Devine Scripture

Psalms 22:16

What does Psalms 22:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 22:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 22:16 means

The psalmist intensifies his description of his tormentors, likening them to predatory "dogs" and a "company of evil-doers" who have completely surrounded him. Crucially, he prophesies with astounding detail, "They pierced my hands and my feet." This image points directly to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, making this psalm profoundly messianic. The actions described here go beyond mere restraint, indicating grievous injury and an intentional act of torture.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Dogs have come round me: I am shut in by the band of evil-doers; they made wounds in my hands and feet.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And to the dust of death thou appointest me, For surrounded me have dogs, A company of evil doers have compassed me, Piercing my hands and my feet.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For dogs have encompassed me; an assembly of evil-doers have surrounded me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Context

Following the detailed account of his physical breakdown in verses 14-15, this verse returns to describing the actions of his enemies. Here, the imagery shifts from powerful beasts to predatory "dogs," indicating a more intimate and malicious form of torment. The specific prophecy of pierced hands and feet highlights the unparalleled nature of this suffering, pointing forward to the crucifixion and dramatically altering the chapter's focus.

v.15My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

v.16This passage

v.17I may count all my bones. They look and stare upon me;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 27:35

    And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots;

  • Psalms 59:14

    And at evening let them return, let them howl like a dog, And go round about the city.

  • Luke 11:53

    And when he was come out from thence, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press upon him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things;

  • Mark 15:24

    And they crucify him, and part his garments among them, casting lots upon them, what each should take.

  • Psalms 22:20

    Deliver my soul from the sword, My darling from the power of the dog.

  • John 19:23

    The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

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