Psalms 22:19
But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
from me O LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
from me O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּרְחָ֑ק
But be not thou far
H7368
תִּרְחָ֑ק
But be not thou far
Strong's:
H7368
Word #:
4 of 7
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
Historical Context
This prayer-cry would be used by suffering saints throughout history. For Jesus, the 'haste' was answered in resurrection—God did not leave His soul in Sheol nor allow His Holy One to see corruption (Acts 2:27).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's desperate prayer model authentic, urgent prayer for you?
- In what situations do you need to cry 'haste thee to help me' today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The plea 'be not thou far from me, O LORD' (repeated from v.11) emphasizes desperate need for divine presence. 'O my strength' acknowledges that all help comes from God alone. 'Haste thee to help me' expresses urgency. Reformed theology sees this as Christ's prayer in His humanity—genuinely dependent on the Father, truly needing divine assistance, modeling perfect trust even in extremity. His prayers were heard because of His godly fear (Heb. 5:7).