Psalms 22:16
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
סְבָב֗וּנִי
have compassed
H5437
סְבָב֗וּנִי
have compassed
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
2 of 9
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
עֲדַ֣ת
me the assembly
H5712
עֲדַ֣ת
me the assembly
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
4 of 9
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
מְ֭רֵעִים
of the wicked
H7489
מְ֭רֵעִים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
הִקִּיפ֑וּנִי
have inclosed
H5362
הִקִּיפ֑וּנִי
have inclosed
Strong's:
H5362
Word #:
6 of 9
to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate
כָּ֝אֲרִ֗י
me they pierced
H3738
כָּ֝אֲרִ֗י
me they pierced
Strong's:
H3738
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
Cross References
Matthew 27:35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.John 19:37And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.Zechariah 12:10And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.John 20:25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.John 19:23Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.Mark 15:24And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.John 19:34But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.Luke 23:33And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.Isaiah 53:5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.Psalms 22:20Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
Historical Context
David wrote from personal experience of enemies seeking his life, yet the details transcend his historical situation. Crucifixion was unknown to Israel until Rome introduced it centuries later. By the first century, Jews recognized Psalm 22 as messianic prophecy. The Septuagint's translation to "pierced" (likely 3rd-2nd century BC) predates Christ, showing early Jewish understanding of this as future prophecy rather than merely David's lament. Early Christians saw Jesus's crucifixion as literal fulfillment of details David couldn't have fabricated from personal experience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the prophetic precision of details like pierced hands and feet strengthen confidence in Scripture's divine inspiration?
- What does the imagery of being surrounded by enemies reveal about the spiritual warfare behind Christ's crucifixion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse provides one of the Old Testament's most striking prophecies of crucifixion. The Hebrew כָּאֲרִי (ka'ari) can be translated "like a lion" or, with slight vowel pointing, "they pierced" (כָּרוּ/karu). The Septuagint translated it as "pierced" (ὤρυξαν/ōryxan), supporting messianic interpretation. The piercing of hands and feet precisely describes Roman crucifixion—a execution method unknown in David's time but horrifyingly fulfilled in Christ. "Dogs" (כְּלָבִים/kelabim) was Jewish slang for Gentiles, prophetically pointing to Roman executioners. The "assembly of the wicked" (עֲדַת מְרֵעִים/'adat mere'im) suggests organized opposition, fulfilled in the Sanhedrin's collaboration with Roman authority. The imagery of being "compassed" and "enclosed" depicts complete entrapment with no human escape.