Psalms 22:20

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Psalms 22:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs.

King James Version KJV

Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

Make my soul safe from the sword, my life from the power of the dog.

Free Bible Version FBV

Save me from death by the sword! Save my life—the only one I have—from the dogs!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Deliuer my soule from the sword: my desolate soule from the power of the dogge.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Deliver from the sword my soul, From the paw of a dog mine only one.

World English Bible WEB

Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.

Translation for Translators T4T

Rescue me from those who want to kill me with their swords. Save me from those who are like wild/fierce dogs [MET].

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 22:20

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 22:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אַתָּ֣ה יְ֭הוָה אַל תִּרְחָ֑ק אֱ֝יָלוּתִ֗/י לְ/עֶזְרָ֥תִ/י חֽוּשָׁ/ה

וְ/אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

יְ֭הוָה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תִּרְחָ֑ק râchaq H7368 to remove V-Qal-Juss-2ms

אֱ֝יָלוּתִ֗/י ʼĕyâlûwth H360 strength N-fs | Suff

לְ/עֶזְרָ֥תִ/י ʻezrâh H5833 help Prep | N-fs | Suff

חֽוּשָׁ/ה chûwsh H2363 to hasten V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 22:20

וְ/אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

יְ֭הוָה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תִּרְחָ֑ק râchaq H7368 "to remove" V-Qal-Juss-2ms

To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.

Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance

Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.

אֱ֝יָלוּתִ֗/י ʼĕyâlûwth H360 "strength" N-fs | Suff

Strength refers to power or protection, often used to describe God's help and support. It is mentioned in the Psalms as a source of comfort and security. The word implies a sense of reliance on a higher power.

Definition: strength, my help

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: strength. See also: Psalms 22:20.

לְ/עֶזְרָ֥תִ/י ʻezrâh H5833 "help" Prep | N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'help' or 'aid', referring to assistance or support, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) help, succour, assistance 1a) help, succour 1b) one who helps

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: help(-ed, -er). See also: Judges 5:23; Psalms 60:13; Psalms 22:20.

חֽוּשָׁ/ה chûwsh H2363 "to hasten" V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for to hurry or be eager with excitement, often translated as to make haste. It can also mean to enjoy or feel something, conveying a sense of enthusiasm or readiness. This word is used in various contexts, including when someone is preparing for action.

Definition: 1) to haste, make haste, hurry 1a) (Qal) to make haste 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show haste, act quickly, hasten, come quickly

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n), ready. See also: Numbers 32:17; Psalms 70:2; Psalms 22:20.

Study Notes — Psalms 22:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 22:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:20
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:20
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:20
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:20
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:20
Sermons on Psalms 22:20

Context — The Psalm of the Cross

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.

20Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs.

21Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me! 22I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 35:17	How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.
2	Zechariah 13:7	Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.
3	Psalms 17:13	Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,

Psalms 22:20 Summary

In Psalms 22:20, the psalmist is crying out to God for help and protection from the dangers and pressures of the world, which are like 'swords' and 'wild dogs' attacking him. He asks God to deliver his 'precious life' from these threats, trusting in God's power to save him (as seen in Psalms 55:4-5 and Romans 8:37). This verse reminds us that we can trust in God's power to deliver us from our own struggles and dangers, and that He is always near to help us (as promised in Psalms 23:4 and Hebrews 13:5). By praying like the psalmist, we can find comfort and strength in the midst of our own challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the 'sword' and 'wild dogs' in Psalms 22:20?

The 'sword' and 'wild dogs' are likely metaphors for the severe persecution and danger that the psalmist is facing, as seen in other passages like Psalms 55:4-5, where the psalmist cries out for help from his enemies.

How can we apply the prayer of Psalms 22:20 to our own lives?

We can apply this prayer by asking God to deliver us from the spiritual attacks and pressures of the world, just as the psalmist does, and trusting in His power to save us, as promised in Romans 8:37 and 2 Corinthians 1:10.

Is the 'precious life' mentioned in Psalms 22:20 a reference to the psalmist's physical life or something more?

The 'precious life' is likely a reference to the psalmist's physical life, but it may also imply the value and preciousness of his spiritual life, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 1:7, where our faith is described as more precious than gold.

How does the tone of Psalms 22:20 relate to the rest of the chapter?

