Psalm 55:19
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them. Interlude For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God.

English Standard Version
God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.

Berean Standard Bible
God will hear and humiliate them—the One enthroned for the ages—Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God.

King James Bible
God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

New King James Version
God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.

New American Standard Bible
God will hear and humiliate them— Even the one who sits enthroned from ancient times— Selah With whom there is no change, And who do not fear God.

NASB 1995
God will hear and answer them— Even the one who sits enthroned from of old— Selah. With whom there is no change, And who do not fear God.

NASB 1977
God will hear and answer them— Even the one who sits enthroned from of old— Selah. With whom there is no change, And who do not fear God.

Legacy Standard Bible
God will hear and answer them— Even the one who sits enthroned from of old— Selah. Because they do not change, And do not fear God.

Amplified Bible
God will hear and humble them, Even He who sits enthroned from old— Selah. Because in them there has been no change [of heart], And they do not fear God [at all].

Christian Standard Bible
God, the one enthroned from long ago, will hear and will humiliate them Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
God, the One enthroned from long ago, will hear and will humiliate them Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.

American Standard Version
God will hear, and answer them, Even he that abideth of old, [Selah The men who have no changes, And who fear not God.

Contemporary English Version
You have always ruled, and you will hear me. You will defeat my enemies because they won't turn and worship you.

English Revised Version
God shall hear, and answer them, even he that abideth of old, Selah the men who have no changes, and who fear not God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God will listen. The one who has sat enthroned from the beginning will deal with them. [Selah] They never change. They never fear God.

Good News Translation
God, who has ruled from eternity, will hear me and defeat them; for they refuse to change, and they do not fear him.

International Standard Version
God, who is enthroned from long ago, will hear me and humble them. Interlude Because they do not repent, they do not fear God.

Majority Standard Bible
God will hear and humiliate them—the One enthroned for the ages—Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God.

NET Bible
God, the one who has reigned as king from long ago, will hear and humiliate them. (Selah) They refuse to change, and do not fear God.

New Heart English Bible
God, who is enthroned forever, will hear, and humble them. Selah. They never change, who do not fear God.

Webster's Bible Translation
God will hear and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

World English Bible
God, who is enthroned forever, will hear and answer them. Selah. They never change and don’t fear God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
God hears and afflicts them, "" And He sits of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, and do not fear God,

Young's Literal Translation
God doth hear and afflict them, And He sitteth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, and fear not God,

Smith's Literal Translation
God will hear and he will humble them, and he dwelt of old. Silence. With whom no changes to them and they feared not God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
God shall hear, and the Eternal shall humble them. For there is no change with them, and they have not feared God:

Catholic Public Domain Version
God will hear, and He who is before time will humble them. For there is no change with them, and they have not feared God.

New American Bible
God, who sits enthroned forever, will hear me and afflict them. Selah For they will not mend their ways; they have no fear of God.

New Revised Standard Version
God, who is enthroned from of old, Selah will hear, and will humble them— because they do not change, and do not fear God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
God, even the Eternal one, shall hear and humble them. With them also there are no changes; therefore they fear not God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
God will hear and will humble them, he who is from before the ages; there is no substitute for them and they were not afraid of God.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
God shall hear, and humble them, Even He that is enthroned of old, Selah Such as have no changes, And fear not God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
God shall hear, and bring them low, even he that has existed from eternity. Pause. For they suffer no reverse, and therefore they have not feared God.
Audio Bible



Context
Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
18He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. 19God will hear and humiliate them— the One enthroned for the ages— Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God. 20My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.…

Cross References
Malachi 3:6
“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

1 Samuel 15:29
Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”

Isaiah 46:9-10
Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. / I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’

Romans 11:29
For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.

Job 23:13
But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires.

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

2 Timothy 2:13
if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

1 Peter 1:25
but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.

Deuteronomy 32:39
See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.


Treasury of Scripture

God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that stays of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

hear

Psalm 65:5
By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

Psalm 143:12
And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

1 Thessalonians 2:15,16
Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: …

even

Psalm 90:1,2
A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations…

Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Micah 5:2
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Because.

no changes

Psalm 73:5,6
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men…

Proverbs 1:32
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

Ecclesiastes 8:11
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Jump to Previous
Abideth Afflict Change Changes Ear Early Enthroned Fear Forever Hear Humble Pain Seated Selah Sits Sitteth Strong Thought Times Trouble Unchanged Ways
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Abideth Afflict Change Changes Ear Early Enthroned Fear Forever Hear Humble Pain Seated Selah Sits Sitteth Strong Thought Times Trouble Unchanged Ways
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














