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<!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 55:20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/55-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/19_Psa_055_020.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 55:20 - Cast Your Burden upon the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant." /><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'; 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he violates his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/55.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/55.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/55.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/55.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/55.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/55.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/55.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/55.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/55.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>My companion</i> has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/55.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He [my companion] has put out his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant [of friendship and loyalty].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/55.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My friend acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/55.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My friend acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/55.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/55.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My friend turned against me and broke his promise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/55.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: he hath profaned his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/55.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[My best friend] has betrayed his friends. He has broken his solemn promise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/55.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My former companion attacked his friends; he broke his promises. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/55.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Each of my friends raises his hand against his allies; each of my friends breaks his word. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/55.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/55.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He attacks his friends; he breaks his solemn promises to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/55.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He has stretched out his hand against those who were at peace with him. He has violated his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/55.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He hath put forth his hands against such as are at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/55.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/55.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He has sent forth his hands against his well-wishers, "" He has defiled his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/55.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> He hath sent forth his hands against his well-wishers, He hath polluted his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/55.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He stretched forth his hand in his recompenses: he profaned his covenant.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/55.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />he hath stretched forth his hand to repay. They have defiled his covenant, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/55.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 54:21>He has stretched forth his hand in retribution. They have contaminated his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/55.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He stretched out his hand at his friends and broke his covenant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/55.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />My companion laid hands on a friend and violated a covenant with me<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/55.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They have put forth their hands against their neighbours, they have broken his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/55.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They stretched forth a hand against his companion and they smeared his covenant<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/55.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He hath put forth his hands against them that were at peace with him; He hath profaned his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/55.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He has reached forth his hand for retribution; they have profaned his covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/55-20.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=6552" 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">19</span>God will hear and humiliate them—the One enthroned for the ages—Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·laḥ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">My companion attacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏāw (N-fdc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: biš·lō·māw (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">his friends;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2490.htm" title="2490: ḥil·lêl (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to bore, i.e. to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane, to break, to begin; denom. to play.">he violates</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rî·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">his covenant.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.…<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="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28</a></span><br />A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-8.htm">Jeremiah 9:8</a></span><br />Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-5.htm">Micah 7:5-6</a></span><br />Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. / For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-48.htm">Matthew 26:48-50</a></span><br />Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. / “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">2 Samuel 15:12</a></span><br />While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Psalm 41:9</a></span><br />Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-14.htm">Proverbs 6:14</a></span><br />With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-6.htm">Jeremiah 12:6</a></span><br />Even your brothers—your own father’s household—even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-47.htm">Luke 22:47-48</a></span><br />While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/28-3.htm">Psalm 28:3</a></span><br />Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Proverbs 11:9</a></span><br />With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-44.htm">Mark 14:44-45</a></span><br />Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/19-19.htm">Job 19:19</a></span><br />All my best friends despise me, and those I love have turned against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Psalm 12:2</a></span><br />They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He has put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he has broken his covenant.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17</a></b></br> And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also <i>is</i> with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">1 Samuel 24:10</a></b></br> Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and <i>some</i> bade <i>me</i> kill thee: but <i>mine eye</i> spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he <i>is</i> the LORD'S anointed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/18-12.htm">2 Samuel 18:12</a></b></br> And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand <i>shekels</i> of silver in mine hand, <i>yet</i> would I not put forth mine hand against the king's son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none <i>touch</i> the young man Absalom.</p><p class="hdg">at peace</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4</a></b></br> If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/109-5.htm">Psalm 109:5</a></b></br> And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/120-6.htm">Psalm 120:6,7</a></b></br> My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace… </p><p class="hdg">broken [heb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-28.htm">Psalm 89:28,34,38</a></b></br> My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">2 Samuel 2:4</a></b></br> And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, <i>That</i> the men of Jabeshgilead <i>were they</i> that buried Saul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/5-3.htm">2 Samuel 5:3</a></b></br> So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/50-18.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/psalms/43-2.htm">Attacks</a> <a href="/psalms/53-5.