The Meaning of Psalms 55:11 Explained

Psalms 55:11

KJV: Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.

YLT: Mischiefs are in its midst. Fraud and deceit depart not from its street.

Darby: Perversities are in the midst thereof; and oppression and deceit depart not from its streets.

ASV: Wickedness is in the midst thereof: Oppression and guile depart not from its streets.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Wickedness  [is] in the midst  thereof: deceit  and guile  depart  not from her streets. 

What does Psalms 55:11 Mean?

Context Summary

Psalms 55:1-11 - Fleeing The City's Ills
This psalm was suggested by Absalom's rebellion and Ahithophel's treachery. But it contains references which, in their full extent, are chiefly applicable to Judas' treatment of our Lord. The terrors of the unseen, the stealthy tread of the assassin, the treachery of a friend, the drawn sword under unctuous speech-such were the bitter ingredients mingled for this deeply-tried soul. But we have all known something of his disappointment and anguish, and have longed for the swift wings of a dove to escape to the bosom of God.
One of the Puritans says: "My Spouse is ascended higher than the highest heavens, and I, poor soul, am left desolate and disconsolate in this valley of tears. The weight of my weakness and my sins doth so clog and shackle me, so glue and nail me to the earth, that I cannot rise. Let Him descend and give me wings whereby I may ascend." Who will give-humility. Who will give wings-celerity. Like a dove-innocence. Fly away-aspirations to the Lord, "whom having not seen, we love." Rest-permanent security. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalms 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

What do the individual words in Psalms 55:11 mean?

Destruction [is] in its midst and not do depart from its streets Oppression and deceit
הַוּ֥וֹת בְּקִרְבָּ֑הּ וְֽלֹא־ יָמִ֥ישׁ מֵ֝רְחֹבָ֗הּ תֹּ֣ךְ וּמִרְמָֽה

הַוּ֥וֹת  Destruction  [is] 
Parse: Noun, feminine plural
Root: הַוָּה 
Sense: desire.
בְּקִרְבָּ֑הּ  in  its  midst 
Parse: Preposition-b, Noun, masculine singular construct, third person feminine singular
Root: קֶרֶב  
Sense: midst, among, inner part, middle.
וְֽלֹא־  and  not 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Adverb, Negative particle
Root: הֲלֹא 
Sense: not, no.
יָמִ֥ישׁ  do  depart 
Parse: Verb, Hifil, Imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: מוּשׁ  
Sense: to depart, remove.
מֵ֝רְחֹבָ֗הּ  from  its  streets 
Parse: Preposition-m, Noun, masculine singular construct, third person feminine singular
Root: רְחֹב  
Sense: broad or open place or plaza.
תֹּ֣ךְ  Oppression 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: תֹּךְ  
Sense: injury, oppression, oppressor.
וּמִרְמָֽה  and  deceit 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Noun, feminine singular
Root: מִרְמָה  
Sense: deceit, treachery.