Old Testament
Psalms 55:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
My heart is deeply pained within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Compare translations
My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
What Psalms 55:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker expresses profound emotional pain and fear. The phrase "my heart is deeply pained" indicates a deep inner turmoil, suggesting that the speaker is experiencing intense sorrow or distress. The mention of "terrors of death" implies a feeling of overwhelming dread, possibly related to a life-threatening situation or a deep-seated fear of mortality. This verse captures the essence of human vulnerability, highlighting how fear and pain can grip the heart, leading to a sense of despair. It reflects the universal experience of facing life's challenges, where emotional and existential fears can feel insurmountable. The speaker's honesty about their feelings serves as a reminder that it is okay to acknowledge pain and fear, and it invites readers to reflect on their own struggles with similar emotions. Ultimately, this verse resonates with anyone who has faced moments of deep sorrow or fear, reminding us of the importance of seeking support and solace in times of distress.
How to apply Psalms 55:4 to your life
When facing overwhelming emotions or fears, it's important to acknowledge them rather than suppress them. Seek support from friends, family, or spiritual leaders. Remember that expressing your feelings can lead to healing and understanding, both for yourself and those around you.
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 55:4
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 55:4
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 55:4 mean?
Psalms 55:4 expresses deep emotional pain and fear. The speaker reveals their inner turmoil and overwhelming dread, possibly related to a life-threatening situation or fear of mortality.
What is the meaning of 'terrors of death' in Psalms 55:4?
The phrase 'terrors of death' in Psalms 55:4 signifies a profound fear of dying or facing a life-threatening situation. It highlights the intense anxiety and vulnerability that can accompany such fears.
How can I apply Psalms 55:4 to my life?
You can apply Psalms 55:4 by recognizing and expressing your own feelings of pain and fear. Seeking support from others can help you process these emotions and find healing.
What themes are present in Psalms 55:4?
The themes in Psalms 55:4 include emotional pain, fear of death, vulnerability, and inner turmoil. It captures the essence of human experience in facing life's challenges.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.