Psalm 55 14

Psalm 55:14 kjv

We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

Psalm 55:14 nkjv

We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.

Psalm 55:14 niv

with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.

Psalm 55:14 esv

We used to take sweet counsel together; within God's house we walked in the throng.

Psalm 55:14 nlt

What good fellowship we once enjoyed
as we walked together to the house of God.

Psalm 55 verses

Psalm 55 14 Meaning

Psalm 55:14 powerfully articulates the profound pain of betrayal when it comes from an individual who was once a close, trusted friend, and peer. It highlights that the most devastating wounds are not inflicted by an open enemy, but by someone with whom one shared intimate knowledge, mutual respect, and companionship. The verse conveys the deep shock and heartbreak of this intimate breach of trust, intensifying the speaker's anguish.

Psalm 55 14 Context

Psalm 55 is a passionate lament of David, marked by his overwhelming fear, anguish, and a profound sense of abandonment. The preceding verses (vv. 1-8) reveal his deep distress and longing for escape from the tumultuous city, reflecting external threats and persecution. Verses 9-11 speak of the wickedness, violence, and deceit within the city. The transition to verse 12 marks a critical shift: David expresses that his pain is far greater because the treachery comes not from an external foe, but from one who was his most intimate companion. Psalm 55:14 specifies the depth of this former relationship, emphasizing the close bond and shared status that existed before the betrayal. Historically, many scholars link this psalm, and especially verses 12-14, to the rebellion of Absalom and the subsequent betrayal by David's trusted counselor, Ahithophel, as recounted in 2 Samuel chapters 15-17. This event showcases the shattering impact of a betrayal from a seemingly loyal friend and strategic advisor.

Psalm 55 14 Word analysis

• But it was thou (וְאַתָּה - wəʾattāh): The emphatic "thou" or "you" (emphatic second person singular pronoun) immediately highlights the identity of the betrayer. This personal address carries a tone of disbelief, shock, and profound hurt, underscoring that the treachery came from an unexpected and devastating source, not a nameless enemy.

• a man (אֱנוֹשׁ - ʾĕnôš): This Hebrew term for "man" often carries connotations of humanity, frailty, or even a sense of being ordinary. Unlike ʾîš (man of standing/strength), ʾĕnôš emphasizes the common humanity shared between David and the betrayer. This commonality deepens the tragedy, as it implies the betrayal came from someone just as human, susceptible, and supposedly bound by the same ties of human relationship, yet who chose a path of profound disloyalty.

• mine equal (כְּעֶרְכִּי - kəʿerkî): The word ʿerekh means "estimation, value, arrangement, equivalent." "Mine equal" thus signifies someone of similar standing, rank, or status, or someone whom David held in equivalent esteem and value. This highlights a relationship of parity and mutual respect, suggesting a peer, colleague, or close confidant rather than a subordinate or superior. The betrayal by an equal often feels more like a violation of an implicit covenant or shared understanding.

• my guide (אַלּוּפִי - ʾallûfî): The term ʾallûf denotes a "chief," "leader," or "familiar friend." It can imply one who is a trusted companion, a confidant who walks alongside, or even one in a position of guidance or leadership within a specific circle. In David's context, it would mean someone who shared his inner thoughts, strategic plans, or spiritual path. This profound level of trust and intimacy makes the betrayal acutely painful, as it suggests the sharing of deep, vulnerable parts of one's life.

• and my acquaintance (וּמְיֻדָּעִי - umyuddāʿî): Derived from the root yādaʿ ("to know"), meyuddaʿ signifies someone "well-known," "familiar," or "intimately acquainted." It goes beyond casual familiarity to imply a deep personal knowledge and shared history, where details about each other's lives were known. This level of personal intimacy makes the act of betrayal particularly heinous, as it means the trusted person intentionally used intimate knowledge to inflict harm, violating a sacred bond of friendship.

• Words-group Analysis: The cumulative effect of "mine equal, my guide, and my acquaintance" paints a vivid picture of a multifaceted, deep, and trusted relationship. It was a relationship based on mutual standing (equal), shared journey and trust (guide), and profound personal intimacy (acquaintance). This trio of descriptors emphasizes that the betrayal was not superficial but a total violation of a most cherished and foundational human bond, making the wound uniquely agonizing for David.

Psalm 55 14 Bonus section

The betrayal described in Psalm 55:14 goes beyond a mere broken promise; it speaks to the corruption of what should have been a sacred human bond. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, loyalty to one's associates and companions was highly prized, often equated with loyalty to family. A breach of trust by someone "of your own rank" or "your trusted friend" was seen not just as a personal slight but as a societal subversion, a betrayal of the very fabric of human relationship. This is why the emotional impact is so profound – it's a stab from the inside, a wound from a perceived ally rather than an anticipated adversary. This deep psychological impact highlights the fallen nature of humanity, where even the closest bonds can be twisted by sin.

Psalm 55 14 Commentary

Psalm 55:14 crystallizes the anguish of betrayal by an intimate companion, distinguishing it from the attacks of known enemies. David's lament highlights the exceptional pain derived from a trusted bond being broken, a theme that resonates throughout the human experience and powerfully prefigures Christ's suffering at the hands of Judas. The choice of specific Hebrew words—stressing common humanity, equal standing, shared intimacy, and guiding companionship—emphasizes that the treachery originated from the very heart of David's trusted circle. This wasn't merely a colleague but someone integrated into David's life, implying a sharing of counsels, and likely, a bond forged through shared experiences. The verse serves as a sober reminder of human perfidy and the profound spiritual and emotional devastation it can cause, yet it also implicitly points to the resilience found in turning to God even amidst the deepest human betrayals. It cautions against misplaced trust, while ultimately affirming that God alone is truly dependable.