Psalm 54:1
New International Version
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, “Is not David hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.

New Living Translation
Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might.

English Standard Version
O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.

Berean Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might!

King James Bible
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

New King James Version
To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David when the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not hiding with us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your strength.

New American Standard Bible
For the music director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is David not keeping himself hidden among us?” Save me, God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your power.

NASB 1995
For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is not David hiding himself among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your power.

NASB 1977
Save me, O God, by Thy name, And vindicate me by Thy power.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the choir director. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is not David hiding himself among us?” O God, save me by Your name, And render justice to me by Your might.

Amplified Bible
To the Chief Musician; with stringed instruments. A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of David, when the Ziphites went and told Saul, “David is hiding among us.” Save me, O God, by Your name; And vindicate me by Your [wondrous] power.

Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not hiding among us? ” † God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Davidic Maskil. When the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not hiding among us?” God, save me by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might!

American Standard Version
For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David; when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, And judge me in thy might.

Contemporary English Version
Save me, God, by your power and prove that I am right.

English Revised Version
For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David: when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me in thy might.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[For the choir director; on stringed instruments; a [maskil] by David when people from the city of Ziph told Saul that David was hiding among them.] O God, save me by your name, and defend me with your might.

Good News Translation
Save me by your power, O God; set me free by your might!

International Standard Version
God, by your name deliver me, and by your power vindicate me.

Majority Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might!

NET Bible
For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song by David. It was written when the Ziphites came and informed Saul: "David is hiding with us." O God, deliver me by your name! Vindicate me by your power!

New Heart English Bible
[For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, "Isn't David hiding himself among us?"] Save me, God, by your name. Vindicate me in your might.

Webster's Bible Translation
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

World English Bible
For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Isn’t David hiding himself among us?” Save me, God, by your name. Vindicate me in your might.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
TO THE OVERSEER. WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. AN INSTRUCTION OF DAVID, IN THE COMING IN OF THE ZIPHIM, AND THEY SAY TO SAUL, “IS DAVID NOT HIDING HIMSELF WITH US?” O God, save me by Your Name, and judge me by Your might.

Young's Literal Translation
To the Overseer with stringed instruments. -- An instruction, by David, in the coming in of the Ziphim, and they say to Saul, 'Is not David hiding himself with us?' O God, by Thy name save me, and by Thy might judge me.

Smith's Literal Translation
To the overseer upon the stringed instrument, instruction to David: In the going of the Ziphims, and they will say to Saul, Is not David hiding with us? O God, in thy name save me, and in thy strength thou wilt judge me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me in thy strength.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Unto the end. In verses, the understanding of David, when the Ziphites had arrived and they said to Saul, “Has not David been hidden with us?” Save me, O God, by your name, and judge me in your virtue.

New American Bible
For the leader. On stringed instruments. A maskil of David, [2] when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “David is hiding among us.” [3] O God, by your name save me. By your strength defend my cause.

New Revised Standard Version
Save me, O God, by your name, and vindicate me by your might.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
SAVE me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
God, save me by your Name and judge me by your power!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For the Leader; with string-music. Maschil of David: when the Ziphites came and said to Saul: 'Doth not David hide himself with us?' O God, save me by Thy name, And right me by Thy might.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the end, among Hymns of instruction by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Lo, is not David hid with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy might.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Vindicate Me by Your Might
1For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might! 2Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.…

Cross References
Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.

Psalm 20:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

Psalm 31:1-2
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness. / Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance.

Psalm 50:15
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”

Psalm 55:16
But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.

Psalm 86:1-2
A prayer of David. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. / Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.

Psalm 91:15
When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.

Psalm 118:5
In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.

Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 33:22
For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for You are my praise.

Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Luke 1:69
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David,

John 12:27
Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour.


Treasury of Scripture

Save me, O God, by your name, and judge me by your strength.

A.

1 Samuel 23:19,20
Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? …

1 Samuel 26:1
And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?

Micah 7:5,6
Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom…

by the name

Psalm 20:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

Psalm 48:10
According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

Psalm 79:9
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

judge

Psalm 26:1
A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.