God will hear
The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding. In the context of this verse, it reassures believers that God is attentive to the cries of the righteous. This is a profound comfort, emphasizing that God is not distant or indifferent but actively engaged in the lives of His people. The assurance that God will hear is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms, reinforcing the idea that prayer is powerful and effective.

and humiliate them
The term "humiliate" comes from the Hebrew "עָנָה" (anah), which can mean to answer, respond, or afflict. In this context, it suggests that God will bring down the prideful and those who oppose His people. This reflects a common biblical theme where God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The humiliation of the wicked serves as a divine justice, reminding believers that God will ultimately vindicate His people.

the One enthroned for the ages
This phrase highlights God's eternal sovereignty. The Hebrew word "עוֹלָם" (olam) signifies perpetuity, eternity, or everlasting. It underscores the timeless nature of God's reign, contrasting the temporal power of earthly rulers. This eternal perspective is crucial for believers, as it assures them that God's authority and justice are not limited by time. His eternal throne is a symbol of His unchanging nature and His ultimate control over all creation.

Selah
"Selah" is a term used frequently in the Psalms, though its exact meaning is debated. It is often thought to be a musical or liturgical pause, inviting the reader or listener to reflect on what has been said. In this context, it serves as a moment to ponder the majesty and justice of God, encouraging believers to meditate on His eternal sovereignty and the assurance that He hears and acts on behalf of His people.

because they do not change
The phrase "do not change" refers to the stubbornness and unrepentant nature of the wicked. The Hebrew word "חָלַף" (chalaph) means to change or pass away. This highlights the obstinacy of those who refuse to turn from their evil ways. In a broader biblical context, it serves as a warning against hard-heartedness and the importance of repentance. The refusal to change is often linked with a lack of spiritual insight and a rejection of God's authority.

and they have no fear of God
The "fear of God" is a central theme in Scripture, often associated with wisdom and reverence. The Hebrew word "יִרְאָה" (yirah) conveys a sense of awe and respect. The absence of this fear indicates a profound spiritual deficiency. In the biblical narrative, fearing God is synonymous with acknowledging His power, authority, and holiness. The lack of fear of God among the wicked is a root cause of their downfall, as it leads to moral and spiritual decay. This serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of maintaining a reverent and humble attitude before God.

(19) God shall hear.--Render this verse,

God shall hear and afflict them,

He abideth of old;

One in whom are no changes,

And yet they fear not God.

(Comp. James 1:17, "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.") As the text stands, for afflict we should have answer; but the LXX. and Vulg. have the true reading. The Selah must be removed as plainly out of place. The plural pronoun is used poetically for the singular. The word changes, chalipoth, is used of troops relieving guard (Job 14:14), of servants taking their turn of work, of a change of clothing, &c. Here generally variableness. The rendering of the Authorised Version does not suit the context. The reason of the assertion that, in spite of his in variableness, the wicked do not fear God, appears in the next verse. Instead of respecting those in covenant with one who does not change, they have not feared to attack and oppress them.

Verse 19. - God shall hear, and afflict them; i.e. "God will hear my prayers, and will afflict my adversaries;" or, perhaps, "God will hear me and answer me." But this requires a change in the reading. Even he that abideth of old; or, "he that is enthroned of old;" he, i.e., that sitteth, and has always sat, on his eternal throne in the heavens. Selah. The "selah" here marks probably a pause for adoration of the great and eternal King enthroned in all his glory. Because they have no changes; rather, the men who have no changes - exegetical of "them" in the first clause of the verse. The wicked "have no changes," i.e. no great reverses of fortune, until their end comes (see Job 21:7-15). Therefore they fear not God; rather, and who do not fear God.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
God
אֵ֨ל ׀ (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

will hear
יִשְׁמַ֤ע ׀ (yiš·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

and humiliate them—
וְֽיַעֲנֵם֮ (wə·ya·‘ă·nêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6031: To be bowed down or afflicted

the One enthroned
וְיֹ֤שֵׁ֥ב (wə·yō·šêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

for the ages—
קֶ֗דֶם (qe·ḏem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6924: The front, of place, time

Selah
סֶ֥לָה (se·lāh)
Interjection
Strong's 5542: Suspension, pause

because
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

they do not
אֵ֣ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

change
חֲלִיפ֣וֹת (ḥă·lî·p̄ō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2487: Alternation

and they have no
וְלֹ֖א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

fear
יָרְא֣וּ (yā·rə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

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


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OT Poetry: Psalm 55:19 God who is enthroned forever will hear (Psalm Ps Psa.)
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