Old Testament
Psalms 54:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He shall repay evil to my enemies; cut them off in your truth.
Compare translations
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
What Psalms 54:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses a deep trust in God’s justice. The psalmist believes that God will deal with those who do evil, particularly his enemies. The phrase 'cut them off in your truth' suggests a plea for God to act decisively and righteously against those who oppose him. The psalmist is confident that God will not only recognize the wrongs done but will also ensure that justice is served. This reflects a broader theme in the Psalms where the faithful seek divine intervention against their adversaries. The psalmist's reliance on God's truth indicates a belief that God's actions will be fair and just, contrasting with the evil intentions of his enemies. This verse serves as a reminder that while we may face opposition, we can trust in God's ultimate authority to right wrongs and protect those who are faithful to Him.
How to apply Psalms 54:5 to your life
When facing opposition or injustice, we can find comfort in knowing that God sees our struggles. Instead of seeking revenge, we should trust God to handle our enemies and focus on living righteously. This encourages us to maintain our integrity and faith in God's justice.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 54:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 54:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 54:5 mean?
Psalms 54:5 expresses the psalmist's trust in God's justice, believing that God will deal with his enemies and ensure that justice is served. The verse highlights a plea for God to act decisively against those who do evil.
What is the meaning of 'cut them off in your truth' in Psalms 54:5?
The phrase 'cut them off in your truth' signifies a request for God to remove or punish the enemies based on His righteous standards. It reflects the psalmist's confidence that God's actions will be fair and just.
How can I apply Psalms 54:5 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 54:5 by trusting God to address any injustices you face instead of seeking revenge. It encourages you to focus on living righteously while relying on God's justice.
What themes are present in Psalms 54:5?
Key themes in Psalms 54:5 include divine justice, trust in God, the concept of enemies, the truth of God, and the idea of retribution for wrongdoing.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.