Psalms 55:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist calls for swift judgment and death upon the wicked, including his betrayer.
The Context of Psalms 55:15
The psalm expresses the raw desire for retribution against those who caused suffering.
What Does Psalms 55:15 Mean?
The prayer is severe: death, not merely defeat. The swift descent (quick into hell) shows the psalmist's desire for immediate divine judgment without delay or mercy. The intensity reflects the depth of his pain and outrage at the betrayal.
The justification is that wickedness dwells among them, in their homes—they are not accidentally corrupt but fundamentally devoted to evil. From this perspective, death is justice, not cruelty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 55:15
What does Psalms 55:15 mean?
The psalmist calls for swift judgment and death upon the wicked, including his betrayer.
What is the context of Psalms 55:15?
The psalm expresses the raw desire for retribution against those who caused suffering.