Psalms 55:11

KJV

Wickedness [is] in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wickedness {H1942} is in the midst {H7130} thereof: deceit {H8496} and guile {H4820} depart {H4185}{H8686)} not from her streets {H7339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ruin is rife within it, oppression and fraud never leave its streets.

Berean Standard Bible

Destruction is within; oppression and deceit never leave the streets.

American Standard Version

Wickedness is in the midst thereof: Oppression and guile depart not from its streets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:11 paints a stark picture of a city consumed by moral decay and pervasive corruption. The psalmist, likely David, laments that "wickedness" has become deeply embedded within the very fabric of urban life, not merely existing on the fringes but residing "in the midst thereof." This internal rot is further emphasized by the constant presence of "deceit and guile," which are depicted as never departing from the city's public spaces, its "streets." The verse powerfully conveys the overwhelming sense of treachery and dishonesty that characterizes the community, serving as a foundational expression of the psalmist's profound anguish and his subsequent plea for divine intervention against such pervasive evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 55 is a fervent lament, deeply personal and emotionally charged, attributed to David. It opens with an earnest plea for God to hear his prayer and not hide from his supplication, immediately establishing a tone of distress. The psalm vividly describes the psalmist's profound anguish, which stems from both the general wickedness he observes in the city and, more acutely, from the devastating betrayal by a close friend or trusted companion, as highlighted in verses like [Psalms 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12 "Psalms 5:12-14 - Betrayal by a Friend"). Verse 11, "Wickedness [is] in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets," serves as a crucial descriptive element, establishing the pervasive moral corruption of the environment that precipitates David's personal suffering and his desperate cry for deliverance. It sets the stage for his longing to escape the turmoil, as expressed in [Psalms 55:6-8](/psalms/55-6 "Psalms 55:6-8 - David's Desire for Escape").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical event is not explicitly named, many scholars associate Psalms 55 with the period of Absalom's rebellion (as detailed in [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15-18 - Absalom's Rebellion")), where David faced treachery from within his own household and kingdom, including the betrayal by his trusted counselor, Ahithophel. The city referred to is almost certainly Jerusalem, the capital and spiritual center of Israel. In ancient Near Eastern cities, "streets" were not merely thoroughfares but bustling public spaces where justice was administered, commerce conducted, and daily life unfolded. The gates and streets were places of legal proceedings and social interaction. For "deceit and guile" to "depart not from her streets" implies a complete breakdown of public trust, justice, and moral order, indicating that corruption had infiltrated the very institutions and daily interactions of society, making it a place of constant moral hazard.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 55:11 contributes significantly to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **pervasiveness of sin** and its ability to corrupt an entire community, echoing the biblical understanding of humanity's fallen nature as seen in [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - Pervasiveness of Human Wickedness"). Secondly, it highlights the **breakdown of trust and integrity**, portraying a society where honesty is absent, leading to profound social and spiritual decay. This contrasts sharply with the divine call for righteousness and truth, often emphasized in the wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides the Upright"). Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of **urban decay and spiritual desolation**, illustrating how human settlements can become centers of ungodliness when God's laws and moral principles are disregarded. This theme resonates with prophetic critiques of corrupt cities like those found in [Isaiah 1:21-23](/isaiah/1-21 "Isaiah 1:21-23 - The Corrupt City of Jerusalem"). Ultimately, this portrayal of rampant wickedness serves to intensify the psalmist's desperate plea for divine justice and intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _resha'_):** This term (רֶשַׁע) denotes not merely incidental wrongdoing but a deep-seated, active rebellion against God's moral order. It signifies guilt, unrighteousness, and a deliberate turning away from what is right. In this context, it suggests a fundamental character flaw of the city, indicating that evil is not just present but is a defining, active force within its core. It often carries connotations of violence and oppression, fitting the broader context of Psalm 55.
* **Deceit (Hebrew, _mirmah'_):** The Hebrew word (מִרְמָה) translated as "deceit" and "guile" in the KJV is the same word. It signifies treachery, fraud, cunning, and betrayal. The use of two English words for a single Hebrew term in the KJV serves to intensify the description, emphasizing the multifaceted and pervasive nature of dishonesty. _Mirmah_ speaks to the intentional misleading of others, often for personal gain or to inflict harm, which is a central theme of betrayal in Psalm 55.
* **Guile (Hebrew, _mirmah'_):** As noted, this is the same Hebrew word (מִרְמָה) as "deceit." Its repetition through a different English synonym underscores the inescapable presence and varied manifestations of dishonesty. It highlights the insidious and cunning nature of the city's corruption, suggesting that treachery is not an occasional act but a constant, ingrained characteristic of its inhabitants' interactions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wickedness [is] in the midst thereof":** This phrase powerfully conveys that evil is not confined to the periphery or hidden in dark corners but has permeated the very heart and core of the city. "In the midst thereof" implies that wickedness is central, endemic, and perhaps even institutionalized, affecting public life, governance, and social interactions. It suggests a fundamental moral rot from within, making the city a dangerous and morally compromised place.
* **"deceit and guile depart not from her streets":** This clause further elaborates on the nature and pervasiveness of the city's corruption. "Streets" represent the public thoroughfares, marketplaces, and places where daily life unfolds and justice is administered. The declaration that "deceit and guile depart not" from these public spaces emphasizes their constant, unceasing presence. It means that dishonesty, treachery, and cunning are not occasional occurrences but defining characteristics of daily interactions, making trust impossible and exposing everyone to constant moral hazard.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 55:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the city's corruption. **Personification** is evident in the way the city is implicitly treated as a moral entity, capable of harboring "wickedness" and from whose "streets" "deceit and guile" do not depart. This gives the city an almost sentient quality, as if it is actively participating in its own moral decay. **Hyperbole** is also at play, as the statement that deceit and guile *never* depart from the streets is an exaggeration used to emphasize their overwhelming and inescapable presence, creating a sense of utter despair and hopelessness for the psalmist. Furthermore, there is a subtle form of **Parallelism** (specifically, synonymous parallelism in concept if not exact word-for-word structure) between "wickedness in the midst thereof" and "deceit and guile depart not from her streets." Both clauses reinforce the same core idea: the pervasive and inescapable nature of evil within the urban environment, with the second clause elaborating on the specific manifestations of that wickedness. Finally, **Metonymy** is present, as "streets" stand in for the entire public sphere and daily life of the city, signifying that the corruption is not just abstract but tangible in every interaction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 55:11 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin and its societal impact. It highlights how sin, when left unchecked, can infect and define an entire community, turning public spaces meant for justice and interaction into arenas of treachery. This pervasive corruption is not merely a human failing but a direct affront to God's righteous character and His desire for His people to live in truth and integrity. The psalm's lament against such wickedness underscores the biblical emphasis on righteousness as the foundation for a healthy society, and the devastating consequences when it is absent. It foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment against all forms of unrighteousness, affirming God's sovereignty over human affairs and His commitment to justice.

