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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.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </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="study" id="study"></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 /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/psalms/55.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Listen to my prayer</b><br />The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which conveys not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding. In the context of ancient Israel, prayer was a deeply personal and communal act, a direct line of communication with God. The psalmist is not merely asking God to hear the words but to engage with the heart behind them. This plea reflects a profound trust in God's ability to comprehend and act upon the needs of His people. The act of prayer is a testament to the relationship between the believer and the divine, emphasizing that God is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His followers.<p><b>O God</b><br />The term "God" here is translated from the Hebrew "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This name for God is used throughout the Old Testament to emphasize His sovereignty and authority over all creation. By addressing God with this title, the psalmist acknowledges His supreme power and the belief that He is capable of intervening in human affairs. It is a recognition of God's omnipotence and a declaration of faith in His ability to provide deliverance and support.<p><b>do not ignore</b><br />The phrase "do not ignore" comes from the Hebrew "אַל־תִּתְעַלַּם" (al-tithalam), which means to not be silent or indifferent. The psalmist is expressing a deep yearning for God's attention and action. In the cultural and historical context of the psalm, silence from God could be perceived as abandonment or judgment. Thus, this plea is a heartfelt request for God's active presence and intervention. It underscores the human need for assurance that God is attentive and responsive to the cries of His people.<p><b>my plea for help</b><br />The word "plea" is derived from the Hebrew "תְּחִנָּה" (teḥinnah), which signifies a supplication or earnest request for grace and mercy. This term is often used in the context of seeking favor or intervention from someone in a position of power. The psalmist's plea is not just for any help but for divine assistance that only God can provide. It reflects a dependence on God's mercy and a recognition of human limitations. The historical context of the psalms often involves situations of distress, persecution, or personal turmoil, making this plea a universal cry for divine aid in times of trouble.<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>