Psalms 55:15 (KJV)

What does Psalms 55:15 mean?

Psalms 55:15 is a plea from the psalmist, asking for sudden and complete judgment on his enemies, wishing that death would overtake them and they would go alive into the realm of the dead, because evil fills their homes and lives. The verse expresses a strong desire for justice against those who have acted wickedly.

King David is speaking in this psalm, pouring out his distress over betrayal and violence from people close to him. The verse uses vivid language to show how deeply he feels wronged and how serious he believes their evil is. The request for them to go "down quick into hell" reflects the intensity of his emotions and the seriousness of the betrayal he has experienced.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 55:15

• "Death" (מָוֶת, mavet): This word refers to physical death, but in this context, it emphasizes a sudden and decisive end for the psalmist’s enemies.
• "Quick" (חַי, chai): This word means "alive" or "living." The phrase "go down quick into hell" means to be swallowed up by death while still alive, a dramatic image of sudden destruction.
• "Hell" (שְׁאוֹל, sheol): This word often refers to the grave or the realm of the dead, not a place of fiery torment, but a shadowy underworld where all the dead go.
• "Wickedness" (רָעָה, ra'ah): This word means evil or wrongdoing. The psalmist points out that evil is not just an occasional act for these people; it lives in their homes and among them.

Why Psalms 55:15 matters

• This verse shows the depth of David’s pain and sense of betrayal, especially since earlier in the psalm he describes being hurt by a close companion.
• The language about going "alive into sheol" echoes stories like Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16, where God’s judgment was sudden and total, highlighting the seriousness of the psalmist’s request.
• Understanding "sheol" as the grave or the realm of the dead, rather than a place of punishment, helps clarify that David is asking for their removal from life, not necessarily eternal torment.