Psalms 55:3

Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

Because of the voice {H6963} of the enemy {H341}{H8802)}, because {H6440} of the oppression {H6125} of the wicked {H7563}: for they cast {H4131}{H8686)} iniquity {H205} upon me, and in wrath {H639} they hate {H7852}{H8799)} me.

at how the enemy shouts, at how the wicked oppress; for they keep heaping trouble on me and angrily tormenting me.

at the voice of the enemy, at the pressure of the wicked. For they release disaster upon me and revile me in their anger.

Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they cast iniquity upon me, And in anger they persecute me.

Commentary

Psalms 55:3 captures the psalmist's profound distress, pinpointing the source of his anguish: hostile enemies and wicked oppressors. This verse is a raw expression of the pain inflicted by those who actively seek to harm and discredit him.

Context

Psalm 55 is a deeply personal lament, widely believed to be written by King David during a period of intense personal crisis. The psalm opens with a desperate plea for God to hear his prayer, describing a heart overwhelmed by fear and dread. The specific torment described in verse 3, involving betrayal and false accusations, strongly suggests a time like the rebellion of his son Absalom, or the painful defection of his trusted counselor Ahithophel. This verse articulates the external pressures contributing to the psalmist's internal turmoil, setting the stage for his subsequent cry for divine intervention and justice.

Key Themes

  • Oppression and Persecution: The verse highlights the direct experience of being targeted and subjected to severe pressure from adversaries. This isn't just general hardship, but a deliberate act of malice.
  • False Accusation and Slander: The phrase "they cast iniquity upon me" strongly suggests that the enemies are not merely opposing him but are also actively spreading lies, attributing evil deeds or motives to him. This is a common tactic of those seeking to discredit or destroy.
  • Intense Hatred and Wrath: The phrase "in wrath they hate me" conveys the deep-seated animosity and fierce anger directed at the psalmist. Their hatred is not passive but aggressive and destructive, seeking to cause harm.
  • Cry for Deliverance: By detailing the source of his suffering, the psalmist lays the groundwork for his earnest petition to God for rescue and vindication, a theme central to many lament psalms.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the oppression of the wicked" translates the Hebrew word 'āshāq (עָשַׁק), which signifies violent or unjust pressure, extortion, or exploitation. It conveys a sense of being crushed or defrauded. The expression "they cast iniquity upon me" comes from the Hebrew yāmiṭū 'āwōn 'ālāy (יָמִיטוּ עָוֹן עָלָי), literally meaning "they cause iniquity to fall upon me." This vividly paints a picture of enemies throwing accusations of sin or wrongdoing at him, burdening him with false guilt. The term "wrath" is ḥēmāh (חֵמָה), denoting fierce anger or indignation, emphasizing the intense emotional state of his enemies.

Practical Application

Psalms 55:3 offers comfort and understanding to those who feel unjustly targeted, slandered, or oppressed. In a world where false accusations, online bullying, and political or social animosity are prevalent, this verse resonates deeply. It reminds us that such experiences are not new and that God hears the cries of those who suffer under the "voice of the enemy." Like the psalmist, we are encouraged to articulate our pain and bring our specific grievances before God, trusting in His ultimate justice and deliverance. This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to seek God's protection from malicious attacks, whether physical, emotional, or reputational.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 16:7

    And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:

  • 2 Samuel 16:8

    The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou [art taken] in thy mischief, because thou [art] a bloody man.

  • Psalms 27:12

    Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

  • Psalms 35:11

    ¶ False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.

  • Psalms 12:5

    For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

  • Psalms 71:11

    Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for [there is] none to deliver [him].

  • 2 Samuel 19:19

    And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.
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