Psalms 55:23

KJV

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou, O God {H430}, shalt bring them down {H3381}{H8686)} into the pit {H875} of destruction {H7845}: bloody {H1818} and deceitful {H4820} men {H582} shall not live out half {H2673}{H8799)} their days {H3117}; but I will trust {H982}{H8799)} in thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you will bring them down, God, into the deepest pit. Those men, so bloodthirsty and treacherous, will not live out half their days. But for my part, [ADONAI,] I put my trust in you.

Berean Standard Bible

But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

American Standard Version

But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:23 serves as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty and unwavering faith in the face of intense human treachery. The psalmist, enduring deep personal suffering and betrayal, confidently proclaims God's certain judgment upon the wicked, who are destined for ultimate destruction and a prematurely curtailed existence. In stark contrast to the fleeting triumph of the deceitful, the verse culminates in a powerful affirmation of the psalmist's steadfast trust in the Lord, providing a timeless model of reliance on God's perfect justice and unfailing faithfulness, even when surrounded by pervasive injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply personal and emotionally charged lament, characterized by the psalmist's fervent cry for divine intervention amidst overwhelming distress. The psalm begins with an urgent plea for God to hear his prayer, expressing profound fear, trembling, and a desperate longing to escape the pervasive evil and violence that surround him, as vividly depicted in [Psalms 55:1-8](/psalms/55-1-8 "Psalms 55:1-8 - A Cry of Distress and Desire for Escape"). A significant portion of the psalm is dedicated to the excruciating pain of betrayal by a close confidant, described with heart-wrenching detail as "mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance" in [Psalms 55:13](/psalms/55-13 "Psalms 55:13 - The Pain of Betrayal"). This betrayal fuels the psalmist's longing for swift and decisive judgment upon his enemies, as articulated in [Psalms 55:15](/psalms/55-15 "Psalms 55:15 - A Prayer for the Downfall of Enemies"). However, this desire for retribution is balanced by his unwavering commitment to persistent prayer ([Psalms 55:16-17](/psalms/55-16-17 "Psalms 55:16-17 - Persistent Prayer and Trust")) and a powerful exhortation to cast one's burdens upon the Lord, which immediately precedes our verse in [Psalms 55:22](/psalms/55-22 "Psalms 55:22 - Cast Your Burden on the Lord"). Thus, [Psalms 55:23](/psalms/55-23 "Psalms 55:23 - God's Justice and the Psalmist's Trust") serves as the psalmist's confident conclusion, a declaration of faith firmly grounded in the certainty of God's righteous judgment against those who have caused him such profound anguish.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 55 is attributed to David, the precise historical backdrop for the intense betrayal it describes is often debated. The most widely accepted and compelling candidate is the rebellion of Absalom and the subsequent treachery of Ahithophel, David's trusted counselor, as meticulously recounted in [2 Samuel 15-17](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15-17 - Absalom's Rebellion and Ahithophel's Betrayal"). Such an event would perfectly align with the profound sense of personal betrayal, the widespread deceit, and the political upheaval depicted in the psalm. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, loyalty and covenant fidelity were not merely social conventions but sacred obligations, especially within close relationships, royal courts, and political alliances. Betrayal by a trusted friend or advisor was considered a deeply egregious offense, far beyond a personal slight; it was often viewed as a violation of divine order and a breach of sacred trust. The concept of divine justice bringing about a premature or ignominious end for the wicked was a deeply ingrained belief, reflecting the understanding that the gods (or Yahweh, in Israel's monotheistic context) actively intervened in human affairs to uphold righteousness and punish wickedness. The imagery of being brought "into the pit of destruction" would evoke common ancient Near Eastern motifs of the grave, Sheol (the realm of the dead), or a state of utter ruin and demise, signifying a complete and inescapable judgment.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 55:23](/psalms/55-23 "Psalms 55:23 - God's Justice and Trust") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it asserts the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**. The psalmist's confident declaration that God "shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction" underscores the unwavering conviction that God is not a passive observer of evil but actively intervenes to judge the wicked and uphold righteousness. This resonates deeply with the recurring biblical promise that God will ultimately set all things right, as articulated in passages like [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences for the Wicked**. The prophecy that "bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days" speaks to the principle of divine retribution, where a life characterized by violence and treachery often leads to a premature or inglorious end, whether through natural consequences or direct divine intervention. This echoes the broader biblical principle of sowing and reaping, found in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the verse pivots to the theme of **Unwavering Trust in God**. Despite the surrounding chaos, the psalmist's desire for retribution, and the profound pain of betrayal, the concluding declaration, "but I will trust in thee," provides a powerful model of steadfast faith. This pivot from the certain fate of the wicked to personal reliance on God underscores the central message of hope and security found in Him, even when surrounded by overwhelming injustice, echoing the call to trust in the Lord with all your heart in [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This term (אֱלֹהִים, H430) is the plural form of _ʼĕlôah_, often used to refer to the supreme God of Israel, especially when accompanied by the definite article. While plural in form, it frequently functions as a singular noun for God, emphasizing His multifaceted power, majesty, and comprehensive authority. In this verse, its use underscores the psalmist's appeal to the ultimate divine authority, the one true God who possesses the power and righteousness to execute perfect judgment.
