Psalms 55:20

20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.

Psalms 55:20 in Other Translations

20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant.

20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises.

20 And this, my best friend, betrayed his best friends; his life betrayed his word.

20 He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant.

20 [My best friend] has betrayed his friends. He has broken his solemn promise.

20 He acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant.

20 My companion attacks his friends. He breaks his promise.

Psalms 55:20 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 55:20

He hath put forth his hands
The psalmist returns and describes, in this verse ( Psalms 55:3 ) , the cruelty, perfidy, and hypocrisy of his false friend; who had stretched forth his hands

against such as be at peace with him,
or he pretended to be at peace with. So Ahithophel put forth his hands against David, by whom he had been admitted into his privy council, and there had taken sweet counsel together, by entering into a conspiracy and rebellion against him, and by forming a scheme to smite the king only, ( 2 Samuel 17:1 2 Samuel 17:2 ) ; and Judas, though he did not lay hands on Christ himself, yet he gave his enemies a sign by which they might know him, and seize him, and hold him fast, as they did; and him Christ calls the man of his peace, ( Psalms 41:9 ) ; they being at peace when he lifted up his heel against him;

he hath broken his covenant;
of friendship that was made between them; he proved false and treacherous, broke through his engagements, and violated his faith.

Psalms 55:20 In-Context

18 He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

19 God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.

20 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.

21 His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 7:4
• 2. S Psalms 41:9; Psalms 89:34