* [Proverbs 12:20](/proverbs/12-20 "Proverbs 12:20 - Deceit in the Hearts of the Wicked")
* [Isaiah 59:14](/isaiah/59-14 "Isaiah 59:14 - Justice and Righteousness Absent")
* [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 55:11 provides a sobering mirror for contemporary society, reminding us that the struggle against wickedness, deceit, and guile is an enduring one. Even in communities that claim spiritual or moral foundations, the potential for corruption to infiltrate "the midst thereof" and for dishonesty to "depart not from her streets" remains a constant threat. For believers, this verse is a call to heightened spiritual discernment, urging us to recognize the subtle and overt ways sin manifests in our world, our institutions, and even our own hearts. It compels us to cultivate personal integrity and to be beacons of truth and righteousness in environments often characterized by duplicity. Rather than succumbing to cynicism or despair in the face of pervasive evil, we are called to embody the values of the Kingdom of God, standing in stark contrast to the prevailing culture of deceit, and to pray for God's justice and transformation in our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do "wickedness, deceit, and guile" manifest in the "streets" (public spaces, social media, institutions) of my community today?**
* **How does this verse challenge me to examine my own heart for any subtle forms of deceit or compromise?**
* **What practical steps can I take to be an agent of truth and integrity in a world often characterized by dishonesty?**
* **How does the psalmist's anguish over pervasive evil inform my own prayers for my city or nation?**

### FAQ

**What does "in the midst thereof" signify regarding the city's wickedness?**

Answer: "In the midst thereof" signifies that wickedness is not merely an external threat or an occasional occurrence but is deeply embedded within the very core, fabric, and institutions of the city. It implies that corruption has permeated the heart of the community, affecting its public life, its governance, its commerce, and the daily interactions of its inhabitants. It suggests a fundamental moral rot from within, making evil an intrinsic part of the city's identity and operations.

**Why are "deceit and guile" mentioned together, and what does it mean that they "depart not from her streets"?**

Answer: "Deceit and guile" are two English translations of the same Hebrew word, _mirmah_, which means treachery, fraud, and cunning. The use of two words emphasizes the multifaceted and pervasive nature of dishonesty. That they "depart not from her streets" means that these vices are not occasional or fleeting but are constant, unceasing, and ingrained characteristics of daily life in the city. "Streets" represent public spaces where life unfolds, justice is administered, and commerce occurs. Thus, it signifies that dishonesty, treachery, and cunning are ever-present in public interactions, making trust impossible and exposing everyone to constant moral hazard and betrayal. This paints a picture of a society where integrity is utterly lacking, and deception is the norm, contributing to the psalmist's profound distress. This pervasive lack of integrity is a stark contrast to the call for truthfulness found in passages like [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Putting Away Falsehood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:11, with its lament over pervasive wickedness, deceit, and guile in the city, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. This verse perfectly encapsulates the fallen human condition and the brokenness of a world estranged from God, a world where sin is not just an act but a pervasive atmosphere. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), entered this very world, confronting its wickedness head-on. He exposed the hypocrisy and deceit of religious leaders ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), offered truth in a world full of lies ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and ultimately bore the full weight of humanity's sin, including its deceit and wickedness, on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He provides the only means by which humanity can be cleansed from such pervasive corruption and enter into a new reality. His resurrection signifies His victory over sin and death, promising a future where wickedness, deceit, and guile will have no place. The New Jerusalem, the eternal city of God, is described as a place where "nothing unclean will ever enter, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Purity of the New Jerusalem")). Thus, Christ is the answer to the psalmist's lament, the one who purifies the city and establishes a kingdom of righteousness where truth reigns supreme.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 5:9

For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

Psalms 10:7

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.

Isaiah 59:7

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction [are] in their paths.

Jeremiah 5:26

For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

Jeremiah 5:27

As a cage is full of birds, so [are] their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Acts 7:52

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: