Psalm 55:20-21
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The phrase "he violated his covenant" isn't just about breaking a promise; it carries the weight of making something sacred profane. This wasn't just a political betrayal, but a defilement of a holy trust, like taking something precious and treating it as utterly worthless.
My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is speaking about a deep personal betrayal. He's describing how a close companion, someone he trusted and even considered a friend or ally, has turned against him with violence and broken their sacred bond. This verse specifically highlights the treachery of this individual, distinguishing him from the general enemies mentioned earlier in the psalm.
Ever felt the sting of betrayal from someone you trusted? This verse speaks to a wound so deep it breaks a sacred bond.
The psalmist describes a profound act of treachery: 'he violated his covenant.' This wasn't just a broken promise between friends; it was a violation of a covenant, a solemn agreement often sealed with oaths and deep commitment.
Think of it like this:
Some hurts come from unexpected places, from the very people we thought were on our side. This verse names that pain.
Psalms 55:20 zeroes in on the personal agony of betrayal by a close confidant. The commentators highlight that this verse likely refers to a specific individual, perhaps even Ahithophel, a counselor to King David who later turned against him.
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Understand the original words
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or promise between parties, often established by God with humanity. It establishes a formal relationship of mutual obligations and divine faithfulness, which, when broken, incurs spiritual consequences.
piyhu · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, speech or language refers to the communication of the heart's intentions; here, it highlights the hypocrisy of deceitful speech that masks true malice.
machma'ot · Hebrew Noun
Symbolizes peace, calmness, and flattering words, often used in Scripture to describe deceptive or seductive speech that aims to disarm or manipulate.
leb · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the seat of the intellect, will, and emotions; biblical 'heart' is the core of human personality where moral decisions are made.
This verse likely refers to the profound betrayal by Ahithophel, a trusted counselor who joined Absalom's rebellion against King David. This historical context highlights the deep personal pain of covenant betrayal.
c. 1000 BC
David is King of Israel
David reigns as king over a united Israel, having established his rule after years of conflict. He is at the height of his power.
c. 1000 BC
Ahithophel Serves as David's Counselor
Ahithophel, a highly respected counselor, advises King David. He is considered a trusted confidant, and his counsel is highly valued.
c. 1000 BC
Absalom's Rebellion Begins
Absalom, David's son, launches a rebellion to seize the throne. He gains significant popular support, forcing David to flee Jerusalem.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Ahithophel Defects to Absalom
Ahithophel betrays David and joins Absalom's rebellion, offering strategic counsel to the rebels. This is a devastating blow to David.
c. 1000 BC
Ahithophel's Counsel is Rejected
Absalom and his advisors reject Ahithophel's crucial counsel to attack David immediately, opting instead for a more cautious approach.
c. 1000 BC
Ahithophel Hangs Himself
Recognizing that his advice has been ignored and the rebellion likely doomed, Ahithophel returns home and hangs himself.
This passage describes Ahithophel, a trusted counselor, joining Absalom's rebellion against David, directly illustrating the betrayal of a covenant and friendship mentioned in the Psalm.
Psalms 41:9Jesus quotes this verse when speaking of Judas's betrayal, highlighting the profound grief of being attacked by someone considered a close companion or 'man of peace.'
Proverbs 17:11This proverb warns against the malice of those who seek evil, echoing the deceptive and harmful actions of the 'companion' described in Psalms 55:20.
Matthew 26:49-50Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, a gesture of peace and affection, which directly parallels the idea of 'stretching out hands' and violating trust against someone at peace.
clarkePsalms 55:20: "He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant."
He hath put forth his hands - A farther description of Ahithophel. He betrayed his friends, and he broke his covenant with his king. He had agreed to serve David for his own emolument, and a stipulation was made accordingly; but while receiving the king's pay, he was endeavoring to subvert the kingdom, and destroy the life of his sovereign.
poolePsalms 55:20: "He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant."
He, i.e. they, the persons last mentioned. Before the singular number, Psalm 55:13,14 , was suddenly changed into the plural, Psalm 55:15 , that the punishment might reach not him only, but his partners, in those treacherous and treasonable actions; and here is as sudden a change from the plural into the singular, and he returns to that person who was the chief contriver and promoter o…
The phrase "he violated his covenant" isn't just about breaking a promise; it carries the weight of making something sacred profane. This wasn't just a political betrayal, but a defilement of a holy trust, like taking something precious and treating it as utterly worthless.
The psalmist is speaking about a deep personal betrayal. He's describing how a close companion, someone he trusted and even considered a friend or ally, has turned against him with violence and broken their sacred bond. This verse specifically highlights the treachery of this individual, distinguishing him from the general enemies mentioned earlier in the psalm.
The psalmist is speaking about a deep personal betrayal. He's describing how a close companion, someone he trusted and even considered a friend or ally, has turned against him with violence and broken their sacred bond. This verse specifically highlights the treachery of this individual, distinguishing him from the general enemies mentioned earlier in the psalm.
"My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords." — The phrase "he violated his covenant" isn't just about breaking a promise; it carries the weight of making something sacred profane. This wasn't just a political betrayal, but a defilement of a holy…
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Last reviewed October 2026
