Psalm 55 13

Psalm 55:13 kjv

But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

Psalm 55:13 nkjv

But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.

Psalm 55:13 niv

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend,

Psalm 55:13 esv

But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.

Psalm 55:13 nlt

Instead, it is you ? my equal,
my companion and close friend.

Psalm 55 verses

Psalm 55 13 Meaning

Psalm 55:13 expresses profound grief and shock over the betrayal by someone intimately close, contrasting this individual with general enemies. The verse highlights that the source of distress is not an outside foe but a trusted equal, a companion, and a familiar friend, emphasizing the devastating pain of a violated bond of trust.

Psalm 55 13 Context

Psalm 55 is a lament of David, deeply expressive of distress, fear, and desire for deliverance from overwhelming enemies. The psalm opens with David crying out to God, burdened by the attacks and threats of wicked individuals. Before verse 13, the psalmist details the general oppression, violence, and malicious words of his adversaries. The profound shift in verse 13 is from these external, generalized "enemies" to the intensely personal anguish caused by the treachery of a supposedly trusted companion. Historically, many scholars link this psalm, and especially this verse, to the rebellion of Absalom (2 Sam 15-17) and the subsequent defection of Ahithophel, David's highly respected and intimate counselor, who sided with Absalom against David. This specific betrayal transforms the lament from general distress into a heart-wrenching cry over broken trust from within one's own circle.

Psalm 55 13 Word analysis

• But it was you (וְאַתָּה - v'attah): The Hebrew conjunction vav ("and") here functions adversatively, meaning "but," creating a strong contrast. "You" is emphatic, highlighting the unexpected and personal source of pain, distinguishing this individual from the generalized "enemies" previously mentioned. It zeroes in on the specific betrayer.
• a man (אֱנוֹשׁ - enosh): While ish refers to a strong, notable man, enosh often emphasizes human frailty, mortality, or common humanity. Here, it suggests the betrayer was a fellow human, on equal footing, not a divine being or a king from an opposing nation, intensifying the personal offense.
• my equal (כְּעֶרְכִּי - ke'erkhi): This means "according to my evaluation," "my estimation," or "my peer." The term implies someone of the same rank, standing, or value as the psalmist. It denotes a person with whom the psalmist shared similar status and was worthy of comparison, making the betrayal a severe blow to one's honor and standing.
• my companion (אַלּוּפִי - allufi): Derived from alluph, which can mean "chief" or "leader," but in contexts like this, it frequently signifies an "intimate friend," a "familiar associate," or a "close companion." It speaks of shared life, plans, and close interaction, even perhaps trusted counsel, as was the case with Ahithophel.
• and my familiar friend (וּמְיֻדָּעִי - um'yudda'i): This term comes from the Hebrew root yada' (to know), with m'yudda' specifically meaning "well-known" or "intimately known." It suggests not just casual acquaintance but a deeply personal, cherished relationship involving mutual trust, shared secrets, and deep understanding. This individual was part of the psalmist's innermost circle.

Psalm 55 13 Bonus section

The type of betrayal described in Psalm 55:13 represents a unique kind of human suffering. While physical assault or direct opposition by an enemy is painful, the rupture of intimate trust inflicted by one held dear often leaves deeper and more lasting scars. It speaks to the fragility of human relationships and the devastating consequences of placing one's reliance on individuals whose hearts eventually turn away. The shock element "but it was you" highlights the unanticipated source of affliction, intensifying the sense of disbelief and disillusionment. This verse serves as a sober reminder of the universal experience of potential heartache even within our most cherished bonds, underscoring the biblical wisdom to place ultimate trust in God alone.

Psalm 55 13 Commentary

Psalm 55:13 succinctly captures the deepest agony of betrayal. It articulates a pain far more cutting than that inflicted by open adversaries, because it emanates from a place of trust and intimacy. The deliberate repetition of terms—"my equal," "my companion," "my familiar friend"—underscores the depth of the shattered relationship. This was not a general acquaintance or a professional rival, but someone deeply embedded in the psalmist's personal life, a confidant who understood his thoughts and feelings. This betrayal wounds the soul, shaking the very foundations of trust in humanity and relationships. It resonates profoundly with the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, His chosen disciple and trusted friend, elevating the psalm's meaning to a typological anticipation of Christ's suffering at the hands of one He knew intimately.