Psalms 55:5

KJV

Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Fearfulness {H3374} and trembling {H7461} are come {H935}{H8799)} upon me, and horror {H6427} hath overwhelmed {H3680}{H8762)} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

fear and trembling overwhelm me, horror covers me.

Berean Standard Bible

Fear and trembling grip me, and horror has overwhelmed me.

American Standard Version

Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, And horror hath overwhelmed me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:5 vividly captures the psalmist's profound emotional and physical distress, describing an overwhelming sense of terror, fear, and physical trembling that has completely enveloped him. This verse serves as a raw and honest expression of human vulnerability in the face of intense suffering, betrayal, or danger, setting the stage for his desperate plea for divine intervention and refuge amidst his anguish.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply personal lament, attributed to David, that expresses profound anguish, betrayal, and a desperate cry for deliverance. It opens with an urgent plea for God to hear his prayer ([Psalms 55:1-2](/psalms/55-1 "Psalm 55:1-2 - David's Plea for God to Hear")), quickly transitioning to a vivid description of his enemies' oppression and the physical manifestations of his distress. The preceding verses detail the wickedness of his adversaries and the "voice of the enemy" ([Psalms 55:3](/psalms/55-3 "Psalm 55:3 - The Voice of the Enemy")), leading directly into the emotional breakdown described in verse 5. Following this intense expression of fear, the psalmist longs for escape, wishing he had wings to fly away from his troubles ([Psalms 55:6-8](/psalms/55-6 "Psalm 55:6-8 - David's Desire for Escape")). The psalm then pivots to a specific lament against a betraying friend, a central theme that intensifies the personal suffering described earlier.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm does not explicitly name the betrayer, traditional interpretations often link Psalm 55 to David's experience with Ahithophel during Absalom's rebellion (as recounted in [2 Samuel 15-17](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15-17 - Absalom's Rebellion and Ahithophel's Betrayal")). This period was marked by intense political turmoil, personal danger, and the profound pain of betrayal by a trusted counselor. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on loyalty and covenant faithfulness, making betrayal, especially by a close confidant, an exceptionally grievous offense. Such an act would not only cause emotional distress but also carry significant social and political consequences, threatening one's very life and standing. The psalmist's expressions of fear and physical symptoms are typical responses to such life-threatening and deeply personal crises in a world where justice was often swift and brutal.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 55:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **human vulnerability and distress**, showcasing how even a mighty king like David could be utterly overwhelmed by fear and physical symptoms in the face of betrayal and oppression. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **betrayal and its devastating impact**, particularly when it comes from a trusted friend, which is elaborated upon in later verses of [Psalm 55](/psalms/55 "Psalm 55 - A Psalm of Betrayal and Lament"). This personal anguish drives the psalmist's desperate plea for divine justice and intervention. Finally, despite the raw expression of fear, this verse implicitly sets the stage for the recurring theme of **seeking refuge in God** amidst overwhelming circumstances, a foundational message found throughout the [book of Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Praise and Lament"), even when the immediate focus is on despair.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fearfulness (Hebrew, _paḥad'_):** This term denotes a sudden, overwhelming terror or dread, often accompanied by a sense of being startled or ambushed. It speaks to an immediate, visceral reaction to perceived danger, suggesting a loss of composure and a profound internal disturbance. Unlike a general anxiety, _paḥad_ implies an acute, incapacitating fright that seizes the individual.
* **Trembling (Hebrew, _raʿădâ'_):** This word specifically refers to a physical quivering or shaking of the body, a common physiological response to intense fear, cold, or weakness. Its inclusion here emphasizes the somatic manifestation of the psalmist's emotional state, indicating that his distress is not merely mental but has permeated his physical being, leaving him physically unstable and vulnerable.
* **Horror (Hebrew, _ʾêmâ'_):** This term signifies a deep, terrifying dread or a sense of awe-inspiring terror. It conveys a profound psychological impact, a feeling of being utterly overwhelmed by something dreadful or monstrous. When combined with "overwhelmed," it suggests a comprehensive and inescapable sensation of dread that consumes the entire person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me":** This opening clause vividly describes the psalmist's immediate and involuntary physical and emotional reaction to his crisis. "Fearfulness" (_paḥad_) points to an acute, sudden dread, while "trembling" (_raʿădâ_) highlights the physical manifestation—a uncontrollable shaking. The phrase "are come upon me" suggests an external force or overwhelming circumstance that has invaded his inner world, stripping him of his composure and control. It's an active, invasive experience, not merely a passive feeling.
* **"and horror hath overwhelmed me":** This second clause intensifies the previous statement, indicating a complete and total engulfment by dread. "Horror" (_ʾêmâ_) conveys a profound, terrifying awe or dread that goes beyond simple fear. The verb "overwhelmed" (_kāsâ_) literally means "to cover" or "to clothe," creating a powerful metaphor: the horror is not just felt, but it has completely enveloped, submerged, and consumed the psalmist, leaving no part of him untouched. He is metaphorically clothed in terror, unable to escape its pervasive grip.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent literary devices to convey his profound distress. **Personification** is evident as "fearfulness," "trembling," and "horror" are presented as active agents that "come upon" and "overwhelm" him, almost as if they are external forces attacking him. This gives a tangible, almost physical reality to his emotional state. The use of **hyperbole** amplifies the intensity of his suffering; while he is clearly in deep distress, the language suggests an absolute, all-consuming terror that leaves no room for anything else. This exaggeration effectively communicates the extremity of his internal experience. Furthermore, the progression from "fearfulness and trembling" to "horror hath overwhelmed me" demonstrates a form of **climax** or **intensification**, building from initial physical reactions to a complete psychological engulfment. The imagery of being "overwhelmed" by horror is a powerful **metaphor**, likening the experience to being submerged or buried by a flood, emphasizing the inescapable and suffocating nature of his dread.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The psalmist's raw confession in Psalms 55:5 reveals a profound theological truth about the human condition: even those deeply committed to God are not immune to overwhelming fear, anxiety, and distress. This verse challenges any notion of a stoic or unfeeling faith, instead validating the reality of human vulnerability and the legitimate experience of profound emotional and physical suffering. Theologically, it underscores God's compassionate understanding of our weakness, as He is intimately acquainted with our sorrows. It also sets the stage for the psalmist's subsequent turning to God for refuge, demonstrating that the very depth of human despair can become the catalyst for a more desperate and authentic reliance on divine strength and deliverance, highlighting God's role as the ultimate source of peace amidst chaos.

