Psalms 55:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But it was thou, a man {H582} mine equal {H6187}, my guide {H441}, and mine acquaintance {H3045}{H8794)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But it was you, a man of my own kind, my companion, whom I knew well.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:13 powerfully articulates the profound anguish of betrayal, not from an overt adversary, but from a trusted confidant, a peer with whom the psalmist shared deep intimacy and counsel. This verse intensifies the emotional devastation of broken trust, highlighting how treachery from within one's inner circle can inflict wounds far deeper than external opposition, leading to a desperate cry for relief and divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply personal and emotionally charged lament, characterized by intense distress, fervent pleas for deliverance, and imprecations against enemies. The immediate preceding verse, [Psalms 55:12](/psalms/55-12 "Psalms 55:12 - The Source of David's Pain"), explicitly sets the stage by clarifying that the psalmist's suffering does not originate from a conventional enemy, but from someone who was once a cherished companion. This crucial distinction prepares the reader for verse 13, which then elaborates on the intimate nature of this relationship, thereby amplifying the shock and devastation of the betrayal. The psalm subsequently details the betrayer's treachery ([Psalms 55:14-15](/psalms/55-14-15 "Psalms 55:14-15 - The Betrayer's Hypocrisy and Shared Counsel")) before culminating in a powerful declaration of unwavering trust in God's faithfulness and ultimate justice ([Psalms 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalms 55:22 - Casting Burdens on the Lord")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm's themes resonate universally, many scholars traditionally attribute its composition to King David, specifically during the tumultuous period of his son Absalom's rebellion. The historical backdrop frequently points to the defection of Ahithophel, David's highly esteemed and trusted counselor, who notoriously joined Absalom's conspiracy ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel's Betrayal of David")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, loyalty, particularly within a king's inner circle, was paramount and often viewed as a sacred covenant. Betrayal by a close advisor was not merely a personal slight but a profound breach of trust, a direct threat to the established social and political order, and an act of immense dishonor. The cultural weight of such treachery would have significantly compounded the personal pain and sense of violation experienced by the psalmist.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores the theme of **Profound Betrayal**, emphasizing that the deepest wounds often originate from those closest to us, rather than from overt adversaries. It vividly highlights the shattering of **Broken Trust**, where the very foundations of shared life, intimate counsel, and mutual reliance are violated. The psalmist's words convey intense **Emotional Anguish** and shock, revealing the raw distress of realizing that someone considered a peer and confidant has turned against him. This specific act of perfidy also contributes significantly to the broader themes of **Lament and Divine Justice** found throughout the Psalms, as the psalmist pours out his heart to God, seeking divine intervention and vindication against the perfidious act. The experience described here is a poignant example of the human condition in a fallen world, where even the most cherished bonds can be fractured by sin, necessitating a reliance on God's unchanging character, as seen in passages like [Psalm 142:1-2](/psalms/142-1-2 "Psalm 142:1-2 - A Prayer from the Cave").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** This term (H582) refers to a mortal, a human being in general, often emphasizing their frailty or commonality, distinct from a more dignified term for humanity. Here, it underscores that the betrayer is a fellow human, a peer, not a divine or supernatural entity, making the betrayal a deeply personal and relatable human act.
* **equal (Hebrew, _ʻêrek'_):** This word (H6187) denotes someone of the psalmist's own rank, estimation, or standing. It implies a relationship of parity, where both individuals are on the same level, perhaps sharing similar status, responsibilities, or respect. The betrayal is thus not from a subordinate or an outsider, but from someone considered a peer, making the treachery all the more shocking and painful due to the violation of an assumed equality.
* **guide (Hebrew, _ʼallûwph'_):** This term (H441) signifies a familiar friend, a close companion, or even a chieftain/leader. In this context, it speaks of someone who walked alongside the psalmist, perhaps offering counsel, sharing intimate moments, or jointly navigating life's challenges. It denotes a relationship of deep companionship and shared direction, intensifying the sense of a profound breach of trust in a shared journey.
* **acquaintance (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This root word (H3045), from which "acquaintance" is derived, means "to know" in a profound sense—to ascertain by seeing, to be familiar with, to acknowledge, or to have intimate knowledge. It points to a relationship of deep personal knowledge and familiarity, signifying shared history, secrets, and a level of intimacy that makes the betrayal particularly cutting. This was not a casual connection but someone deeply integrated into the psalmist's life, making their turning against him an act of profound violation of shared understanding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But [it was] thou":** The opening phrase immediately establishes a direct, accusatory address, shifting the focus from a general enemy to a specific individual. The emphatic "thou" highlights the psalmist's personal shock and disbelief that the betrayer is not a distant foe but someone intimately known. This direct confrontation underscores the profound sense of personal violation and the unexpected source of the pain.
* **"a man mine equal":** This clause identifies the betrayer as a peer, someone on the same level as the psalmist in terms of status, standing, or estimation. It suggests a relationship built on mutual respect and shared dignity, making the act of betrayal particularly heinous. The treachery originates from within the circle of equals, not from an external threat, amplifying the sense of shock and disillusionment.
* **"my guide":** This phrase further defines the depth of the relationship, indicating someone who offered counsel, companionship, and perhaps even leadership or direction alongside the psalmist. It speaks of shared journeys, decisions, and intimate moments, where trust was fundamental to their interaction. This aspect highlights the intellectual and relational intimacy that was violated.
* **"and mine acquaintance":** This final descriptor emphasizes the profound intimacy and familiarity that existed between the psalmist and the betrayer. It signifies a deep personal bond, shared secrets, and a history of close interaction, implying a relationship of deep personal knowledge. The betrayal is thus not merely a political or social act but a deeply personal violation of a sacred, intimate trust.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the psalmist's pain. **Apostrophe** is prominently used through the direct, accusatory address, "But [it was] thou," which immediately draws the reader into the psalmist's personal anguish and sense of betrayal, creating an intimate and confrontational tone. There is a strong element of **Irony**, as the source of the psalmist's deepest suffering is not an external foe, but an intimate friend and trusted confidant, turning the expected source of comfort and alliance into a wellspring of profound pain. The language evokes profound **Pathos**, appealing directly to the reader's emotions by vividly portraying the shock, devastation, and personal violation of broken trust from a peer. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by implicitly contrasting the expected loyalty and support of a friend with the actual treacherous act, highlighting the jarring and unnatural nature of the betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The betrayal described in Psalms 55:13 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of human sinfulness and the profound pain it inflicts, even within the most sacred relationships. It underscores the inherent fragility of human trust and the pervasive reality of perfidy in a fallen world. Theologically, this experience of betrayal by a trusted friend highlights the unique and often more devastating suffering that comes from within one's inner circle, contrasting it with the more straightforward pain inflicted by an open enemy. It prompts profound reflection on the nature of true friendship and loyalty, ultimately pointing to God as the only truly faithful and unchanging confidant. While human relationships can falter and betray, God's covenantal love and steadfastness remain an unshakeable foundation for the believer, providing solace, vindication, and justice when earthly trust is shattered.

