Psalms 55:13

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

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — David addresses a trusted insider who has turned against him, contrasting this betrayal with the kind of hostility from a stranger he could easily endure. The speaker identifies the betrayer as an equal in status and an intimate associate during a moment of personal crisis.

The words — The phrase כְּעֶרְכִּי (ke-'erki) literally means "according to my value" or "like me," emphasizing the betrayer's equal standing. The term אַלּוּפִי ('alufi) translates to "my close friend" or "my chief," highlighting the depth of the expected loyalty.

The thread — The text warns against misplaced trust in Micah 7:5 and Jeremiah 9:4, both noting that companions and friends can become sources of craftiness. The historical account in 2 Samuel 15:12 shows a similar pattern when a royal counselor joins a rebellion against his king.

Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to acknowledge that betrayal by an insider carries a different weight than opposition from an enemy. It asks the reader to confront the reality that shared fellowship and sacred routines do not guarantee loyalty.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

וְאַתָּ֣הve./'a.Tahand/ you אֱנ֣וֹשׁ'e.No.osha man כְּעֶרְכִּ֑יke./'er.K/iaccording to/ value/ my אַ֝לּוּפִ֗י'a.lu.F/iclose friend/ my וּמְיֻדָּֽעִי׃u./me.yu.Da.'/iand/ acquaintance/ my

King James Version

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

Cross-references

Micah 7:5 Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.
2 Samuel 15:12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.
Jeremiah 9:4 “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.
Mark 14:44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.”
2 Samuel 16:23 Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.
Psalms 41:9 Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
Luke 22:47 While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.
Luke 22:21 Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table.
Matthew 26:47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.
John 19:13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha.