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Psalm 55:1 Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 55:1 Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/55-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/19_Psa_055_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 55:1 - Cast Your Burden upon the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/55-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/55-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/55.htm">Chapter 55</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/54-7.htm" title="Psalm 54:7">◄</a> Psalm 55:1 <a href="/psalms/55-2.htm" title="Psalm 55:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/55.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/55.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/55.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/55.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/55.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/55.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/55.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/55.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the music director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, God; And do not hide Yourself from my pleading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/55.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/55.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Thyself from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/55.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For the choir director. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/55.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To the Chief Musician; with stringed instruments. A skillful song, <i>or</i> a didactic <i>or</i> reflective poem, of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my plea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/55.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for help.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/55.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Davidic Maskil. God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my plea for help. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/55.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; And hide not thyself from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/55.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Listen, God, to my prayer! Don't reject my request. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/55.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/55.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[For the choir director; on stringed instruments; a [maskil] by David.] Open your ears to my prayer, O God. Do not hide from my plea for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/55.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Hear my prayer, O God; don't turn away from my plea! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/55.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Pay attention to my prayer, God, and do not hide yourself from my appeal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/55.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/55.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song by David. Listen, O God, to my prayer! Do not ignore my appeal for mercy! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/55.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David.] Listen to my prayer, God. Do not hide yourself from my petition.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/55.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/55.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David. Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/55.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />TO THE OVERSEER. WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. AN INSTRUCTION OF DAVID. Give ear, O God, [to] my prayer, "" And do not hide from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/55.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To the Overseer with stringed instruments. -- An instruction, by David. Give ear, O God, to my prayer, And hide not from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/55.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To the overseer upon the stringed instrument, instruction to David. Give ear O God, to my prayer; thou wilt not hide thyself from my supplication.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/55.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Unto the end, in verses, understanding for David. Hear, O God, my prayer, and despise not my supplication: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/55.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 54:1>Unto the end. In verses, the understanding of David. <V 54:2>Listen to my prayer, O God, and despise not my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/55.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the leader. On stringed instruments. A <i>maskil</i> of David. [2] Listen, God, to my prayer; do not hide from my pleading; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/55.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Give ear to my prayer, O God; do not hide yourself from my supplication.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/55.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />GIVE ear to my prayer, O God; and reject not my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/55.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Give ear to my prayer, oh God, and do not reject my prayer.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/55.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For the Leader; with string-music. Maschil of David. Give ear, O God, to my prayer; And hide not Thyself from my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/55.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For the end, among Hymns of instruction by David. Hearken, O God, to my prayer; and disregard not my supplication.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/55-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6408" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/55.htm">Cast Your Burden upon the LORD</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5329.htm" title="5329: lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ (Prep-l, Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- Preeminent or enduring. A primitive root; properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. To be eminent; also, to be permanent.">For the choirmaster.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5058.htm" title="5058: bin·ḡî·nōṯ (Prep-b:: N-fp) -- Music. ">With stringed instruments.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4905.htm" title="4905: maś·kîl (N-ms) -- Instructive, a didactic poem. From sakal; instructive, i.e. A didactic poem.">A Maskil</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">of David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/238.htm" title="238: ha·’ă·zî·nāh (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; probably to expand; but used only as a denominative from 'ozen; to broaden out the ear, i.e. to listen."> Listen</a> <a href="/hebrew/8605.htm" title="8605: tə·p̄il·lā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Prayer. From palal; intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn.">to my prayer,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">O God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5956.htm" title="5956: tiṯ·‘al·lam (V-Hitpael-Imperf-2ms) -- To conceal. A primitive root; to veil from sight, i.e. Conceal.">ignore</a> <a href="/hebrew/8467.htm" title="8467: mit·tə·ḥin·nā·ṯî (Prep-m:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Favor, supplication for favor. From chanan; graciousness; causatively, entreaty.">my plea.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/4-1.htm">Psalm 4:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">Psalm 17:1</a></span><br />A prayer of David. Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer—it comes from lips free of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Psalm 39:12</a></span><br />Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/61-1.htm">Psalm 61:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. Of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/86-6.htm">Psalm 86:6</a></span><br />Hear my prayer, O LORD, and attend to my plea for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/102-1.htm">Psalm 102:1</a></span><br />A prayer of one who is afflicted, when he grows faint and pours out his lament before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come before You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/143-1.htm">Psalm 143:1</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a></span><br />When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-56.htm">Lamentations 3:56</a></span><br />You heard my plea: “Do not ignore my cry for relief.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-28.htm">1 Kings 8:28</a></span><br />Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-19.htm">2 Chronicles 6:19</a></span><br />Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-6.htm">Nehemiah 1:6</a></span><br />let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-17.htm">Daniel 9:17</a></span><br />So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Matthew 21:22</a></span><br />If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not yourself from my supplication.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/6-1.htm">Psalm 6:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Psalm 54:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, <i>A Psalm</i> of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.</p><p class="hdg">give</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/5-1.htm">Psalm 5:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">Psalm 17:1</a></b></br> A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, <i>that goeth</i> not out of feigned lips.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/64-1.htm">Psalm 64:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.