Psalms 22:24
For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְלֹ֪א
H3808
וְלֹ֪א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שִׁקַּ֡ץ
nor abhorred
H8262
שִׁקַּ֡ץ
nor abhorred
Strong's:
H8262
Word #:
5 of 14
to be filthy, i.e., (intensively) to loathe, pollute
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִסְתִּ֣יר
neither hath he hid
H5641
הִסְתִּ֣יר
neither hath he hid
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
9 of 14
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
פָּנָ֣יו
his face
H6440
פָּנָ֣יו
his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;Psalms 118:5I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.Psalms 22:2O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.Psalms 34:6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.Psalms 22:6But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.Luke 23:46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.Psalms 69:17And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.Psalms 35:10All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
Historical Context
This verse assures suffering saints that God sees, cares, and hears their cries. Throughout Israel's history—exile, oppression, persecution—this promise sustained faith that God had not permanently abandoned His people despite temporary discipline.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God does not 'despise your affliction' change how you bring suffering to Him?
- What does God's response to Christ's cry teach about His response to your prayers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God did not 'despise nor abhor the affliction of the afflicted'—a profound statement of divine compassion toward suffering. Though God ordained Christ's suffering, He did not delight in it for its own sake but for redemption's sake (Isa. 53:10). 'Neither hath he hid his face from him' contradicts the earlier cry of forsakenness (v.1), showing that apparent divine absence was temporary and purposeful. Reformed theology sees God's sovereign orchestration: He hid His face momentarily to accomplish salvation, then restored fellowship eternally.