Psalms 55:15

Authorized King James Version

Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יַשִּׁ֤ימָ֨וֶת׀

H5377

seize

to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce

עָלֵ֗ימוֹ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יֵרְד֣וּ

H3381

upon them and let them go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

שְׁא֣וֹל

H7585

into hell

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

חַיִּ֑ים

H2416

quick

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רָע֖וֹת

H7451

for wickedness

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בִּמְגוּרָ֣ם

H4033

is in their dwellings

a temporary abode; by extension, a permanent residence

בְּקִרְבָּֽם׃

H7130

and among

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?