</p><p class="hdg">hide</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, <i>if</i> thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/80-4.htm">Psalm 80:4</a></b></br> O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">Psalm 143:7</a></b></br> Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Contemplation</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/psalms/54-2.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/38-13.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/psalms/9-12.htm">Ignore</a> <a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Maschil</a> <a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">Maskil</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Neginoth</a> <a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/35-23.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/psalms/54-2.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Request</a> <a href="/psalms/39-9.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Stringed</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">String-Music</a> <a href="/psalms/30-8.htm">Supplication</a> <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/74-1.htm">Contemplation</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/psalms/55-19.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/78-3.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/psalms/74-23.htm">Ignore</a> <a href="/psalms/60-1.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/psalms/57-8.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/73-28.htm">Maschil</a> <a href="/psalms/74-1.htm">Maskil</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/67-1.htm">Neginoth</a> <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/74-22.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/psalms/55-2.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/102-17.htm">Request</a> <a href="/psalms/58-4.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/psalms/60-12.htm">Stringed</a> <a href="/psalms/61-1.htm">String-Music</a> <a href="/psalms/86-6.htm">Supplication</a> <a href="/psalms/59-4.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 55</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">David in his prayer complains of his fearful case</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/55-9.htm">He prays against his enemies, of whose wickedness and treachery he complains</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/55-16.htm">He comforts himself in God's preservation oh him, and confusion of his enemies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/55.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/55.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For the choirmaster.</b><br>This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was crucial in organizing and leading the musical aspects of worship, which were an integral part of Israelite religious life. This highlights the communal aspect of the psalm, suggesting it was not only a personal lament but also a shared expression of faith and reliance on God.<p><b>With stringed instruments.</b><br>The use of stringed instruments suggests a specific musical accompaniment, which was common in Hebrew worship. Instruments like the harp and lyre were often used in temple music, adding a rich auditory dimension to the worship experience. This detail underscores the importance of music in expressing the emotional depth of the psalm, enhancing the prayerful and meditative quality of the text.<p><b>A Maskil of David.</b><br>The term "Maskil" is thought to refer to a type of psalm that imparts wisdom or instruction. David, the attributed author, was not only a king but also a skilled musician and poet. His life experiences, including his trials and triumphs, provide a backdrop for the psalm's themes of distress and trust in God. This designation suggests that the psalm is meant to teach or enlighten the reader, offering insights into dealing with adversity through faith.<p><b>Listen to my prayer, O God,</b><br>This plea for God to listen reflects a deep sense of urgency and desperation. It is a common motif in the Psalms, where the psalmist often cries out for divine attention and intervention. The request for God to "listen" implies a belief in a personal and responsive deity who is capable of hearing and acting upon the prayers of His people. This phrase connects to other scriptures where God is depicted as attentive to the cries of the righteous, such as <a href="/psalms/34-15.htm">Psalm 34:15</a>.<p><b>and do not ignore my plea.</b><br>The psalmist's request for God not to ignore his plea highlights a fear of divine silence or absence, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalms. This reflects the human experience of feeling abandoned or unheard in times of trouble. The plea underscores the psalmist's reliance on God's presence and intervention. It also points to the faith that God is just and will ultimately respond, a belief echoed in passages like <a href="/isaiah/59.htm">Isaiah 59:1</a>, which assures that God's ear is not too dull to hear.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/55.htm">Psalm 55</a>, David is expressing his deep distress and seeking God's intervention.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The recipient of David's prayer, highlighting the personal relationship and trust David places in God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>Though not explicitly mentioned in verse 1, the context of the psalm involves adversaries causing David distress.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the setting of many of David's psalms, including this one, is often Jerusalem, the city of David.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prayer.htm">Prayer</a></b><br>The act of communicating with God, which is central to this verse as David seeks divine attention and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prayer.htm">The Importance of Prayer</a></b><br>David's immediate response to distress is to pray. This teaches us the importance of turning to God first in our times of need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_attentiveness.htm">God's Attentiveness</a></b><br>The plea for God not to ignore his prayer reflects a belief in God's attentiveness and willingness to listen, encouraging us to trust in God's responsiveness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_mercy.htm">Seeking Mercy</a></b><br>David's request for mercy highlights the need for humility and recognition of our dependence on God's grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/expressing_emotions_to_god.htm">Expressing Emotions to God</a></b><br>David's candid expression of his feelings demonstrates that we can bring our raw emotions and concerns to God in prayer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_deliverance.htm">Faith in God's Deliverance</a></b><br>The underlying faith in God's ability to deliver and provide relief is a reminder to maintain hope and trust in God's power and timing.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/55.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/54-2.htm">Psalm 54:2</a>; and, for the second clause, see <a href="/psalms/13-1.htm">Psalm 13:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/27-8.htm">Psalm 27:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/69-17.htm">Psalm 69:17</a>; <a href="/psalms/89-46.htm">Psalm 89:46</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/55-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">For the choirmaster.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ</span> <span class="translit">(lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5329.htm">Strong's 5329: </a> </span><span class="str2">To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">With stringed instruments.</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּנְגִינֹ֗ת</span> <span class="translit">(bin·ḡî·nōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5058.htm">Strong's 5058: </a> </span><span class="str2">Instrumental music, a stringed instrument, a poem set to music, an epigram</span><br /><br /><span class="word">A Maskil</span><br /><span class="heb">מַשְׂכִּ֥יל</span> <span class="translit">(maś·kîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4905.htm">Strong's 4905: </a> </span><span class="str2">Instructive, a didactic poem</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of David.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדָוִֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Listen</span><br /><span class="heb">הַאֲזִ֣ינָה</span> <span class="translit">(ha·’ă·zî·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_238.htm">Strong's 238: </a> </span><span class="str2">To broaden out the ear, to listen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my prayer,</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּפִלָּתִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(tə·p̄il·lā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8605.htm">Strong's 8605: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intercession, supplication, a hymn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱ֭לֹהִים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and do not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ignore</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּ֝תְעַלַּ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(tiṯ·‘al·lam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5956.htm">Strong's 5956: </a> </span><span class="str2">To veil from sight, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my plea.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִתְּחִנָּתִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(mit·tə·ḥin·nā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8467.htm">Strong's 8467: </a> </span><span class="str2">Favor, supplication for favor</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/55-1.htm">Psalm 55:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 55:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/54-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 54:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 54:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/55-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 55:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 55:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>