Psalms 22:6
Psalms 22:6 in Multiple Translations
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised of the people.
But I am a worm and not a man; cursed by men, and looked down on by the people.
But I'm a worm, not a man, scorned and despised by everyone.
But I am a worme, and not a man: a shame of men, and the contempt of the people.
And I [am] a worm, and no man, A reproach of man, and despised of the people.
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people.
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people.
And thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.
But you have not rescued me People despise me and consider that I am not a man; they think that I am as worthless as a worm! Everyone [HYP] scorns me and despises me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 22:6
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 22:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
זָעֲק֣וּ
וְ/נִמְלָ֑טוּ
בְּ/ךָ֖
בָטְח֣וּ
וְ/לֹא
בֽוֹשׁוּ
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
זָעֲק֣וּ
zâʻaq
H2199
to cry out
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/נִמְלָ֑טוּ
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בְּ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
בָטְח֣וּ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
בֽוֹשׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 22:6
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
זָעֲק֣וּ
zâʻaq
H2199
"to cry out"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
וְ/נִמְלָ֑טוּ
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
בְּ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
בָטְח֣וּ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בֽוֹשׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 22:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 22:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
- Sermons on Psalms 22:6
Context — The Psalm of the Cross
4In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them.
5They cried out to You and were set free; they trusted in You and were not disappointed.
6But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
7All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: 8“He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 53:3 | He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. |
| 2 | Job 25:6 | how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!” |
| 3 | Isaiah 49:7 | Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 41:14 | Do not fear, O worm of Jacob, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. |
| 5 | Psalms 69:7–12 | For I have endured scorn for Your sake, and shame has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons, because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me. I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach. I made sackcloth my clothing, and I was sport to them. Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of drunkards. |
| 6 | Psalms 69:19–20 | You know my reproach, my shame and disgrace. All my adversaries are before You. Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one. |
| 7 | Psalms 31:11 | Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street. |
| 8 | Matthew 11:19 | The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” |
| 9 | Hebrews 13:12 | And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood. |
| 10 | Revelation 15:3 | and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! |
Psalms 22:6 Summary
In Psalms 22:6, the psalmist is expressing his feelings of sadness and despair, saying that he feels like a worm, scorned and despised by men. This means that he feels completely humiliated and rejected, with no one to turn to. But even in the midst of these feelings, the psalmist is still trusting in God's deliverance, just like his fathers did in Psalms 22:4-5. This verse reminds us that it's okay to express our feelings to God, and that He is a God who hears and responds to our cries, as seen in Psalms 34:17-18 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a worm in Psalms 22:6?
In this context, being a worm means being utterly humiliated and despised, as seen in the life of Jesus Christ who was also mocked and scorned by men, as prophesied in Psalms 22:6 and fulfilled in Matthew 27:39-44.
Why does the psalmist feel scorned by men and despised by the people?
The psalmist feels this way because he is trusting in the Lord, just like his fathers did in Psalms 22:4-5, but he is not seeing the same deliverance, leading to feelings of rejection and isolation, similar to what the prophet Jeremiah experienced in Jeremiah 20:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the life of Jesus Christ?
This verse is a prophetic foreshadowing of the humiliation and rejection that Jesus Christ would face on the cross, as described in Matthew 27:27-31 and Luke 23:35, where he was mocked and scorned by the people, just like the psalmist in Psalms 22:6.
What can we learn from the psalmist's expression of feelings in this verse?
We can learn that it's okay to express our feelings of sadness and despair to God, just like the psalmist does in Psalms 22:6, and that He is a God who hears and responds to our cries, as seen in Psalms 34:17-18 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like a worm, scorned and despised by others, and how did I respond to those feelings?
- How can I, like the psalmist, trust in God's deliverance even when I don't see it, and what scriptures can I turn to for encouragement, such as Psalms 27:1 or Isaiah 40:31?
