of the remainder of my years.” I said, “I will never again see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living; I will no longer look on mankind with those who dwell in this world. My dwelling has been picked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent. I have rolled up my life like a weaver; He cuts me off from the loom; from day until night You make an end of me. I composed myself until the morning. Like a lion He breaks all my bones; from day until night You make an end of me. |
| 9 | Psalms 88:3 | For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. |
| 10 | Psalms 102:3–5 | For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread. Through my loud groaning my flesh clings to my bones. |
Psalms 55:4 Summary
Psalms 55:4 describes a moment of deep inner turmoil and fear of death for the psalmist, where his heart is filled with anxiety and dread due to the threats of his enemies. This verse shows that even in the Bible, people experienced deep emotional pain and fear, just like we do today (as seen in Psalms 38:4). However, the Bible also teaches us that we can bring these fears to God and trust in His care and protection (Psalms 56:3-4, 2 Timothy 1:7). By acknowledging our fears and trusting in God's goodness and power, we can find peace and strength to face whatever challenges come our way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the heart to 'murmur within' as mentioned in Psalms 55:4?
The phrase 'my heart murmurs within me' suggests a deep inner turmoil or anxiety, similar to what is described in Exodus 15:24 where the Israelites murmured against Moses, indicating a sense of discontent or unrest, in this context, it reflects the psalmist's emotional state under the pressure of his enemies (Psalms 55:3).
How can the 'terrors of death' be assailing the psalmist in Psalms 55:4?
The 'terrors of death' refer to the overwhelming fear and dread that comes with the threat of death, which could be physical, emotional, or spiritual, as seen in Psalms 23:4 where David walks through the valley of the shadow of death, yet fears no evil, indicating that even in the face of death, faith can provide comfort and protection.
Is the experience of the psalmist in Psalms 55:4 unique to him or can others relate to it?
The feelings of fear, anxiety, and being overwhelmed by enemies are not unique to the psalmist, as many have experienced similar emotions throughout history, including David in Psalms 38:4 and the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, where they express deep distress and reliance on God for deliverance.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of trusting God in times of trouble?
Psalms 55:4 highlights the psalmist's personal struggle with fear and the threat of death, but it also sets the stage for his declaration of trust in God, as seen in subsequent verses and other psalms like Psalms 56:3-4, where David affirms his trust in God despite being afraid, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments, faith can be a powerful source of comfort and strength.
Reflection Questions
- What are the sources of my deepest fears and anxieties, and how can I bring them before God in prayer?
- In what ways do I try to cope with the 'terrors of death' or overwhelming fears in my life, and are these methods aligned with biblical teachings?
- How can I, like the psalmist, express my true feelings to God without fear of judgment, and what does this say about the nature of our relationship with Him?
- What role does trust in God play in alleviating the fears and anxieties that assail me, and how can I cultivate this trust in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 55:4
My heart is sore pained within me,.... At the civil war in his kingdom; at the battle likely to ensue between his forces and Absalom's, and at the issue of it; see Jeremiah 4:19; this was true of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 55:4
My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. My heart is sore pained within me - literally, is agitated. The terrors of death are fallen upon me - as the enemy threatens my life.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
My heart is sore pained within me; with pains like those of a travailing woman, as the word signifies. My heart, which hath commonly supported me in my distresses, is now ready to sink within me; therefore, Lord, pity and help me. The terrors of death; either deadly terrors, such as seize upon men in the agonies of death; or fear of death; which is the more grievous to me, because my death will reflect dishonour upon thee, and bring many miseries upon the people.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
Psalms 55:4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.Ver. 4. My heart is sore pained within me] No otherwise than a woman is pained in travail; cordicitus doleo. I am pained deep in my heart. And the terrors of death are fallen upon me] Caused, doubtless, by the deep sense and conscience of his late grievous sins.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
(4) Is sore pained.—Better, writhes with pain. Terrors of death—i.e., terrors caused by death, a horror of death.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
Verse 4. The terrors of death are fallen upon me.] I am in hourly expectation of being massacred.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 55:4
4. terrors of death] Such terrors as the presence of Death, “the king of terrors,” inspires.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 55:4
My heart is sore pained within me - Heavy and sad; that is, I am deeply afflicted.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 55:4
4. Sore pained—Literally, writhes. Terrors of death—Terrors which precede or accompany death.
Sermons on Psalms 55:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 38 Psalm 55 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons explores Psalm 55, reflecting on the betrayal of King David by his trusted advisor Ahithophel, paralleling it with Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. The psalm expres |
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The Hermit Crab by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson reflects on King David's weariness and desire for peace amidst struggles, paralleling it with the life of hermit crabs that abandon their fight for survival. He emp |
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The Power of the Name of Jesus by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilio Shlink emphasizes the power of the name of Jesus in freeing us from the chains of sin. He encourages listeners to call upon the name of Jesus in prayer, as |
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Singing the Praises of God by Paul Bramsen | Paul Bramsen emphasizes the significance of singing in worship, tracing its roots back to biblical times when God's people praised Him through song. The Bible showcases believers i |
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They Repented Not by Harry Ironside | Harry Ironside emphasizes that while God's creation and goodness should lead humanity to repentance, many remain unresponsive, drifting further into sin despite experiencing His bl |
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The Road to Failure by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage in Mark 14:33-42 where Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus expresses his deep distress and sorrow to his disciples and a |
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Faith or Feeling by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not trusting in our own feelings but in God who raises the dead. He encourages believers to live by faith rather than by t |