Psalms 55:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Physical symptoms of terror and overwhelming dread overtake the psalmist.
The Context of Psalms 55:5
The psalm describes the physical and emotional collapse under extreme stress.
What Does Psalms 55:5 Mean?
Fear and trembling describe the body's response to acute distress. These are involuntary physical manifestations—the psalmist is shaken, unable to control his reaction to the crisis.
Horror overwhelms him completely, using a verb (tabaa) that suggests being drowned or swallowed up. The psalmist is not merely afraid; he is consumed by dread.
Psalms 55:5 in the Original Language
tabaa (טָבַע), 'overwhelmed' — to sink, drown, or submerge, conveying complete engulfment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 55:5
What does Psalms 55:5 mean?
Physical symptoms of terror and overwhelming dread overtake the psalmist.
What is the context of Psalms 55:5?
The psalm describes the physical and emotional collapse under extreme stress.