* [Psalm 6:3](/psalms/6-3 "Psalm 6:3 - David's Soul Vexed")
* [Psalm 69:1-3](/psalms/69-1 "Psalm 69:1-3 - Overwhelmed by Deep Waters")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Strengthen and Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 55:5 offers profound comfort and validation to anyone experiencing overwhelming fear or anxiety. It reminds us that such intense feelings are not a sign of spiritual failure but a deeply human response to difficult circumstances, even for figures of faith like David. In a world that often pressures us to suppress or deny our pain, this verse grants permission to acknowledge the full weight of our distress—the fear that grips, the trembling that shakes, and the horror that threatens to consume. The psalmist's honest lament encourages us to bring our raw, unfiltered emotions before God, trusting that He can handle our deepest anguish. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to faith and into a lived experience where our vulnerability drives us to seek God as our true refuge and strength, just as David did in his moments of greatest despair. This verse is a powerful invitation to authentic prayer, where our brokenness becomes the very ground for encountering God's sustaining presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "fearfulness and trembling" or "horror hath overwhelmed me"?**
* **How does David's raw honesty in this verse encourage you to be more open with God about your own struggles?**
* **What practical steps can you take to turn your feelings of being overwhelmed into an opportunity to seek God's refuge and strength?**
* **How might acknowledging your vulnerability, as David does here, actually strengthen your faith rather than weaken it?**

### FAQ
**Does "horror hath overwhelmed me" imply a demonic attack?**

Answer: While the term "horror" (_ʾêmâ_) can sometimes carry connotations of divine terror or a profound, almost supernatural dread, in the context of [Psalm 55](/psalms/55 "Psalm 55 - A Psalm of Betrayal and Lament"), it primarily describes the psalmist's extreme psychological and emotional state in response to human betrayal and oppression. The overwhelming nature of his distress is attributed to the "voice of the enemy" and the "oppression of the wicked" ([Psalms 55:3](/psalms/55-3 "Psalm 55:3 - The Voice of the Enemy and Oppression")), particularly the treachery of a close friend ([Psalms 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12 "Psalm 55:12-14 - The Betrayal of a Friend")). While spiritual warfare is a biblical concept, the immediate context points to the profound human suffering caused by sin and broken relationships, leading to a natural, albeit extreme, emotional response of terror and being consumed by dread.

**How can I relate to David's feelings if I haven't experienced such extreme betrayal?**

Answer: While the specific circumstances of David's betrayal by a close friend may be unique, the underlying emotions of fear, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed are universally relatable. Life inevitably brings situations that can trigger these feelings: unexpected crises, health scares, financial difficulties, relational conflicts, or even the weight of global events. The psalmist's experience provides a template for honest lament, validating that it is permissible and even necessary to express these deep emotions. The intensity of David's language serves to amplify the human experience of distress, allowing readers to connect with the raw vulnerability, even if their specific triggers differ. The key is to recognize that feeling "fearfulness and trembling" is part of the human condition, and like David, we are invited to bring these feelings to God, who understands our frame ([Psalm 103:14](/psalms/103-14 "Psalm 103:14 - God Knows Our Frame")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:5, with its raw depiction of overwhelming fear and horror, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in an absence of suffering, but in the profound empathetic experience of Jesus Himself. While David's terror stemmed from human betrayal, Jesus, the Son of David, bore the full weight of human sin and divine wrath, leading to an infinitely greater "fearfulness and trembling" in Gethsemane. The Gospels record His soul being "very sorrowful, even to death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Sorrow in Gethsemane")), and His sweat becoming "like great drops of blood falling down to the ground" ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")), a physical manifestation of extreme anguish far surpassing David's. This Gethsemane experience, culminating in His cry of dereliction on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), demonstrates that Jesus fully entered into the human experience of being utterly overwhelmed, not by His own sin, but by the sin of the world. Therefore, when believers feel fear and horror, they can turn to a Savior who knows intimately what it means to be "overwhelmed," a High Priest who "in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). His suffering transforms our own, offering not just empathy but the promise of ultimate deliverance and peace, because He has conquered the very powers that cause such dread ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")).

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 119:120

My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

Job 21:6

Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.

Job 6:4

For the arrows of the Almighty [are] within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

Isaiah 21:4

My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me.

Job 23:15

Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

Job 23:16

For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

Psalms 61:2

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I.