Psalms 22:14

Authorized King James Version

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כַּמַּ֥יִם

H4325

like water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

נִשְׁפַּכְתִּי֮

H8210

I am poured out

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

וְהִתְפָּֽרְד֗וּ

H6504

are out of joint

to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)

כָּֽל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַצְמ֫וֹתָ֥י

H6106

and all my bones

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

הָיָ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִ֭בִּי

H3820

my heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

כַּדּוֹנָ֑ג

H1749

is like wax

wax

נָ֝מֵ֗ס

H4549

it is melted

to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

#10

בְּת֣וֹךְ

H8432

in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#11

מֵעָֽי׃

H4578

of my bowels

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?