Psalm 55 6

Psalm 55:6 kjv

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

Psalm 55:6 nkjv

So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.

Psalm 55:6 niv

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.

Psalm 55:6 esv

And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest;

Psalm 55:6 nlt

Oh, that I had wings like a dove;
then I would fly away and rest!

Psalm 55 verses

Psalm 55 6 Meaning

The verse articulates the psalmist's profound desire to escape the overwhelming anguish and conflict surrounding him. He expresses a fervent wish to possess the swiftness and grace of a dove's flight, enabling him to fly far away from his troubles and find a place of undisturbed peace and tranquility. It is a heartfelt cry for immediate respite from intense personal suffering, oppression, and betrayal.

Psalm 55 6 Context

Psalm 55 is a raw and poignant lament attributed to King David. It is believed to have been written during a period of immense personal suffering and profound betrayal, often linked to Absalom's rebellion or the treachery of his trusted advisor Ahithophel, who "lifted up his heel against him" (Psa 41:9, a sentiment echoed in Psa 55:12-14). The preceding verses vividly describe the psalmist's deep emotional and physical distress, his heart "sore pained" with "terrors of death" (Psa 55:4-5). His city is filled with "violence and strife" (Psa 55:9-11). The desire for flight expressed in verse 6 arises from this overwhelming anguish, representing a human impulse to escape immediate, unbearable circumstances to find peace and quiet far from his oppressors and false friends.

Psalm 55 6 Word analysis

• And I said, Oh that I had: (מִי־יִתֶּן, mi-yitten) - This is an exclamation denoting a strong, almost desperate, wish or yearning. It literally means "Who will give?" or "Would that it were given to me," expressing a deep desire for something not readily available or seemingly impossible.
• wings: (אֵבֶר, ever) - Refers to the physical organs used for flight. It signifies the means of rapid and unimpeded movement away from a threatening situation. Symbolically, it embodies the desire for liberation or quick escape.
• like a dove! (יוֹנָה, yonah) - The choice of a dove is significant. Doves are known for their gentle nature, innocence, and often their swift, direct flight towards a chosen destination. Culturally, doves could symbolize peace, or even mourning (Isa 38:14), fitting the psalmist's distress. In biblical narrative (Gen 8:8-12), Noah's dove sought a place of rest.
• for then would I fly away, (וְאֶעוּפָה, we'e'uphah) - "And I would fly." This verb emphasizes the intended immediate and decisive action of escape. It's not just a passive wish for freedom, but an active desire to take flight.
• and be at rest. (וְאֶשְׁכֹּנָה, wə'eshkohnah) - "And I would dwell/settle peacefully." The Hebrew root shakan (שָׁכַן) signifies dwelling, abiding, or settling down. This "rest" is not merely the cessation of movement, but implies finding a secure, tranquil, and permanent abode, a safe sanctuary where undisturbed peace prevails. It carries the nuance of settling into a place of quiet and security.

Words-group analysis:

• "Oh that I had wings like a dove!": This collective expression vividly conveys the psalmist's overwhelming desire for a miraculous escape. The imagery combines fragility and yearning ("dove") with the urgent need for swift removal from present distress ("wings"). It highlights a deeply human, emotional plea for immediate and simple deliverance from complex troubles.
• "fly away, and be at rest.": This phrase presents a two-stage aspiration: the active and swift removal from danger ("fly away"), followed by the desired state of enduring peace and security ("be at rest"). It speaks to the universal longing for not just relief from pain, but for a true, lasting sanctuary where one can finally find profound quietude and restoration.

Psalm 55 6 Bonus section

The yearning for escape in Psalm 55:6 underscores a fundamental human need for safety, peace, and security, which is ultimately fulfilled only in the divine. The longed-for "rest" (shakan) profoundly echoes the biblical concept of God's presence, the Shekinah, where His people find true security and belonging. While the initial impulse to flee from distress is a natural human reaction, a Christian understanding highlights finding steadfastness and comfort in God's presence during trouble, rather than merely seeking to escape from it. The fragile yet determined flight of the dove can symbolize seeking refuge under the protective embrace of the Almighty (Psa 91:4). This verse subtly contrasts human impotence with God's sovereign power to deliver, sustain, or even transform our experience of distress.

Psalm 55 6 Commentary

Psalm 55:6 captures a deeply relatable human emotion: the profound and almost primal desire to escape when overwhelmed by suffering, betrayal, or intense conflict. David, amidst his dire circumstances, wishes for the swift, unimpeded flight of a dove, not just to flee immediate danger, but to reach a place of complete, undisturbed tranquility. This verse is not an affirmation of unwavering faith but an honest cry of human vulnerability, weakness, and sheer exhaustion. While true escape through physical flight is often impossible and external removal does not guarantee inner peace, the psalmist's lament ultimately directs believers to the true source of rest. Biblically, lasting "rest" (Hebrew: shakan) is not found in geographical evasion but in dwelling spiritually with God, who alone offers refuge and peace (Psa 91:4, Mt 11:28-30) that transcends outward circumstances.