Psalms 55:16 (KJV)

What does Psalms 55:16 mean?

Psalms 55:16 presents the speaker’s response to people who threaten him. He turns to God for help and expresses confidence that the LORD will rescue him. The verse puts his own choice to call on God beside his expectation of what God will do.

The opening phrase “As for me” sets the speaker apart from the people described just before this verse. Their hostility forms the backdrop for his words, but the focus here is on whom he calls and the help he expects.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 55:16

• “call” — קָרָא (qara): This word can mean to call out or summon. Here it pictures the speaker addressing God for help, rather than merely talking about God.
• “LORD” — יְהוָה (YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, often represented by “LORD” in the KJV. The speaker moves from the general word “God” to that name when speaking of his expected rescue.
• “save” — יָשַׁע (yasha): This word can mean to save or deliver from danger. In this verse, the surrounding threats give the expected rescue its immediate setting.

Why Psalms 55:16 matters

• The verse is a personal declaration, not an instruction to the people threatening the speaker. “As for me” marks his own response to their actions.
• The speaker’s confidence continues alongside distress. In verse 17, he describes calling out at different times of day and says God will hear him; the expectation of help does not mean the trouble has already ended.