Psalms 22:13
Psalms 22:13 in Multiple Translations
They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul.
They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
They gape upon me with their mouth, As a ravening and a roaring lion.
I saw their mouths wide open, like lions crying after food.
Like roaring lions tearing at their prey they open their mouths wide against me.
They gape vpon me with their mouthes, as a ramping and roaring lyon.
They have opened against me their mouth, A lion tearing and roaring.
They open their mouths wide against me, lions tearing prey and roaring.
They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
They are like roaring lions that are attacking the animals that they want to kill [MET] and eat; they rush toward me to kill me; they are like lions that have their mouths open, ready to tear their victims to pieces [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 22:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 22:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
סְ֭בָבוּ/נִי
פָּרִ֣ים
רַבִּ֑ים
אַבִּירֵ֖י
בָשָׁ֣ן
כִּתְּרֽוּ/נִי
סְ֭בָבוּ/נִי
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
פָּרִ֣ים
par
H6499
bullock
N-mp
רַבִּ֑ים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
אַבִּירֵ֖י
ʼabbîyr
H47
mighty
Adj
בָשָׁ֣ן
Bâshân
H1316
Bashan
N-proper
כִּתְּרֽוּ/נִי
kâthar
H3803
to surround
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 22:13
סְ֭בָבוּ/נִי
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
פָּרִ֣ים
par
H6499
"bullock"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
רַבִּ֑ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
אַבִּירֵ֖י
ʼabbîyr
H47
"mighty"
Adj
A term used to describe something or someone as mighty or strong, often referring to God or powerful animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's power, like in Genesis 49:24, and strong animals, like oxen.
Definition: 1) mighty, valiant 1a) of men 1b) of angels 1c) of animals 1d) (metaph) 1d1) of enemies 1d2) of princes 1d3) of sacrificial objects 1e) obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. See also: Judges 5:22; Psalms 78:25; Psalms 22:13.
בָשָׁ֣ן
Bâshân
H1316
"Bashan"
N-proper
Bashan was a fertile region east of the Jordan River, given to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was known for its fruitfulness and is mentioned in the Bible as a significant area.
Definition: § Bashan = "fruitful" a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Bashan. See also: Numbers 21:33; Joshua 21:27; Psalms 22:13.
כִּתְּרֽוּ/נִי
kâthar
H3803
"to surround"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
To surround something means to enclose or crown it, like when God surrounds his people with protection in Psalm 139:5.
Definition: 1) to surround 1a) (Piel) to surround 1b) (Hiphil) to surround, encircle
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: beset round, compass about, be crowned inclose round, suffer. See also: Judges 20:43; Psalms 142:8; Psalms 22:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 22:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 22:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:13
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
- Sermons on Psalms 22:13
Context — The Psalm of the Cross
11Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
12Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul.
14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. 15My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 5:8 | Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. |
| 2 | Psalms 35:21 | They gape at me and say, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen!” |
| 3 | Lamentations 3:46 | All our enemies open their mouths against us. |
| 4 | Lamentations 2:16 | All your enemies open their mouths against you. They hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day for which we have waited. We have lived to see it!” |
| 5 | Psalms 17:12 | like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush. |
| 6 | Job 16:10 | They open their mouths against me and strike my cheeks with contempt; they join together against me. |
| 7 | Psalms 7:2 | or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me. |
| 8 | Psalms 22:7 | All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: |
| 9 | Psalms 22:21 | Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me! |
| 10 | Psalms 35:17 | How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. |
Psalms 22:13 Summary
This verse, Psalms 22:13, describes the psalmist's enemies as fierce lions that are attacking him. The image is one of intense danger and fear, but it also reminds us that our enemies, whether physical or spiritual, are not more powerful than God. Just as God delivers his people from physical lions, as seen in Daniel 6:22, he can also deliver us from the spiritual lions that seek to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). By trusting in God's power and presence, we can face our own 'lions' with courage and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of danger is the psalmist facing in Psalms 22:13?