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/psalms/55-13.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/psalms/50-16.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/psalms/53-2.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/psalms/55-15.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/psalms/47-1.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/55-18.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-64.htm">Polluted</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm">Profaned</a> <a href="/job/41-25.htm">Raises</a> <a href="/psalms/44-25.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-7.htm">Violated</a> <a href="/ezra/6-11.htm">Violates</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/78-37.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Attacks</a> <a href="/psalms/58-6.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/psalms/88-18.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/psalms/60-1.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/psalms/56-7.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/68-6.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/psalms/60-5.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/psalms/58-2.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/psalms/56-8.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/69-22.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/74-7.htm">Polluted</a> <a href="/psalms/74-7.htm">Profaned</a> <a href="/psalms/107-25.htm">Raises</a> <a href="/psalms/77-2.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-5.htm">Violated</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-11.htm">Violates</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>My companion attacks his friends;</b><br>This phrase highlights the theme of betrayal by a close associate, which is a recurring motif in the Psalms and throughout Scripture. The term "companion" suggests a person with whom there was once a close relationship, possibly a friend or ally. This betrayal echoes the experience of David, who faced treachery from those he trusted, such as Ahithophel during Absalom's rebellion (<a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">2 Samuel 15:12</a>). In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, as both involve a trusted friend turning against the one they were close to (<a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Matthew 26:14-16</a>). The pain of betrayal is a universal human experience, and this verse captures the deep emotional impact of such an act.<p><b>he violates his covenant.</b><br>The breaking of a covenant in biblical times was a serious offense, as covenants were sacred agreements often made before God. This phrase indicates a deliberate and grievous breach of trust. In the ancient Near Eastern context, covenants were binding and involved solemn oaths, often sealed with sacrifices (<a href="/genesis/15-9.htm">Genesis 15:9-10</a>). The violation of a covenant could lead to severe consequences, both spiritually and socially. This breach of covenant can also be seen as a type of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the new covenant through His sacrifice, contrasting with human unfaithfulness. The breaking of covenants by people throughout the Bible underscores the need for a faithful Savior who would establish an unbreakable covenant with His people (<a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Hebrews 9:15</a>).<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 anguish over betrayal by a close friend.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/companion.htm">Companion</a></b><br>This refers to the person who has betrayed David, likely someone he trusted deeply.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>A solemn agreement or promise, often seen as sacred, which has been broken by the companion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of David's life and reign often centers around Jerusalem.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/betrayal.htm">Betrayal</a></b><br>The central event in this verse, highlighting the pain of being betrayed by someone close.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pain_of_betrayal.htm">The Pain of Betrayal</a></b><br>Betrayal by a close friend or companion can be one of the most painful experiences. It is important to acknowledge this pain and bring it before God, as David does.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_covenants.htm">The Sanctity of Covenants</a></b><br>Covenants, whether between friends, spouses, or with God, are sacred and should be honored. Breaking them leads to deep hurt and consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god_amidst_betrayal.htm">Trust in God Amidst Betrayal</a></b><br>While human relationships can fail, God's faithfulness remains constant. We are encouraged to place our ultimate trust in Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_healing.htm">Forgiveness and Healing</a></b><br>Though betrayal wounds deeply, Christians are called to forgive as Christ forgave us. This is a process that requires God's grace and strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_relationships.htm">Discernment in Relationships</a></b><br>This verse encourages believers to seek God's wisdom in choosing close companions and to be discerning in their relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_55.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 55</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_psalm_55_and_silent_god_align.htm">Psalm 55 depicts a God who intervenes quickly, yet other biblical texts describe God as silent or distant. How can these verses be harmonized?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_tragedies_occur_if_god_watches_us.htm">Psalm 121:8 - If God is watching over our coming and going 'now and forever,' why do global tragedies and apparent divine absences exist throughout history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_15_5_align_with_deut._23_20.htm">Psalm 15:5 forbids charging interest; how does this align with other Old Testament passages that allow interest to foreigners (e.g., Deuteronomy 23:20)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_order_animal_deaths_in_1_sam_15_3.htm">Why would God demand the killing of animals in 1 Samuel 15:3, seemingly contradicting His care for His creation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/55.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">He hath.</span>--As in <a href="/psalms/55-12.htm" title="For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:">Psalm 55:12</a>, the individual specially prominent in the traitorous crew is here singled out, and his treachery exposed.<p><span class= "bld">He hath broken . . .</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">he perforated. </span>In a note in his work on the Creed, referring to <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm" title=" Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;">Colossians 2:14</a>, Bishop Pearson says one mode of cancelling a bond was to drive a nail through it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/55.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He hath put forth his hands against</span> <span class="cmt_word">such as be at peace with him.</span> Some explain "he" as "the wicked collectively," and maintain that in this verse and the next no particular person is pointed at; but it seems better to regard the psalmist as "suddenly reverting to the fixed and deepest thought in his heart - the treachery of his friend" (Canon Cook). Ahithophel had put forth his hand against such as were at peace with him." <span class="cmt_word">He hath broken his covenant</span>. The covenant of friendship with David (ver. 14), not, perhaps, a formal one, but involved in the terms on which they stood one towards the other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/55-20.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">My companion attacks</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלַ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(šā·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his friends;</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּשְׁלֹמָ֗יו</span> <span class="translit">(biš·lō·māw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he violates</span><br /><span class="heb">חִלֵּ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(ḥil·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2490.htm">Strong's 2490: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his covenant.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרִיתֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rî·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covenant</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/55-20.htm">Psalm 55:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/55-20.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 55:20 He raises his hands against his friends (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/55-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 55:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 55:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/55-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 55:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 55:21" /></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>