Psalms 55:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 55:20 mean?

Psalms 55:20 describes someone who has turned against people who were at peace with him and has broken an agreement or promise he made. The verse highlights an act of betrayal, where trust and peaceful relations have been violated.

In this psalm, David is speaking about a person who was once close to him but has now acted treacherously. The situation involves broken trust within personal relationships, likely among friends or allies. The verse fits into a larger context where David laments betrayal and seeks help from God, emphasizing the pain of being wronged by someone he once trusted.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 55:20

• "Peace" is שָׁלוֹם (shalom), which means more than just the absence of conflict; it suggests wholeness, well-being, and a harmonious relationship. The betrayal here is not just against someone neutral, but against someone with whom there was a positive, trusting relationship.
• "Broken" is חָלַל (chalal), which often means to profane or violate. In this context, it shows that the covenant was not just ended, but treated with disrespect or contempt.
• "Covenant" is בְּרִית (berit), meaning a formal agreement or promise, often with deep personal or even spiritual significance. Breaking a "berit" was a serious offense, especially in ancient Israelite culture.

Why Psalms 55:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that the betrayal described is not a minor disagreement but a serious violation of trust and relationship, making the emotional pain more understandable.
• The use of "shalom" and "berit" shows that the broken relationship was meant to be one of deep peace and commitment, not just a casual friendship.
• Understanding this verse helps make sense of David's distress in the wider psalm, as he is not just facing enemies but is wounded by the treachery of someone he once trusted deeply.