Psalm 55 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Psalm 55 is a psalm of supplication or lament. It includes all the basic elements of that type of psalm except a vow of praise. (Some elements are repeated.) See the discussion of the types of psalms in the introduction to the book of Psalms. 1. Cry for help (1–2) 2. Description of troubles (3–8) 3. Petition (9) 4. Description of troubles (10–14) 5. Petition (15) 6. Statement of trust (16–19a) 7. Description of troubles (19b–21) 8. Statement of trust (22–23)The superscription to this psalm identifies it as a “maskil.” See the discussion of that term in the introduction to Psalms.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Psalm

What former “companion” or friend is David describing in verses 12–14 and 20–21?

Many interpreters believe that David wrote this psalm after his counselor and friend Ahithophel turned against him and supported David’s son Absalom in his rebellion against him. (These events are described in [2 Samuel 15:12–36](../2sa/15/12.md).) If so, then Ahithophel would be the former friend whom David describes in these verses. However, throughout the centuries, Christian interpreters have also seen this psalm as prophetic of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus (even though no New Testament writer directly quotes it as a Messianic prophecy that was fulfilled in the life of Jesus). For that reason, we recommend that translators take care not to translate it in a way that limits its potential meaning to the original circumstances, such as by saying in verse 13, for example, “But it was you, Ahithophel” rather than simply “But it was you.” Instead, a translation can use footnotes to describe the likely historical background of this psalm.

Translation Issues in This Psalm

Intentionally repeated terms

In two cases, David uses the same terms near the beginning and end of this psalm. In the first case, he does this to draw a contrast. In verse 3 he says that the wicked try to “shake” trouble onto the righteous, but in verse 22 he says that God will never allow their “shaking.” In the second case, he repeats terms to reassert something he said earlier that he would do. In verse 2, he says, “I am restless in my complaint, and let me moan.” In verse 17, after describing the trouble he is in, he says “let me complain and moan,” showing that his response to the trouble is to plead with God for help. So that your readers can appreciate these things, we encourage you, if possible, to use the same terms in your language in the later verses that you use in the earlier verses.

Note 1 topic: translate-unknown

לַ⁠מְנַצֵּ֥חַ

(la⁠mənaʦʦēaḩ)

See how you translated the term “chief musician” in the superscription to Psalm 4. Alternate translation: [For the leader of worship music] or [For the music director]

Note 2 topic: translate-transliterate

מַשְׂכִּ֥יל

(maskil)

The superscription to this psalm identifies it as a maskil. Since the meaning of this word is not certain, you may wish to represent it in its Hebrew form and spell it the way it sounds in your language. See the discussion of that term in the Introduction to Psalms.