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⇱ Psalm 55:23 But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

Bible > Psalms > Chapter 55 > Verse 23
◄ Psalm 55:23 ►
New International Version
But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

New Living Translation
But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.

English Standard Version
But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.

Berean Standard Bible
But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

King James Bible
But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

New King James Version
But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You.

New American Standard Bible
But You, God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

NASB 1995
But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

NASB 1977
But Thou, O God, wilt bring them down to the pit of destruction; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in Thee.

Legacy Standard Bible
But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of corruption; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

Amplified Bible
But You, O God, will bring down the wicked to the pit of destruction; Men of blood and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will [boldly and unwaveringly] trust in You.

Christian Standard Bible
God, you will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
God, You will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

American Standard Version
But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in thee.

Contemporary English Version
But what about those people who are cruel and brutal? You will throw them down into the deepest pit long before their time. I trust you, LORD!

English Revised Version
But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But you, O God, will throw [wicked people]into the deepest pit. Bloodthirsty and deceitful people will not live out half their days. But I will trust you.

Good News Translation
But you, O God, will bring those murderers and liars to their graves before half their life is over. As for me, I will trust in you.

International Standard Version
But you, God, bring them down to the Pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful people will not live out half their days. But I put my full confidence in you.

NET Bible
But you, O God, will bring them down to the deep Pit. Violent and deceitful people will not live even half a normal lifespan. But as for me, I trust in you.

New Heart English Bible
But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.

Webster's Bible Translation
But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

World English Bible
But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And You, O God, bring them down "" To a pit of destruction, "" Men of blood and deceit do not reach to half their days, "" And I trust in You!

Young's Literal Translation
And Thou, O God, dost bring them down To a pit of destruction, Men of blood and deceit reach not to half their days, And I -- I do trust in Thee!

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou, O God, wilt bring them down to the well of destruction: men of bloods and deceit shall not halve their days; and I will trust in thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee, O Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Audio Bible



Context
Cast Your Burden upon the LORD
…22Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. 23But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

Cross References
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Isaiah 57:21
“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

2 Thessalonians 1:6
After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

Hebrews 10:30
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

Job 18:5-21
Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. / The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out. / His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up. ...

Proverbs 11:21
Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

Isaiah 3:11
Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.

Ezekiel 18:20
The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him.

Nahum 1:3
The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.


Psalm 7:15,16
He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made…

Psalm 58:9
Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.

Psalm 59:12,13
For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak…

pit

Proverbs 15:11
Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

Proverbs 27:20
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Isaiah 38:17
Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

Psalm 5:6
Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

2 Samuel 3:27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

2 Samuel 20:9,10
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him…

Jump to Previous
Blood Bloodshed Bloodthirsty Bloody Cast Chief Confide Corruption Cruel Cut David Deceit Deceitful Destruction Ended False. Gath Half Live Michtam Musician Nethermost Philistines Pit Psalm Reach Treachery Trust Underworld Wicked Wilt
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Blood Bloodshed Bloodthirsty Bloody Cast Chief Confide Corruption Cruel Cut David Deceit Deceitful Destruction Ended False. Gath Half Live Michtam Musician Nethermost Philistines Pit Psalm Reach Treachery Trust Underworld Wicked Wilt
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














But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction;
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice. The "Pit of destruction" is often understood as a metaphor for Sheol, the realm of the dead, or a place of divine judgment. In biblical context, this reflects the belief that God will ultimately judge the wicked. The imagery of being brought down suggests a divine intervention where God actively ensures justice. This aligns with other scriptures, such as Psalm 9:17, which speaks of the wicked being turned into Sheol. The phrase underscores the certainty of divine retribution against those who oppose God's ways.

men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days.
This part of the verse highlights the fate of those who engage in violence and treachery. In ancient Israel, longevity was often seen as a blessing from God, while a shortened life was viewed as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment. The reference to "men of bloodshed and deceit" connects to the broader biblical theme of God's abhorrence of violence and dishonesty, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19, which lists things the Lord hates, including "hands that shed innocent blood" and "a lying tongue." The phrase serves as a warning that such individuals will face premature death as a consequence of their actions.

But I will trust in You.
This concluding phrase is a declaration of faith and reliance on God, contrasting the fate of the wicked with the psalmist's personal commitment to trust in the Lord. Trusting in God is a central theme throughout the Psalms and the entire Bible, reflecting a relationship of dependence and confidence in God's protection and provision. This trust is not based on circumstances but on the character and promises of God. The psalmist's resolve to trust in God, despite the presence of evil, mirrors the faith of other biblical figures, such as Job and Daniel, who maintained their trust in God amidst trials. This phrase encourages believers to place their confidence in God, knowing that He is just and faithful.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The sovereign and just deity who is the ultimate judge and protector of the righteous.

2. Men of bloodshed and deceit
Individuals characterized by violence and dishonesty, representing those who oppose God's ways.

3. The Pit of destruction
A metaphorical place symbolizing divine judgment and the ultimate downfall of the wicked.
Teaching Points
God's Justice
God is just and will ultimately bring down those who live in wickedness and deceit. This serves as a reminder of the certainty of divine justice.