The tone of Psalms 22:20 is one of urgent desperation and trust, which is consistent with the tone of the surrounding verses, such as Psalms 22:19, where the psalmist cries out for God's help, and Psalms 22:21-22, where he expresses confidence in God's deliverance and promises to praise Him.

Reflection Questions

What are some 'swords' and 'wild dogs' that I am facing in my own life, and how can I apply the psalmist's prayer to those situations?
In what ways can I trust in God's power to deliver me from the pressures and dangers of the world, just as the psalmist does in Psalms 22:20?
How can I cultivate a sense of desperation and urgency in my own prayers, like the psalmist's cry for help in Psalms 22:20?
What are some ways that I can 'proclaim God's name' and 'praise Him in the assembly', as the psalmist promises to do in Psalms 22:22, in my own life and community?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:20

Deliver my soul from the sword,.... Wicked men, whose tongues were as a sharp sword, reproaching and blaspheming him, and bearing false witness against him; and crying out, "Crucify him, crucify

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:20

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:20

From the sword, i.e. from the rage and violence of mine enemies, as the next clause explains it, and as the sword is oft taken in Scripture. See ,27,29 Ezekiel 38:21. My darling, Heb. my one, or only one, to wit, his soul, as he now said; which he so calls, either because it was very dear to him; or rather, because it was left alone, and destitute of friends and helpers; for so this word is used, 35:17. From the power, Heb. the hand; which is oft put for power, and in that sense is ascribed to a flame, , and to evil, .

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:20

Psalms 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.Ver. 20. Deliver my soul from the sword] i.e. From desperate and deadly danger, from the wicked, which is thy sword, Psalms 17:13. My darling from the power of the dog] Heb. Mine only one from the hand, &c., as Genesis 9:5. Sic est anima in corpore, ut in domo lutea, nec habet socium, saith R. David here; The soul is alone in its cottage of clay, and hath no companion. That was a mad fellow who gave out that he had two souls, one for God, and another for whomsoever would have it. If the dog, that is, the devil, as some interpret this text, lay hands on this darling, it will be found to be all that a man hath, his alonely soul, the loss whereof our Saviour showeth to be both incomparable and irreparable, Matthew 16:26.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:20

Verse 20. Deliver my soul from the sword] Deliver נפשי naphshi, my life; save me alive, or raise me again. My darling] יחידתי yechidathi, my only one. The only human being that was ever produced since the creation, even by the power of God himself, without the agency of man. ADAM the first was created out of the dust of the earth; that was his mother; God was the framer. ADAM the second was produced in the womb of the virgin; that was his mother. But that which was conceived in her was by the power of the Holy Ghost; hence the man Christ Jesus is the ONLY Son of God; God is his Father, and he is his ONLY ONE.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:20

20. from the sword] From a violent death. my darling] Lit., my only one. The clue to the meaning is given by the use of the word of an only child (Genesis 22:2; Judges 11:34). The word denotes the one precious life which can never be replaced. Cp. Psalms 35:17. the dog] See on Psalms 22:16.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:20

Deliver my soul from the sword - The word soul here means life, and denotes a living person. It is equivalent to “deliver me.” “The sword” is used to denote an instrument of death, or anything that pierces like a sword.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:20

20. My darling—Hebrew, My only one. The word is an adjective, and signifies alone, only; and, as it corresponds to soul in the previous hemistich, it may be only a poetical variation of the same

Sermons on Psalms 22:20

	Sermon	Description
	Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes
	Sudden Conversations by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of Zachariah and its fulfillment in the future reign of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness unto the
	Gethsemane by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. He begins by emphasizing the love of Jesus, who willingly came down to earth to die on th
	Glimpses of the Future - Part 4 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into various prophetic glimpses of the future, focusing on events related to Israel, including unique tribulation, the sealing of 144,000 young Israelis, Israel'
	Glimpses of the Future - Part 5 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into the prophetic Scriptures concerning Jesus, emphasizing how every aspect of His life fulfilled the prophecies, showcasing His submission to the authority of
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.13 & 14 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of unclean spirits in the world and the need to be aware of their influence. He highlights three main aspects of these unclean s
	The Baptism (Part 2) by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of a pivotal moment in history when Jesus came into the world. This moment, symbolized by Jesus' crucifixion, brought about