To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

PSALMS 55:1KJV
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Psalms 55:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 55:1 mean?

Psalms 55:1 is a plea from David, asking God to listen to his prayer and not to ignore his desperate request for help. David is openly seeking God's attention and intervention in a time of distress.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to God, expressing a deep need to be heard. The heading of the psalm notes it is for the "chief Musician" and is to be played on "Neginoth" (stringed instruments), marking it as a song meant for public worship. The word "Maschil" suggests it is intended to teach or give insight, hinting that David’s experience is meant to instruct others about turning to God in times of trouble.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 55:1

  • נְגִינוֹת (Neginoth, H5058): This word refers to stringed instruments. Its mention shows that this psalm was meant to be accompanied by music, giving it a particular emotional tone and making it suitable for communal singing.
  • מַשְׂכִּיל (Maschil, H4905): Often understood as "a teaching" or "contemplative" psalm. This signals that the psalm is not just a personal lament but also carries a lesson or insight for others.
  • תְּפִלָּה (tefillah, H8605): This is the Hebrew word for "prayer," emphasizing that David’s words are not casual speech but a formal, heartfelt petition to God.
  • תְּחִנָּה (techinnah, H8467): Translated as "supplication," this word highlights the urgent and humble nature of David’s request, showing he is not just asking but pleading for God’s attention.

Why Psalms 55:1 matters

  • The verse shows that it is acceptable to approach God honestly and urgently, even when feeling desperate or overwhelmed.
  • The musical and instructional notes in the heading reveal that personal struggles can be shared in community worship and can teach others about faith and dependence on God.
  • The use of both "prayer" and "supplication" underlines the depth of David’s need, setting the tone for the rest of the psalm, which deals with betrayal and seeking refuge in God.

Where else these words appear

“Maschil” Hebrew H4905 · used in 13 verses

  • Psalms 32:1 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
  • Psalms 52:1 To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.
  • Psalms 78:1 Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

“Neginoth” Hebrew H5058 · used in 14 verses

  • Job 30:9 And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
  • Psalms 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
  • Psalms 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

“supplication” Hebrew H8467 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
  • Psalms 6:9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

“hide” Hebrew H5956 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Deuteronomy 22:4 Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.
  • Psalms 26:4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.