Psalms 22:17
Psalms 22:17 in Multiple Translations
I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me.
I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
I may count all my bones. They look and stare upon me;
I am able to see all my bones; their looks are fixed on me:
I'm so thin I can count all my bones. People stare at me and gloat.
I may tell all my bones: yet they beholde, and looke vpon me.
I count all my bones — they look expectingly, They look upon me,
I can count all of my bones. They look and stare at me.
I may number all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
I am so weak and thin that my bones can be seen and counted. My enemies stare at me and ◄gloat/are happy► about what has happened to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 22:17
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 22:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֥י
סְבָב֗וּ/נִי
כְּלָ֫בִ֥ים
עֲדַ֣ת
מְ֭רֵעִים
הִקִּיפ֑וּ/נִי
כָּ֝/אֲרִ֗י
יָדַ֥/י
וְ/רַגְלָֽ/י
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
סְבָב֗וּ/נִי
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
כְּלָ֫בִ֥ים
keleb
H3611
dog
N-mp
עֲדַ֣ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
N-fs
מְ֭רֵעִים
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Hiphil
הִקִּיפ֑וּ/נִי
nâqaph
H5362
to strike
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
כָּ֝/אֲרִ֗י
kârâh
H3738
to dig
Prep | N-ms
יָדַ֥/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
וְ/רַגְלָֽ/י
regel
H7272
foot
Conj | N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 22:17
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
סְבָב֗וּ/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.
כְּלָ֫בִ֥ים
keleb
H3611
"dog"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
עֲדַ֣ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
מְ֭רֵעִים
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Hiphil
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
הִקִּיפ֑וּ/נִי
nâqaph
H5362
"to strike"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
This word means to surround or go around something, like making a circle or enclosing an area. It can also imply a sense of violence or attack, like beating or knocking something down. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's presence surrounding his people.
Definition: 1) to strike, strike off 1a) (Piel) to strike off skin Aramaic equivalent: ne.qash (נְקַשׁ "to knock" H5368)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: compass (about, -ing), cut down, destroy, go round (about), inclose, round. See also: Leviticus 19:27; Job 19:6; Psalms 17:9.
כָּ֝/אֲרִ֗י
kârâh
H3738
"to dig"
Prep | N-ms
This verb means to dig or pierce, and is used in various contexts, including excavating the earth or plotting against someone, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to dig, excavate, dig through, cut 1a) (Qal) to dig
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dig, [idiom] make (a banquet), open. See also: Genesis 26:25; Psalms 22:17; Psalms 7:16.
יָדַ֥/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/רַגְלָֽ/י
regel
H7272
"foot"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 22:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 22:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:17
- Sermons on Psalms 22:17
Context — The Psalm of the Cross
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.
16For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.
17I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me.
18They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. 19But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 23:35 | The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” |
| 2 | Job 33:21 | His flesh wastes away from sight, and his hidden bones protrude. |
| 3 | Matthew 27:39–41 | And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, |
| 4 | Luke 23:27 | A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him. |
| 5 | Isaiah 52:14 | Just as many were appalled at Him — His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness— |
| 6 | Mark 15:29–32 | And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, come down from the cross and save Yourself!” In the same way, the chief priests and scribes mocked Him among themselves, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” And even those who were crucified with Him berated Him. |
| 7 | Psalms 102:3–5 | For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread. Through my loud groaning my flesh clings to my bones. |
| 8 | Matthew 27:36 | And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. |
Psalms 22:17 Summary
This verse describes a person who is suffering greatly, to the point where they feel like all their bones are visible and their enemies are staring at them with contempt. This is a picture of extreme weakness and vulnerability, but it's also a reminder that God is present even in the darkest moments (Psalms 23:4, Romans 8:38-39). The speaker is crying out to God for help, and we can learn from their example by being honest about our own pain and trusting in God's love and care for us. By looking to God in our times of suffering, we can find comfort and strength, just like the psalmist did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'count all my bones' in Psalms 22:17?
This phrase is a metaphor for extreme physical suffering and vulnerability, as if the speaker's body is so emaciated or injured that every bone is visible, much like a skeleton (Psalms 22:17, Job 33:21).