The Fate of the Wicked
The wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, but their end is destruction. This encourages believers to remain steadfast in righteousness.

Trust in God
The psalmist's declaration of trust in God serves as a model for believers to rely on God's protection and justice, even when facing adversaries.

The Brevity of Life for the Wicked
The phrase "will not live out half their days" underscores the fleeting nature of life for those who oppose God, urging believers to live in accordance with God's will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 55:23?

2. How can we "cast your burden on the LORD" in daily life?

3. What does Psalm 55:23 teach about God's justice towards the wicked?

4. How does Psalm 55:23 connect with 1 Peter 5:7 about casting burdens?

5. In what ways can we trust God to "sustain" us during trials?

6. How does Psalm 55:23 encourage perseverance in faith despite life's challenges?

7. How does Psalm 55:23 address the fate of the wicked according to Christian theology?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 55:23?

9. How does Psalm 55:23 reflect the theme of divine justice?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 55?

11. What does the Bible say about fire and brimstone?

12. What does being rescued from mud and mire mean?

13. Psalm 40:2 - How can we reconcile the 'pit of destruction' metaphor with a literal historical event or location, given the lack of evidence for David's confinement in such a pit?

14. In light of God's mercy emphasized in other parts of Scripture, does Psalm 70:3's plea for disgrace upon adversaries suggest a contradiction?
What Does Psalm 55:23 Mean
But You, O God

- David pivots from fear to faith with two simple words: “But You.” The crisis is real, yet God is more real.

- Shifting focus to the Almighty places every threat in perspective (Psalm 56:3-4; Psalm 73:26).

- When life feels out of control, remembering who holds ultimate control brings calm; “The name of the LORD is a strong tower” (Proverbs 18:10).

will bring them down to the Pit of destruction

- God’s justice is not vague or symbolic—it is active and certain. He “will bring” the wicked down.

- “The nations have fallen into a pit they made…The wicked will return to Sheol” (Psalm 9:15-17).

- The image echoes other passages where the violent fall into their own traps (Psalm 7:15-16; Proverbs 26:27) and points forward to God’s final judgment (Revelation 20:14).

- Believers can rest: evil will not ultimately prevail; God Himself guarantees its downfall.

men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days

- Violence and lies shorten life; this is both a divine decree and a natural consequence.

- “The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened” (Proverbs 10:27).

- Psalm 37:12-15 shows the sword of the wicked turning back on them. Ecclesiastes 7:17 warns against dying “before your time.”

- The promise is literal—many who pursue evil do meet early deaths—yet it also speaks of quality of life: empty, restless, cut off from true purpose.

But I will trust in You

- David’s final stance is not vengeance but faith. Trust is an action: he chooses to rely on God’s character and timing.

- “But I have trusted in Your loving devotion” (Psalm 13:5) and “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5-6) mirror this resolve.

- Trust transforms fear into confidence, turmoil into peace (Isaiah 26:3-4).

summary

Psalm 55:23 promises that God Himself will judge the violent and deceitful, often cutting their lives short, while those who look to Him can live with steady trust. The verse moves from God’s sovereignty, to His sure justice, to the fate of the wicked, and finally to the believer’s response of faith. God wins; evil falls; faith stands.

Verse 23. - But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction. We must understand by "them" the ungodly, the thought of whom is associated with that of the righteous by the law of contrast. While God sustains and supports the righteous, he "brings down" and crushes the ungodly. The "pit of destruction" is the grave. Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days (comp. Jeremiah 17:1). Of course, the statement is not intended for a universal law, and indeed was probably pointed especially at the "bloody and deceitful men" of whom the psalmist had been speaking. The suicide of Ahithophel, and the slaughter of Absalom with so many of his followers, furnished a striking commentary on the statement. But I will trust in thee; i.e. but I, for my part, will put no trust in violence or deceit - I will trust in nothing and no one but God (comp. Psalm 7:1; Psalm 11:1, etc.).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But You,
וְאַתָּ֤ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

O God,
אֱלֹהִ֨ים ׀ (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

will bring them down
תּוֹרִדֵ֬ם ׀ (tō·w·ri·ḏêm)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to the Pit
לִבְאֵ֬ר (liḇ·’êr)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 875: A pit, a well

of destruction;
שַׁ֗חַת (ša·ḥaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7845: A pit, destruction

men
אַנְשֵׁ֤י (’an·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

of bloodshed
דָמִ֣ים (ḏā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

and deceit
וּ֭מִרְמָה (ū·mir·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4820: Deceit, treachery

will not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

live out half
יֶחֱצ֣וּ (ye·ḥĕ·ṣū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2673: To cut, split in two, to halve

their days.
יְמֵיהֶ֑ם (yə·mê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

But I
וַ֝אֲנִ֗י (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will trust
אֶבְטַח־ (’eḇ·ṭaḥ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure

in You.
בָּֽךְ׃ (bāḵ)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Poetry: Psalm 55:23 But you God will bring them down (Psalm Ps Psa.)