- In what ways can I identify with the psalmist's feelings of rejection and isolation, and how can I use those feelings to deepen my relationship with God, as seen in Psalms 42:1-2?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of God and how He relates to those who are suffering, and how can I apply that to my own life, as seen in Hebrews 4:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:6
But I [am] a worm, and no man,.... Christ calls himself a worm, not because of his original, for he was not of the earth earthy, but was the Lord from heaven; nor because of his human nature, man
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:6
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. But I am a worm, and no man - (note Isaiah 52:14).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
Our fathers were honoured by thee and by others, because of thy appearance for their defence and deliverance; but I am treated like a worm, i.e. neglected and despised, both by thee, who dost not afford me help, and by the men of my age and nation, as it follows. For the phrase, see . Despised of the people; not only of the great men, but also of the common people; which doth not so truly agree to David (who, though he was hated and persecuted by Saul and his courtiers, was honoured and beloved by the body of the people) as to Christ: compare ,3.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
Psalms 22:6 But I [am] a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.Ver. 6. But I am a worm, and no man] David, saith a learned man, in the Arabic tongue signifieth a worm; to which he may here seem to allude. I am a worm, saith he; I am dust and ashes, saith Abraham; less than the least of thy lovingkindnesses, saith Jacob; Nos autem quid sumus? saith Moses. Thus the saints express themselves in a low language, as so many broken men. Contrarily the wicked speak big words, bubbles of words, as Peter hath it, ampullantur; as Pharaoh, who said, "Who is the Lord?" Nebuchadnezzar, "Who is that God that can deliver you?" Daniel 3:15; "Who is Lord over us?" &c., Psalms 12:4. Our Lord Christ, of whom the greatest part of this psalm must be understood, emptied and humbled himself to the utmost, Philippians 2:7-8, that we might be exalted; this Sun of righteousness went ten degrees back in the dial of his Father, that he might come unto us with health in his wings, &c. A reproach of men] Reiectamentum hominis, et nullificamen populi, as Tertullian phraseth it. So was Christ, Isaiah 53:1-12; so were his apostles, 1 Corinthians 4:13; we are made the sweepings of the world, the offscourings of all things, the very dung cart into which every man casteth his filth to be carried through the dung port. Why, then, should we think much to be slighted?
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
(6) Worm.—An indication of extreme degradation and helplessness. (Comp. Isaiah 41:14.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
Verse 6. But I am a worm, and no man] I can see no sense in which our Lord could use these terms. David might well use them to express his vileness and worthlessness. The old Psalter gives this a remarkable turn: I am a worme, that es, I am borne of the mayden with outen manseede; and nout man anely, bot god als so: and nevir the latter, I am reprove of men. In spitting, buffetyng, and punging with the thornes and outkasting of folk; for thai chesed Barraban the thefe, and nought me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:6
1–10. The pleading cry of the forsaken and persecuted servant of God.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:6
But I am a worm, and no man - In contrast with the fathers who trusted in thee. They prayed, and were heard; they confided in God, and were treated as men.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:6
6. But I am a worm, and no man—The contrast is with the “fathers.” They trusted and were helped, “but I, ah!
Sermons on Psalms 22:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
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Job #2: The Soul's Searching by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and his friends in the Bible. He suggests that the conversations between Job and his friends can be seen as an allegory or p |
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Righteousness Is a Gift - Godliness Is Not by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that while righteousness is a gift from God, godliness requires a personal commitment to brokenness and humility. He illustrates that true New Testament Ch |
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From Worm to Butterfly by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the transformative journey from being 'a worm' to becoming a butterfly, illustrating humanity's helplessness and the need for divine intervention. He expl |
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Example of Humility by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches about the humility of Christ, emphasizing how Jesus, despite having the power to come in pride and arrogance, chose to come in a lowly condition as prophes |
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A Very Little Worm by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true assurance in God is accompanied by profound humility, as demonstrated by biblical figures like David, Abraham, Jacob, Job, Moses, and Paul. Each |
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The Cross Predicted by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the significance of Christ's sufferings as highlighted in the Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing how Jesus' death on the cross was the most crucial asp |