Who are the ones staring and gloating over the speaker in this verse?
The ones staring and gloating are likely the 'dogs' and 'band of evil men' mentioned in Psalms 22:16, who represent the enemies of God and the forces of evil that seek to destroy the righteous (Psalms 22:16, Psalms 27:2).
How does this verse relate to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ?
This verse is often seen as a prophetic reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where His hands and feet were pierced (Psalms 22:16, John 20:25), and His body was exposed to the gaze of onlookers (Psalms 22:17, Luke 23:35).
What is the emotional tone of this verse?
The emotional tone of this verse is one of deep sorrow, abandonment, and desperation, as the speaker feels utterly helpless and exposed to the cruelty of their enemies (Psalms 22:17, Psalms 38:6).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have felt 'exposed' or vulnerable in my own life, and how did I respond to those feelings?
- How can I relate to the emotional pain and sense of abandonment expressed in this verse, and what comfort can I find in God's presence?
- In what ways do I 'gloat' over others or take pleasure in their misfortune, and how can I repent of this behavior?
- What does it mean to 'count all my bones' in a spiritual sense, and how can I apply this metaphor to my own walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:17
I may tell all my bones,.... For what with the stretching out of his body on the cross, when it was fastened to it as it lay on the ground, and with the jolt of the cross when, being reared up, it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:17
I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. I may tell all my bones - rather, not merely I may, but 'I tell' or 'count all my bones;' answering to the heartless act of the enemy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:17
I may tell all my bones; partly through my leanness, caused by excessive grief, which is much more credible of Christ than of David; and partly by my being stretched out upon the cross. They look and stare upon me, to wit, with delight and complacency in my calamities, as this phrase is used, 37:34 54:7 59:10 . Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:17
Psalms 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look [and] stare upon me.Ver. 17. I may tell all my bones] Now especially, when stretched out upon the cross, Quando pendens extentus erat in ligno, saith Austin. Derident maciem meam, saith Kimchi. They look and stare upon me] Aspiciunt, id est, despiciunt, ut Son 1:6, saith Kimchi, they feed their eyes and passions with my misery, as Luke 23:35. This απιχαιρεκακια is the devil’ s disease, and declareth a devilish disposition, sc. for a man to make himself merry in other men’ s misery.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:17
Verse 17. I may tell all my bones] This may refer to the violent extension of his body when the whole of its weight hung upon the nails which attached his hands to the transverse beam of the cross. The body being thus extended, the principal bones became prominent, and easily discernible.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:17
17. I may tell] i.e. I can count. He is reduced to a living skeleton. Cp. Job 33:21. they look &c.] While they—they gaze &c. The original expresses the malicious delight with which these monsters of cruelty feast their eyes upon the sorry spectacle.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:17
I may tell all my bones - That is, I may count them. They are so prominent, so bare, that I can see them and count their number. The idea here is that of emaciation from continued suffering or from some other cause.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:17
17. I may tell all my bones—In Psalms 22:14 : “All my bones are out of joint.” The protrusion of the bones, so that one could count them, is not merely the effect of a wasting suffering.
Sermons on Psalms 22:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holl-10 De Gekruisigde God (The Crucified God) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the cross of Christ and the need to boast only in it. He highlights the sacrifice Jesus made, being humiliated and crucified to |
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Exposition on Psalm 22 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 21, reflecting on the words spoken by Jesus Christ Himself during His resurrection. The psalm portrays the suffering and humility of Christ, from be |
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Destined for the Cross by Paul E. Billheimer | Paul E. Billheimer preaches on the foundational principle of self-sacrifice in the universe, exemplified by Christ's choice to stay on the cross despite temptations to come down an |
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Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th |
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(The Life of Jesus) His Crucifixion by Earle Maxwell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of receiving a late-night phone call from a distressed woman whose husband was in the intensive care ward. This experience |
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Silence the Mocking Voices by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the impact of mocking voices that can lead to discouragement and distraction from God's will. It delves into the mocking of Jesus and the importance of surre |
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(The Full Gospel) 23. the Secret of Discernment by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of discernment in recognizing truth, as illustrated by the thief on the cross who, despite his criminal background, discerned Jesus' innocence |