Psalms 22:13
They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
Original Language Analysis
עָלַ֣י
H5921
עָלַ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּיהֶ֑ם
upon me with their mouths
H6310
פִּיהֶ֑ם
upon me with their mouths
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Psalms 35:21Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.Psalms 17:12Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.Job 16:10They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.Lamentations 3:46All our enemies have opened their mouths against us.Lamentations 2:16All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed her up: certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it.
Historical Context
Lions were symbols of deadly danger in ancient Israel. The metaphor communicated mortal threat and terror. For Jesus, the 'lions' included Satan, religious leaders, Roman authorities, and the principalities and powers arrayed against God's Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's victory over 'roaring lions' give you confidence against spiritual enemies?
- What 'lions' in your life has Christ already defeated through His cross?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of enemies as 'ravening and roaring lions' depicts their fierce, predatory nature. This evokes Satan as a 'roaring lion seeking whom he may devour' (1 Pet. 5:8). From a Reformed perspective, Christ faced the full fury of satanic opposition and human evil at the cross, yet triumphed through apparent defeat. The 'gaped upon me' suggests open-mouthed aggression, emphasizing the hostility Christ endured to secure salvation.