Psalm 43:1,2
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man…

Psalm 99:4
The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

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Cause Chief Contemplation David Director Hide Hiding Instruments Judge Judged Leader Maschil Music Musician Neginoth Power Psalm Saul Save Secret Strength Stringed String-Music Vindicate Ziphites
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Cause Chief Contemplation David Director Hide Hiding Instruments Judge Judged Leader Maschil Music Musician Neginoth Power Psalm Saul Save Secret Strength Stringed String-Music Vindicate Ziphites
Psalm 54
1. David, complaining of the Ziphims, prays for salvation
4. Upon his confidence in God's help he promises sacrifice














Save me, O God
The plea "Save me" is a heartfelt cry for deliverance, reflecting the psalmist's urgent need for divine intervention. The Hebrew root for "save" is "yasha," which conveys the idea of being delivered or rescued from danger. This word is foundational in the Old Testament, often associated with God's power to deliver His people from physical and spiritual peril. The invocation "O God" emphasizes the personal relationship between the psalmist and the Almighty, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of salvation. Historically, this cry for help is consistent with the experiences of David, who faced numerous adversities and sought God's protection.

by Your name
The phrase "by Your name" underscores the significance of God's name as a representation of His character and authority. In Hebrew culture, a name was more than a label; it encapsulated the essence and power of the individual. God's name, often revealed as Yahweh, signifies His eternal presence and covenantal faithfulness. The psalmist appeals to God's name, trusting in His unchanging nature and His promises to His people. This reflects a deep understanding of God's identity and a reliance on His divine attributes for deliverance.

and vindicate me
"Vindicate me" is a request for justice and righteousness. The Hebrew word "shaphat" means to judge or to govern, implying a call for God to act as the righteous judge who discerns truth and administers justice. The psalmist seeks not only deliverance but also the restoration of his honor and reputation, which may have been tarnished by false accusations or unjust treatment. This plea for vindication is rooted in the belief that God is just and will ultimately uphold the cause of the righteous.

by Your might
The phrase "by Your might" highlights God's omnipotence and sovereign power. The Hebrew word "gevurah" refers to strength, power, and might, attributes that are frequently ascribed to God throughout the Scriptures. The psalmist acknowledges that it is only through God's mighty power that true deliverance and vindication can be achieved. This recognition of divine strength serves as a reminder of God's ability to intervene in human affairs and to bring about His purposes, regardless of the circumstances. The historical context of David's life, filled with battles and challenges, illustrates the necessity of relying on God's might for victory and justice.

(1) By thy name.--See Note, Psalm 20:1. (Comp. Isaiah 30:27.)

Judge me by thy strength--i.e., in Thy power see that justice is done me.

Verse 1. - Save me, O God, by thy Name; i.e. by the qualities of which thy "Name" is significant - power, goodness, and truth. And judge me; i.e. "vindicate me," or "judge my cause." By thy strength; or, "thy might" - the might which thou possessest as a gibbor, or "hero."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For the choirmaster.
לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

With stringed instruments.
בִּנְגִינֹ֗ת (bin·ḡî·nōṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5058: Instrumental music, a stringed instrument, a poem set to music, an epigram

A Maskil
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל (maś·kîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4905: Instructive, a didactic poem

of David.
לְדָוִֽד׃ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

When the Ziphites
הַ֭זִּיפִים (haz·zî·p̄îm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 2130: Ziphites -- inhabitants of Ziph

went
בְּב֣וֹא (bə·ḇō·w)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to Saul
לְשָׁא֑וּל (lə·šā·’ūl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

and said,
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Is David
דָ֝וִ֗ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

not
הֲלֹ֥א (hă·lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

hiding
מִסְתַּתֵּ֥ר (mis·tat·têr)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5641: To hide, conceal

among us?”
עִמָּֽנוּ׃ (‘im·mā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Save me,
הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי (hō·wō·šî·‘ê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

O God,
אֱ֭לֹהִים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

by Your name,
בְּשִׁמְךָ֣ (bə·šim·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

and vindicate me
תְדִינֵֽנִי׃ (ṯə·ḏî·nê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 1777: A straight course, sail direct

by Your might!
וּבִגְבוּרָתְךָ֥ (ū·ḇiḡ·ḇū·rā·ṯə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1369: Force, valor, victory


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OT Poetry: Psalm 54:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 53:6
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