Psalms 55:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 55:10 mean?

Psalms 55:10 describes a city where trouble and suffering are constantly present, with people causing harm and distress day and night as they move about on its walls. The verse paints a picture of a place filled with ongoing unrest and pain, rather than safety or peace.

The psalm is written by David, who is expressing his deep distress over betrayal and danger within his own community. In this verse, David observes that the city’s defenses—the walls—are not keeping out evil, but instead, wrongdoing and grief are found right in the heart of the city. The verse highlights how corruption and sorrow have become a constant, visible part of daily life for its people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 55:10

• "Day" (יוֹם, yom) and "night" (לַיְלָה, laylah): These words stress that the trouble is unceasing, happening at all hours, not just occasionally.
• "Mischief" (הָוֶן, havven): This word often means trouble, wickedness, or harmful intent. It suggests that the problems in the city are not accidental but are caused by people acting with bad motives.
• "Sorrow" (עָמָל, amal): This term points to suffering, hardship, or toil. It emphasizes that the city is not just morally troubled but also filled with real pain and hardship.
• "Walls" (חוֹמָה, chomah): Mentioning the walls highlights that the city’s boundaries, meant for protection, are now places where trouble circulates, showing how deeply the unrest has penetrated.

Why Psalms 55:10 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that danger only comes from outside; here, the harm is happening inside the city, among its own people.
• The verse emphasizes that the problems are ongoing and widespread, not just isolated incidents, which deepens the sense of crisis David is describing.
• In the context of Psalm 55, this detail helps explain David’s sense of betrayal and fear, showing that the threats he faces are both personal and communal, affecting the whole city.