Psalms 22:16 - For dogs have surrounded me. A company of evildoers have enclosed me. They have pierced my hands and feet.

Generated Verse: Psalms 22:16

What does "Psalms 22:16" mean?


Psalm 22:16 is a powerful and evocative verse that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Understanding its meaning requires considering both its immediate context within the psalm and its potential prophetic significance, particularly in relation to the crucifixion of Jesus. Let's break it down:

Literal Interpretation (Within the Psalm):

"For dogs have surrounded me..." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dogs were often seen as wild, scavenging animals, representing impurity, hostility, and being an outcast. This line suggests the psalmist feels vulnerable and surrounded by enemies who are animalistic and threatening.
"...A company of evildoers have enclosed me..." This reinforces the feeling of being trapped and overwhelmed. The "company of evildoers" represents a group of wicked people who are plotting against the psalmist.
"...They have pierced my hands and feet..." This is the most debated and impactful part of the verse. The Hebrew word translated as "pierced" is ka'aru. Its exact meaning is debated:

Some scholars interpret ka'aru as "pierced," meaning a physical act of violence, possibly impalement or something similar. This interpretation fits the image of extreme suffering and torment.
Other scholars suggest a different textual reading, possibly emending ka'aru to read "like a lion," changing the verse to, "They have bound my hands and feet." This eliminates the piercing imagery.
A third interpretation understands ka'aru to mean "dug," "hollowed out," or "weakened." This would suggest a figurative meaning: they have weakened my hands and feet, rendering me helpless.

Interpretations and Theological Significance:

1. The Psalmist's Suffering: The verse clearly conveys intense suffering, vulnerability, and a sense of being surrounded by hostile forces. Within the context of Psalm 22, it depicts the psalmist's despair and desperation in the face of overwhelming adversity. It's a vivid expression of human pain and anguish.

2. Prophetic Interpretation (Christian Perspective): Christians often see Psalm 22 as a prophetic foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This interpretation focuses particularly on the phrase "they have pierced my hands and feet." The New Testament describes Jesus being crucified, with nails driven through his hands and feet. The parallels between the psalm and the events of the crucifixion are striking:

Jesus being surrounded by hostile enemies.
The mocking and taunting described in the psalm mirroring the jeers of the crowd at the cross.
The cry of abandonment, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" which Jesus quotes from Psalm 22 on the cross.
The sharing of Jesus' garments and casting lots for them.

Because of these remarkable similarities, Christians often interpret this verse as a direct prophecy of the crucifixion. For them, it's a testament to the divine plan and Jesus' suffering for the redemption of humanity.

3. Symbolic Interpretation: Regardless of religious beliefs, the verse can be understood symbolically to represent extreme suffering, betrayal, and injustice. It speaks to the human experience of feeling helpless and victimized by powerful forces. It can be applied to anyone who has been subjected to persecution, abuse, or overwhelming hardship.

In Summary:

The verse "For dogs have surrounded me. A company of evildoers have enclosed me. They have pierced my hands and feet" from Psalm 22:16 is a powerful expression of suffering and vulnerability. While its precise meaning is debated, it evokes a sense of being surrounded by hostile forces and subjected to intense pain. For Christians, it holds profound prophetic significance as a foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. More broadly, it can be understood as a symbol of extreme suffering, injustice, and the human experience of feeling helpless in the face of adversity. The ultimate interpretation depends on one's religious beliefs and scholarly approach to the text.