* **Bring them down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** The root verb (יָרַד, H3381) signifies "to descend" or "to go downwards," but in a causative sense, "to bring down." This implies a forceful, decisive, and inescapable action by God. It is not a gentle descent but a divinely orchestrated plunge into a lower state or region, emphasizing the certainty and power of God's judgment in bringing about the downfall of the wicked.
* **Pit (Hebrew, _shachath'_):** This word (שַׁחַת, H7845) carries a dual meaning: a literal pit (often a trap or dungeon) and, figuratively, destruction, corruption, or the grave/Sheol. In this context, it functions as a powerful metaphor for ultimate ruin and demise. It signifies not merely death, but a comprehensive undoing, an inescapable end that swallows up the wicked and their schemes, aligning with the idea of a final, irrevocable judgment.
* **Bloody (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This term (דָּם, H1818), often appearing in the plural _damim_ (bloods) to denote bloodshed or bloodguiltiness, describes individuals characterized by violence, murder, and a pervasive disregard for human life. It points to a lifestyle and disposition marked by brutality and the shedding of innocent blood, highlighting the moral depravity of the psalmist's adversaries.
* **Deceitful (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** This word (מִרְמָה, H4820) denotes fraud, treachery, cunning, and guile. It describes a character defined by falsehood, betrayal, and manipulative schemes. When paired with "bloody," it paints a comprehensive picture of individuals who are not only violent but also insidious, using deception and treachery to achieve their destructive ends, highlighting the two primary forms of evil the psalmist confronts: overt violence and covert betrayal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction:"** This opening clause asserts God's ultimate sovereignty and active role in executing justice. The psalmist, having expressed his anguish and desire for retribution, now confidently declares that God Himself will intervene. The phrase "bring them down" implies a forceful, decisive, and inescapable descent into a state of utter ruin and demise, often associated with the grave or the realm of the dead. It is a declaration of divine certainty, contrasting with the apparent temporary prosperity of the wicked.
* **"bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days;"** This segment describes the character of those who face God's judgment – individuals defined by their violent actions and treacherous schemes. The consequence for such a life is a premature or shortened existence. "Not live out half their days" is a proverbial expression, signifying that their wicked plans will ultimately fail, their power will be cut short, and they will not achieve the full span of life or success they might have anticipated. It implies an ignominious and divinely curtailed end to their wicked trajectory.
* **"but I will trust in thee."** This final, powerful clause marks a dramatic shift from the certain fate of the wicked to the psalmist's personal declaration of unwavering faith. Despite the profound pain of betrayal, the presence of enemies, and the longing for justice, the psalmist's ultimate response is not despair or self-reliance, but steadfast trust in God. This affirmation underscores the core message of the psalm: even when the world is filled with injustice and betrayal, the righteous find their security and hope in the unwavering faithfulness of God. It is a statement of confident reliance on God's character and His ultimate plan for justice and vindication.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 55:23 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message of divine justice and unwavering faith. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which structures the entire verse. It starkly juxtaposes the certain downfall of the wicked ("thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction") with the steadfast resolve of the righteous ("but I will trust in thee"). This contrast highlights the divergent destinies of those who oppose God and those who rely upon Him. **Metaphor** is powerfully employed in "the pit of destruction," which serves as a vivid image for ultimate ruin, the grave, or Sheol, rather than a literal hole. It conveys the inescapable and comprehensive nature of divine judgment. The phrase "bloody and deceitful men" utilizes **Descriptive Epithets** to succinctly characterize the nature of the adversaries, emphasizing their moral corruption and the two primary forms of evil they embody. Furthermore, "shall not live out half their days" is a form of **Proverbial Language** or **Merism**, signifying a prematurely cut-off life, underscoring the divine curtailment of their wicked plans and ambitions. The verse also implicitly uses **Parallelism** in its thematic structure, where the negative fate of the wicked is balanced by the positive affirmation of the psalmist's faith, creating a powerful rhetorical effect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 55:23 powerfully articulates a foundational biblical truth: God is a God of perfect justice who will ultimately judge the wicked, and therefore, the righteous can place their unwavering trust in Him. This verse directly addresses the perennial problem of evil and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, a common struggle for believers throughout history. It provides profound assurance that God sees all injustice and will indeed act, even if His timing differs from human expectation. The "pit of destruction" signifies not merely physical death but a comprehensive undoing of the wicked's power, influence, and perceived success, representing a divine reversal of their temporary triumph. The psalmist's concluding declaration of trust is a theological anchor, reminding us that true faith is not contingent on immediate vindication or the absence of suffering, but on the unchanging character of God, who is eternally faithful to His promises and just in all His ways. This deep-seated trust empowers the believer to release the burden of personal vengeance and rest securely in God's perfect timing and method of justice.

