Psalms 22:9
But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גֹחִ֣י
But thou art he that took
H1518
גֹחִ֣י
But thou art he that took
Strong's:
H1518
Word #:
3 of 8
to gush forth (as water), generally to issue
מִבָּ֑טֶן
me out of the womb
H990
מִבָּ֑טֶן
me out of the womb
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
4 of 8
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
מַ֝בְטִיחִ֗י
thou didst make me hope
H982
מַ֝בְטִיחִ֗י
thou didst make me hope
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Psalms 71:6By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.Psalms 71:17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Historical Context
In ancient cultures with high infant mortality, reaching adulthood required divine protection. The psalmist's survival from birth demonstrated God's covenant faithfulness. For Christ, this recalls the slaughter of Bethlehem's infants and His miraculous preservation (Matt. 2:13-18).
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's care from your conception affect your view of His ongoing faithfulness?
- What does this verse teach about the value and sanctity of life from its earliest stages?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Amidst anguish, the psalmist recalls God's providential care from conception—'thou art he that took me out of the womb.' This affirms God's sovereignty over life from its beginning and His sustaining grace through all stages. Reformed theology sees this as evidence of God's electing love: before birth, He determined salvation and providentially sustained life. Even Jesus' human birth was sovereignly ordained for redemptive purposes (Gal. 4:4).