Psalms 22:17
What does Psalms 22:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 22:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 22:17 means
In his weakened state, the psalmist is so emaciated that he can count his own bones, a stark image of extreme suffering and near-starvation. Adding to his agony, his enemies simply stare at him, not with pity or concern, but with a cold, dehumanizing gaze. This prolonged scrutiny further humiliates him, turning his pain into a public spectacle for their unfeeling observation. Once again, this scene evokes the crucifixion, where onlookers stared at Jesus.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I may count all my bones. They look and stare upon me;
KJV
King James Version · 1611I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I may count all my bones. They look and stare upon me;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am able to see all my bones; their looks are fixed on me:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I count all my bones--they look expectingly, They look upon me,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I may count all my bones. They look, they stare upon me;
Context
This verse further details the psalmist's extreme physical deterioration described in verses 14-15 and the malicious actions of his enemies from verse 16. It focuses on the visceral reality of his emaciation and the dehumanizing gaze of his tormentors. This spectacle of suffering sets the immediate stage for the ultimate act of contempt: the division of his clothing, which further foreshadows aspects of Christ's passion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 15:29
And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ha! thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
- Luke 23:35
And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen.
- Matthew 27:39
And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads,
- Psalms 102:3
For my days consume away like smoke, And my bones are burned as a firebrand.
- Matthew 27:36
and they sat and watched him there.
- Luke 23:27
And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him.
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