Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
NIV · New International Version
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
WEB · World English Bible
Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.
What does Psalms 55:22 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the Lord,.... These are either the words of the Holy Ghost to David, according to Jarchi; or of David to his own soul in distress, and may be directed to any good man in like circumstances. The word rendered "burden" signifies a gift and so the words are translated by many, "cast thy gift upon the Lord" (f); what he has given in a way of providence and of grace, acknowledge him to be the author of it; pray for a continuance of mercies, and for fresh supplies, and expect them; and also what he gives in a way of trial, the cross, with all afflictions and troubles: which sense seems most agreeable to the context; and these may be said to be "the gift" of God, as the cup of…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 55:16–23
That he will never suffer the righteous to be moved, to be so shaken by any troubles as to quit either their duty to God or their comfort in him. However, he will not suffer them to be moved for ever (as some read it); though they fall, they shall not be utterly cast down.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 55:20–23
On the margin of our English Bibles it is, thy gift, which Williams explains by "allotment." "Cast thy allotment upon the Lord," says he, "on which we may remark, that whatever allotment we receive from God, whether of prosperity or adversity, it is our duty to refer it back to him: He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord, and he will repay him;' or if our lot be adverse, he will sustain' under every burden, and never suffer the righteous to be moved' from his foundation." In like manner Rogers understands the word. "Cast upon Jehovah what he allots you; i e., commit to Jehovah your destiny.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 55:19–23 (WEB)
19God, who is enthroned forever, will hear and answer them. Selah. They never change and don’t fear God. 20He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant. 21His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. 22Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved. 23But 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.
Cross references
- 1 Peter 5:7
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
- Psalms 37:5
- Philippians 4:6–7
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
- Psalms 62:6
- Psalms 16:8
- Psalms 27:14
- Psalms 37:24