* [Proverbs 10:27](/proverbs/10-27 "The Fear of the Lord Prolongs Life")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay")
* [1 Peter 4:17-18](/1_peter/4-17-18 "Judgment Begins with the Household of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by injustice, betrayal, and the seemingly unchecked prosperity of the wicked, Psalms 55:23 offers profound comfort and a clear call to unwavering faith. It reminds us that our human perspective is limited, and while evil may appear to triumph for a season, God's ultimate justice is both certain and inescapable. This verse encourages us to release the heavy burden of seeking personal revenge or despairing over the state of the world, instead channeling our energy into steadfastly trusting in God's perfect timing and righteous judgment. Like the psalmist, we are called to anchor our hope in the unwavering character of God, even when circumstances are painful, perplexing, and seemingly unfair. Our faith is not in the absence of evil, but in the powerful presence and righteous character of a just God who will ultimately bring all things to account, ensuring that the schemes of the "bloody and deceitful" will not endure, while those who trust in Him will find enduring security and eternal vindication. This liberating truth empowers us to live righteously and patiently, knowing that our ultimate vindication rests securely with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's declaration of trust in God, despite intense suffering and betrayal, challenge your own response to injustice in your life?**
* **In what ways might the "pit of destruction" manifest in the lives of the wicked today, beyond merely physical death, reflecting a comprehensive undoing?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper, unwavering trust in God's justice and sovereignty when we see evil seemingly prospering in the world around us?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "cast your burden" upon the Lord, as suggested in the preceding verse, rather than dwelling on the perceived injustices inflicted by others?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse encourage believers to wish for the destruction of their enemies?**

Answer: While the psalmist expresses a strong desire for God's judgment upon his enemies, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine justice and the nature of imprecatory prayer common in the Psalms, the primary takeaway for New Testament believers is not to personally seek vengeance or harbor ill-will. Instead, the verse powerfully reaffirms God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. The psalmist's confidence that God "shalt bring them down" allows him to release the burden of retribution, culminating in his personal declaration, "but I will trust in thee." For Christians, this translates into trusting God to handle justice, as [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay") commands, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Our role is to pray for justice, to love our enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), and to trust that God will ultimately set all things right in His perfect timing.

**What does "shall not live out half their days" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a proverbial expression, not a literal mathematical prediction of lifespan. It signifies a premature or shortened life, an ignominious end, or a curtailment of their perceived success and power. It implies that the wicked will not achieve the full measure of their ambitions or live a long, prosperous life, as might be expected for the righteous. It's a divine consequence for their "bloody and deceitful" character, indicating that their schemes will ultimately fail and their influence will be cut short, reflecting the principle found in [Proverbs 10:27](/proverbs/10-27 "Proverbs 10:27 - The Fear of the Lord Prolongs Life") that "the fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "pit of destruction" and the certain judgment upon "bloody and deceitful men" foreshadow the definitive triumph of God's perfect justice, fully realized in Christ's victory over sin, death, and all forms of evil. Jesus Himself, the ultimate innocent victim, experienced profound betrayal, not merely by an acquaintance but by one of His own chosen disciples ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas's Betrayal of Jesus")). Yet, instead of calling down judgment on His betrayers, He willingly went to the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His glorious resurrection is the ultimate proof that death and the "pit of destruction" have no final hold over Him, or over those who are united with Him ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ")). Furthermore, the psalmist's concluding declaration, "but I will trust in thee," points directly to the New Testament call to place our complete and unwavering faith in Jesus as the one who has secured our eternal hope and deliverance from all evil. Through Christ, believers are assured that while wickedness may rage for a season, God's justice will ultimately prevail, and those who trust in Him will inherit eternal life, far beyond "half their days," living forever in His glorious and righteous presence ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Proverbs 10:27

¶ The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

Job 15:32

It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be green.

Psalms 5:6

Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

Psalms 7:15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

Psalms 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Psalms 73:18

Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

Isaiah 38:17

Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul [delivered it] from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.