Psalms 22:7

Authorized King James Version

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

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

רֹ֭אַי

H7200

All they that see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יַלְעִ֣גוּ

H3932

me laugh me to scorn

to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly

לִ֑י

יַפְטִ֥ירוּ

H6362

to cleave or burst through, i.e., (causatively) to emit, whether literal or figurative (gape)

בְ֝שָׂפָ֗ה

H8193

the lip

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

יָנִ֥יעוּ

H5128

they shake

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

רֹֽאשׁ׃

H7218

the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?