Psalms 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The word translated "burden" can also mean "gift." So, this isn't just about offloading troubles, but about entrusting everything God gives you—both blessings and trials—to His care, trusting He'll sustain you through it all. This transforms a verse about relief into one about wholehearted reliance on God for every aspect of life.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling betrayed by former friends and surrounded by enemies plotting against him. He grapples with intense anguish and fear, lamenting the treachery and violence he faces. In response to this overwhelming crisis, David shifts from despair to reliance on God, urging himself and others to trust in divine provision and steadfastness.
The word for 'burden' here is unusual, and translators have wrestled with its exact meaning. It might be more than just heavy troubles.
The Hebrew word here, 'yehab' (as derived into 'yehabcha' in the verse), is unique and has several interpretations:
Regardless of the precise nuance, the instruction is clear: whatever this 'burden' is – whether a difficult circumstance, a deep worry, or a sin weighing you down – you are invited to place it on the Lord.
The promise isn't just that God might help, but that He will sustain and secure us. There's an incredible assurance here.
The psalm assures us that when we cast our burdens on God, He responds with powerful sustenance and unwavering security.
Understand the original words
yehabka · Hebrew Noun
In the Hebrew Bible, this indicates a physical or metaphorical weight, burden, or an assigned portion/lot, often used to describe the struggles placed upon the believer.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His faithfulness, holiness, and active involvement in the lives of His people.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who are declared right in the sight of God, characterized by their obedience, moral integrity, and faith in His covenant promises.
This passage directly echoes the instruction in Psalm 55:22, urging believers to 'cast all your anxieties on him' because He cares for you, highlighting the connection between casting our burdens and God's loving provision.
Matthew 11:28-30Jesus offers rest to those who are weary and burdened, presenting Himself as the solution to the heavy loads we carry, which strongly parallels the Psalmist's encouragement to cast our burdens on the Lord for His sustaining power.
Philippians 4:6-7This passage links prayer and thanksgiving with the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds, directly flowing from the act of bringing our requests and, by extension, our burdens to God, much like the Psalmist's assurance of His care.
Romans 8:38-39The unshakeable assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God reinforces the idea that the 'righteous' will not be 'moved,' emphasizing God's steadfast protection for those who belong to Him.
gillPsalms 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
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…
poolePsalms 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Thy burden, or portion , Heb. gift ; whatsoever affliction God giveth or sendeth to thee; for even the sufferings of good men are called God’s gifts in Scripture, Philippians 1:29 John 18:11 . So it is a synecdochical expression. Or, whatsoever gift thou desirest from him. Although the following words of the verse seem to restrain it to afflictions. The sense is, All thy af…
The word translated "burden" can also mean "gift." So, this isn't just about offloading troubles, but about entrusting everything God gives you—both blessings and trials—to His care, trusting He'll sustain you through it all. This transforms a verse about relief into one about wholehearted reliance on God for every aspect of life.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling betrayed by former friends and surrounded by enemies plotting against him. He grapples with intense anguish and fear, lamenting the treachery and violence he faces. In response to this overwhelming crisis, David shifts from despair to reliance on God, urging himself and others to trust in divine provision and steadfastness.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, feeling betrayed by former friends and surrounded by enemies plotting against him. He grapples with intense anguish and fear, lamenting the treachery and violence he faces. In response to this overwhelming crisis, David shifts from despair to reliance on God, urging himself and others to trust in divine provision and steadfastness.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 55:22 is available in the Sola app.
"Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." — The word translated "burden" can also mean "gift." So, this isn't just about offloading troubles, but about entrusting everything God gives you—both blessings and trials—to His care, trusting He'll…