The psalmist is facing a severe and intense attack from his enemies, likened to fierce lions, which is a common metaphor for powerful adversaries in the Bible, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8 where Satan is described as a roaring lion.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is part of a larger lament where the psalmist feels surrounded and attacked by his enemies, as described in Psalms 22:12, and is crying out to God for help, similar to the cries for help in Psalms 38:9 and Psalms 51:17.
Is this verse only about physical danger or is there a spiritual aspect?
While the psalmist is certainly facing physical danger, the spiritual aspect of the attack is also significant, as the enemies are not just physical foes but also represent spiritual forces of darkness, as described in Ephesians 6:12.
How does Jesus' experience on the cross relate to this verse?
Jesus' experience on the cross, as described in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew 27:35-44, is often seen as a fulfillment of this psalm, where he faced intense spiritual and physical attack, and this verse is often referenced in relation to his crucifixion.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'lions' in your life that seem to be attacking you, and how can you trust God to deliver you from them?
- How does the image of lions roaring and mauling make you feel, and what does it reveal about the intensity of the psalmist's emotions?
- In what ways can you identify with the psalmist's feeling of being surrounded and helpless, and how can you apply the principles of this psalm to your own life?
- What does this verse teach you about the nature of spiritual warfare, and how can you prepare yourself for the battles you face?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:13
They gaped upon me [with] their mouths,.... Either by way of derision and contempt, Job 16:10; or belching out blasphemy against him, or rather, with the greatest vehemency, crying out "Crucify him,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:13
They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. A ravening ... lion - i:e., a tearing lion: one tearing his victim in pieces, and "roaring" (note, Psalms 22:1) in exultation over his prey (Amos 3:4).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
Partly to affright me, and principally to tear and devour me, as the following metaphor explains it. Otherwise it might be understood of their crying out with loud and earnest voices, that he might be condemned and put to death.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
Psalms 22:13 They gaped upon me [with] their mouths, [as] a ravening and a roaring lion.Ver. 13. They gaped upon me with their mouths] As if they would have swallowed me up at a bit, like so many lycanthropi, or savage cannibals. As a ravening and a roaring lion] Rapiens et rugiens leo, licet non sit mos boum rapere, Bulls do not use to raven though they roar (Kimchi); but the malignities of all fierce and fell creatures are to be found in cruel persecutors. Would any man take the Church’ s picture? saith Luther; then let him paint a silly poor maid sitting in a wood or wilderness, compassed about with hungry lions, wolves, bulls, boars, and bears, and with all manner of cruel and harmful beasts, and in the midst of a great many furious men, or rather monsters, assaulting her every moment and minute; for this is her condition in the world.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
(13) Ravening.—Literally, tearing in pieces. (Comp. Lamentations 2:15-16; Lamentations 3:10.) Roaring.—Comp. Amos 3:4.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
Verse 13. They gaped upon me] They were fiercely and madly beat on my destruction.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:13
13. They gaped &c.] R.V., they gape upon me with their mouths (Lamentations 2:16; Lamentations 3:46); like a lion roaring as it prepares to spring upon its prey (Psalms 7:2).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:13
They gaped upon me with their mouths - Margin, as in Hebrew, “opened their mouths against me.” That is, they opened their mouths wide as if they would devour me, as a lion does when he seizes upon his prey.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:13
13. They gaped upon—This was not in scorn, like the shooting “out the lip” of Psalms 22:7; but an act simply of brutal ferocity, the parallel to which is the rending and roaring lion of the next line.
Sermons on Psalms 22:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Fellowship of Christ's Suffering by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the Fellowship of Christ's Suffering as outlined in 1 Peter chapter 5. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be sober and vigilant against the adv |
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When God Speaks Discerning the Voice of God - Genesis 20 22 by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning the voice of God amidst the noise of life, urging believers to cultivate a spiritual appetite through obedience to God's Word. |
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"Where Are the Praying People?" by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the speaker's strong desire to remain separate from the sinful influences of the world, committing to prayer, Bible reading, and standing against immorality. |
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A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and |
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A Warning to American Christianity by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher passionately emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's word. He condemns liberal theologians who shy away from preaching about hell and |
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A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous |
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Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th |