* [Psalms 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "Jesus' Foretelling of Judas' Betrayal")
* [Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "The Nature of True Friendship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 55:13 offers a profound mirror for the universal human experience of betrayal, reminding us that some of life's deepest wounds are inflicted not by strangers or adversaries, but by those we have held closest. This verse validates the intense emotional anguish—the shock, disbelief, and profound sorrow—that accompanies such a breach of trust, affirming that these feelings are a natural response to a deeply personal violation. For believers, it serves as a sober reminder of the fallen nature of humanity, even among those within the community of faith, and the ongoing need for discernment in our relationships. Yet, David's journey in this psalm, moving from raw lament to ultimately casting his burden on the Lord ([Psalms 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalms 55:22 - Casting Burdens on the Lord")), provides a vital pathway for healing and spiritual resilience. It encourages us to bring our brokenness, pain, and cries for justice directly to God, who understands our suffering intimately and promises to sustain us. It challenges us to extend grace and forgiveness, even when it feels humanly impossible, recognizing that our ultimate trust must rest in the unwavering faithfulness of God, not in the fluctuating loyalty of humans.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the betrayal by a trusted friend (as described in this verse) differ from the pain inflicted by an open enemy, and why might it be more devastating?**
* **What steps can one take to process the emotional and spiritual wounds caused by such a profound breach of trust, drawing strength from biblical examples?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge our understanding of human relationships and where our ultimate trust should lie?**
* **How does David's ultimate response in Psalm 55 (casting his burden on the Lord) provide a model for dealing with betrayal today, and what practical steps can we take to emulate this trust?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "man mine equal" likely referring to in the historical context of David's life?**

Answer: In the historical context often associated with King David, the "man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance" is widely believed to be Ahithophel. Ahithophel was David's highly esteemed and trusted counselor, whose advice was considered as if it came directly from God ([2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Counsel was like the Oracle of God")). His betrayal, by siding with Absalom during his rebellion against David ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - Ahithophel Joins Absalom's Conspiracy")), represented a profound and deeply personal wound for David, perfectly fulfilling the description of a close confidant turning against him.

**How does Psalm 55, particularly this verse, relate to other lament psalms in the Bible?**

Answer: Psalm 55, with its intense expression of betrayal and suffering, is a quintessential lament psalm. It shares common features with other laments, such as a direct address to God, a vivid description of distress, a passionate plea for deliverance, and often an imprecation against enemies (or in this case, a betrayer). Like many other laments (e.g., [Psalm 6](/psalms/6 "Psalm 6 - A Prayer for Mercy in Distress") or [Psalm 13](/psalms/13 "Psalm 13 - A Prayer for Deliverance from Trouble")), it typically moves from deep anguish and a sense of abandonment to an eventual expression of trust and hope in God's faithfulness and justice. The unique aspect of Psalm 55 is its specific and poignant focus on the pain of betrayal from a trusted friend, which adds another layer of complexity and depth to the psalmist's suffering, making it particularly relatable to the experience of intimate treachery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. David's lament over the betrayal by his trusted peer, Ahithophel, serves as a powerful prophetic foreshadowing of the ultimate betrayal Jesus endured at the hands of one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot. Judas was not an enemy, but one of the twelve, an "acquaintance" who shared intimate meals, teachings, and ministry with Jesus ([John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus' Foretelling of Judas' Betrayal")). The profound pain David expressed—the shock that someone so close could turn against him—was perfectly encapsulated in Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Judas identified Him with a kiss, the very sign of friendship and loyalty ([Matthew 26:48-49](/matthew/26-48-49 "Matthew 26:48-49 - Judas' Betrayal with a Kiss")). Unlike David, who cried out for vengeance, Jesus responded with perfect submission to His Father's will, enduring the betrayal as part of His redemptive mission to bear the sins of the world and secure salvation for humanity. His suffering, including the profound pain of betrayal, demonstrates His full identification with human suffering and establishes Him as the faithful High Priest who understands our weaknesses and sorrows ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Ultimately, while human friends may falter and betray, Christ remains the perfect, never-failing friend who promises, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God's Unfailing Presence and Promise")).

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

2 Samuel 15:12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Jeremiah 9:4

Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.

2 Samuel 16:23

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, [was] as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so [was] all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

Mark 14:44

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead [him] away safely.

Mark 14:45

And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.