Bible Strands
Psalms 55:20
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist describes a trusted companion turning against his own allies while anticipating God’s judgment on enemies who refuse to fear Him.
The words — The Hebrew verb שָלַ֣ח (sha.Lach) literally means "he stretched out," depicting the companion extending his hands (יָדָיו, Ya.dav) against his allies (בְּשָׁלוֹמוֹ, bi/sh.lo.mo). The term חִלֵּ֥ל (chi.Lel) denotes a profane violation of his covenant (בְּרִיתוֹ, be.ri.to).
The thread — This pattern of hostile action against allies surfaces in Psalms 7:4, where the psalmist questions rewarding a friend with evil. The breach of sworn oaths contrasts with God’s unchanging promise in Psalms 89:34 and parallels the historical persecution recorded in Acts 12:1.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that betrayal often originates within trusted circles rather than from obvious foes. It demands sober discernment between outwardly smooth relationships and inward hostility while anchoring trust in God’s unshakable judgment.
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
King James Version
He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
Cross-references
- Psalms 7:4 if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause,
- Psalms 89:34 I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips.
- Acts 12:1 About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church.
- Psalms 109:5 They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
- Psalms 120:6 Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace.
- 1 Samuel 22:17 Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 24:10 Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’
- Psalms 89:28 I will forever preserve My loving devotion for him, and My covenant with him will stand fast.
- Psalms 89:38 Now, however, You have spurned and rejected him; You are enraged by Your anointed one.
- Ecclesiastes 8:2 Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.