Psalms 55:1

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song ²  by David. Listen, O God, to my prayer! Do not ignore ³  my appeal for mercy!

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;

<<For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.>> Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

<<For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.>> Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!

Open your ears, God, to my prayer; don't pretend you don't hear me knocking.

<To the chief music-maker, on Neginoth. Maschil. Of David.> Give hearing to my prayer, O God; and let not your ear be shut against my request.

Give ear to my prayer, O God; do not hide yourself from my supplication.

<<To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David.>> Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song ²  by David. Listen, O God, to my prayer! Do not ignore ³  my appeal for mercy!

¹ sn Psalm 55. The suffering and oppressed author laments that one of his friends has betrayed him, but he is confident that God will vindicate him by punishing his deceitful enemies.

² tn The meaning of the Hebrew term מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil) is uncertain. See the note on the phrase “well-written song” in the superscription of Ps 52.

³ tn Heb “hide yourself from.”