Psalms 55:22

What does Psalms 55:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 55:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 55:22 means

This verse offers a profound comfort and a clear directive. The command "Cast your burden on Yahweh" uses the imagery of literally throwing a heavy load onto someone else, signifying a surrender of anxieties, worries, and struggles to God's care. The promise "he will sustain you" assures continued provision and support, implying that God will not just take the burden but also empower the one who casts it upon Him. The latter part, "He will never allow the righteous to be moved," guarantees stability and security for those who live in right relationship with God. "Moved" here suggests being shaken, overthrown, or utterly defeated, reinforcing the idea of divine constancy amidst life's trials. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His faithful.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Put your cares on the Lord, and he will be your support; he will not let the upright man be moved.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Cast on Jehovah that which He hath given thee, And He doth sustain thee, He doth not suffer for ever the moving of the righteous.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: he will never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Context

Psalm 55 is a lament where David expresses deep distress and betrayal. He is surrounded by enemies and, more painfully, betrayed by a close friend. The preceding verses detail his anguish, his desire to flee, and his condemnation of his betrayer. This verse, 55:22, appears as a sudden shift from despair to an act of faith and trust, offering a solution to the overwhelming troubles described. It acts as a pivot, encouraging the reader, and perhaps David himself, to find solace and strength in God during extreme suffering, providing hope amidst the surrounding lamentations.

v.21His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords.

v.22This passage

v.23But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in thee.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 1:5

    who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • Psalms 121:3

    He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

  • Psalms 62:2

    He only is my rock and my salvation: He ismy high tower; I shall not be greatly moved.

  • Philippians 4:6

    In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

  • Psalms 62:8

    Trust in him at all times, ye people; Pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. [Selah

  • Matthew 6:31

    Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

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