Psalms 22:6
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
Original Language Analysis
תוֹלַ֣עַת
But I am a worm
H8438
תוֹלַ֣עַת
But I am a worm
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
2 of 8
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִ֑ישׁ
and no man
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
and no man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Isaiah 53:3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.Job 25:6How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?Isaiah 49:7Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.Isaiah 41:14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Hebrews 13:12Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.Matthew 11:19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.Revelation 15:3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.Psalms 31:11I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.John 7:15And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?Lamentations 3:30He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
Historical Context
Written by David during persecution, but the extremity of language points beyond David to the ultimate Suffering Servant. Early church fathers noted the 'worm' imagery connected to scarlet dye, seeing typological significance in Christ's blood.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's willingness to be 'despised and rejected' deepen your gratitude for salvation?
- What does it mean that the Son of God experienced the ultimate human degradation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Christ's identification with humanity reaches its nadir here—'I am a worm, and no man.' The Hebrew 'tola' (worm) refers to the crimson worm from which scarlet dye was extracted by crushing. This prefigures Christ's crushed body producing redemption's crimson covering. Reformed theology sees here the doctrine of Christ's humiliation: the eternal Son assumed not just humanity but the lowest human experience—reproach, contempt, rejection—to redeem His people fully.