Psalm 55:1
New International Version
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;

New Living Translation
Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!

English Standard Version
Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!

Berean Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.

King James Bible
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

New King James Version
To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

New American Standard Bible
For the music director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, God; And do not hide Yourself from my pleading.

NASB 1995
For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

NASB 1977
Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Thyself from my supplication.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the choir director. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

Amplified Bible
To the Chief Musician; with stringed instruments. A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my plea.

Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for help.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Davidic Maskil. God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my plea for help.

American Standard Version
For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; And hide not thyself from my supplication.

Contemporary English Version
Listen, God, to my prayer! Don't reject my request.

English Revised Version
For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[For the choir director; on stringed instruments; a [maskil] by David.] Open your ears to my prayer, O God. Do not hide from my plea for mercy.

Good News Translation
Hear my prayer, O God; don't turn away from my plea!

International Standard Version
Pay attention to my prayer, God, and do not hide yourself from my appeal.

Majority Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.

NET Bible
For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song by David. Listen, O God, to my prayer! Do not ignore my appeal for mercy!

New Heart English Bible
[For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David.] Listen to my prayer, God. Do not hide yourself from my petition.

Webster's Bible Translation
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

World English Bible
For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David. Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
TO THE OVERSEER. WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. AN INSTRUCTION OF DAVID. Give ear, O God, [to] my prayer, "" And do not hide from my supplication.

Young's Literal Translation
To the Overseer with stringed instruments. -- An instruction, by David. Give ear, O God, to my prayer, And hide not from my supplication.

Smith's Literal Translation
To the overseer upon the stringed instrument, instruction to David. Give ear O God, to my prayer; thou wilt not hide thyself from my supplication.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Unto the end, in verses, understanding for David. Hear, O God, my prayer, and despise not my supplication:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Unto the end. In verses, the understanding of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and despise not my supplication.

New American Bible
For the leader. On stringed instruments. A maskil of David. [2] Listen, God, to my prayer; do not hide from my pleading;

New Revised Standard Version
Give ear to my prayer, O God; do not hide yourself from my supplication.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
GIVE ear to my prayer, O God; and reject not my supplication.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Give ear to my prayer, oh God, and do not reject my prayer.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For the Leader; with string-music. Maschil of David. Give ear, O God, to my prayer; And hide not Thyself from my supplication.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the end, among Hymns of instruction by David. Hearken, O God, to my prayer; and disregard not my supplication.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
1For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea. 2Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught…

Cross References
Psalm 4:1
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer.

Psalm 17:1
A prayer of David. Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer—it comes from lips free of deceit.

Psalm 39:12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers.

Psalm 61:1
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. Of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.

Psalm 86:6
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and attend to my plea for mercy.

Psalm 102:1
A prayer of one who is afflicted, when he grows faint and pours out his lament before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come before You.

Psalm 143:1
A Psalm of David. O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me.

Isaiah 1:15
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

Lamentations 3:56
You heard my plea: “Do not ignore my cry for relief.”

1 Kings 8:28
Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today.

2 Chronicles 6:19
Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You.

Nehemiah 1:6
let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.

Daniel 9:17
So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”


Treasury of Scripture

Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not yourself from my supplication.

A.

Psalm 6:1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Psalm 54:1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

give

Psalm 5:1
To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

Psalm 17:1
A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

Psalm 64:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

hide

Psalm 28:1
A Psalm of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

Psalm 80:4
O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?

Psalm 143:7
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

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Chief Contemplation David Director Ear Hearing Hide Ignore Instruction Instruments Leader Maschil Maskil Musician Neginoth Overseer Plea Prayer Psalm Request Shut Stringed String-Music Supplication Thyself
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Chief Contemplation David Director Ear Hearing Hide Ignore Instruction Instruments Leader Maschil Maskil Musician Neginoth Overseer Plea Prayer Psalm Request Shut Stringed String-Music Supplication Thyself
Psalm 55
1. David in his prayer complains of his fearful case
9. He prays against his enemies, of whose wickedness and treachery he complains
16. He comforts himself in God's preservation oh him, and confusion of his enemies














Listen to my prayer
The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which conveys not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding. In the context of ancient Israel, prayer was a deeply personal and communal act, a direct line of communication with God. The psalmist is not merely asking God to hear the words but to engage with the heart behind them. This plea reflects a profound trust in God's ability to comprehend and act upon the needs of His people. The act of prayer is a testament to the relationship between the believer and the divine, emphasizing that God is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His followers.

O God
The term "God" here is translated from the Hebrew "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This name for God is used throughout the Old Testament to emphasize His sovereignty and authority over all creation. By addressing God with this title, the psalmist acknowledges His supreme power and the belief that He is capable of intervening in human affairs. It is a recognition of God's omnipotence and a declaration of faith in His ability to provide deliverance and support.

do not ignore
The phrase "do not ignore" comes from the Hebrew "אַל־תִּתְעַלַּם" (al-tithalam), which means to not be silent or indifferent. The psalmist is expressing a deep yearning for God's attention and action. In the cultural and historical context of the psalm, silence from God could be perceived as abandonment or judgment. Thus, this plea is a heartfelt request for God's active presence and intervention. It underscores the human need for assurance that God is attentive and responsive to the cries of His people.

my plea for help
The word "plea" is derived from the Hebrew "תְּחִנָּה" (teḥinnah), which signifies a supplication or earnest request for grace and mercy. This term is often used in the context of seeking favor or intervention from someone in a position of power. The psalmist's plea is not just for any help but for divine assistance that only God can provide. It reflects a dependence on God's mercy and a recognition of human limitations. The historical context of the psalms often involves situations of distress, persecution, or personal turmoil, making this plea a universal cry for divine aid in times of trouble.

Verse 1. - Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication (comp. Psalm 54:2; and, for the second clause, see Psalm 13:1; Psalm 27:8; Psalm 69:17; Psalm 89:46, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For the choirmaster.
לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

With stringed instruments.
בִּנְגִינֹ֗ת (bin·ḡî·nōṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5058: Instrumental music, a stringed instrument, a poem set to music, an epigram

A Maskil
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל (maś·kîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4905: Instructive, a didactic poem

of David.
לְדָוִֽד׃ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

Listen
הַאֲזִ֣ינָה (ha·’ă·zî·nāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 238: To broaden out the ear, to listen

to my prayer,
תְּפִלָּתִ֑י (tə·p̄il·lā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8605: Intercession, supplication, a hymn

O God,
אֱ֭לֹהִים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

and do not
וְאַל־ (wə·’al-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

ignore
תִּ֝תְעַלַּ֗ם (tiṯ·‘al·lam)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5956: To veil from sight, conceal

my plea.
מִתְּחִנָּתִֽי׃ (mit·tə·ḥin·nā·ṯî)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8467: Favor, supplication for favor


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OT Poetry: Psalm 55:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 54:7
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