Psalms 55:6

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 55:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest.
Psalms 55:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 55

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I said, oh that I had wings like a dove, etc.] The psalmist pitches upon this creature, partly to suggest that his enemies pursuing him were like the ravenous hawk, and he like the harmless, innocent, and trembling dove; and partly because of its swiftness in flying. Aben Ezra thinks the dove is mentioned, because it is sociable with men, and who send letters by them for quick dispatch, of which instances may be given f717 . This wish is expressed suitably to his character and case. The church is sometimes compared to a dove for its innocence, modesty, chastity, purity, affection, inconsolableness for the loss of its mate, and for its fearfulness, (<220214>Song of Solomon 2:14 4:1 6:9);…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“be at rest--literally, "dwell," that is, permanently.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And I said - That is, when I saw these calamities coming upon me, and knew not what the result was to be. Oh, that I had wings like a dove! - literally, “Who will give me wings like a dove?” or, Who will give me the pinion of a dove? The original word - אבר 'êber - means properly, “a wing-feather;” a pinion; the penna major or flagfeather of a bird’s wing by which he steers his course, - as of an eagle, Isaiah 40:31, or of a dove, as here. It is distinguished from the wing itself, Ezekiel 17:3 : “A great eagle, with great wings, “long-winged,” full of feathers.” The reference here is supposed to be to the turtle-dove - a species of dove common in Palestine. Compare the notes at Psalms 11:1.…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 11:1, Psa 139:9; Rev 12:14 Psalms 55:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification