Psalms 22:12

KJV

Many bulls have compassed me: strong [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round.

KJV (with Strong's)

Many {H7227} bulls {H6499} have compassed {H5437} me: strong {H47} bulls of Bashan {H1316} have beset me round {H3803}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Many bulls surround me, wild bulls of Bashan close in on me.

Berean Standard Bible

Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

American Standard Version

Many bulls have compassed me; Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:12 profoundly articulates the psalmist's overwhelming sense of being completely surrounded and assailed by powerful, aggressive adversaries. Through the vivid and culturally resonant imagery of "many bulls" and "strong bulls of Bashan," the verse conveys an intense feeling of being trapped, threatened, and utterly besieged by formidable, relentless forces. This powerful depiction of distress sets the stage for a psalm that remarkably transitions from deep lament and a cry of dereliction to ultimate trust, praise, and a prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah's suffering and vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22:12 is strategically positioned within a psalm that commences with the agonizing, prophetic cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" This opening, found in [Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - The Cry of Dereliction"), immediately establishes a tone of profound suffering and abandonment. Preceding verse 12, the psalmist has already described his physical and emotional vulnerability, emphasizing his isolation and the relentless nature of his tormentors, likening himself to a worm, despised by men ([Psalm 22:6](/psalms/22-6 "Psalm 22:6 - Despised and Scorned")). The imagery of being "compassed" and "beset round" in verse 12 intensifies the feeling of a complete lack of escape, escalating the sense of imminent danger before the psalm delves into more graphic descriptions of suffering, such as the drying up of strength, the piercing of hands and feet ([Psalm 22:16](/psalms/22-16 "Psalm 22:16 - Piercing of Hands and Feet")), and the division of garments ([Psalm 22:18](/psalms/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Division of Garments")). This verse thus serves as a crucial bridge, amplifying the severity of the psalmist's predicament before the narrative arc shifts towards a confident declaration of God's faithfulness and ultimate victory, beginning around [Psalm 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalm 22:22 - Praise in the Great Congregation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The powerful imagery of "bulls of Bashan" would have resonated deeply with an ancient Israelite audience. Bashan, a fertile and well-watered region located east of the Jordan River (modern-day Syria), was renowned for its rich pastures and, consequently, for producing exceptionally large, robust, and strong cattle. These animals, while a sign of wealth and prosperity, were also known for their wildness, immense power, and potential for danger when agitated or in a stampede. Therefore, "bulls of Bashan" served as a potent metaphor for enemies who were not only numerous and physically strong but also arrogant, unyielding, and perhaps even brutish in their aggression. This cultural understanding amplifies the psalmist's feeling of being confronted by an overwhelming, untamed, and merciless opposition, drawing on a common pastoral and agricultural experience to convey deep personal distress and the formidable nature of his foes. The strength of these animals was a common biblical trope for powerful entities, as seen in references to the "oaks of Bashan" ([Isaiah 2:13](/isaiah/2-13 "Isaiah 2:13 - The Day of the Lord Against the Proud")) or the "kine of Bashan" ([Amos 4:1](/amos/4-1 "Amos 4:1 - The Cows of Bashan")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 22 and the broader Psalter. The most prominent theme is **Overwhelming Opposition**, where the psalmist feels completely surrounded, outnumbered, and utterly helpless against formidable foes. This is a pervasive experience for those who trust in God in a hostile world, highlighting the reality of spiritual and physical adversaries. It also underscores the **Brutality and Power of Adversaries**, depicted as strong, aggressive "bulls" who show no mercy and are bent on destruction. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the theme of the **Suffering of the Righteous**, as the psalmist, presumably a faithful servant, endures intense affliction without apparent cause, mirroring the experiences of many biblical figures, such as Job. For the Christian reader, this verse is profoundly interwoven with the theme of **Messianic Prophecy**, as the psalmist's intense suffering is understood as a profound and detailed foreshadowing of the immense pressure, mockery, and physical torment endured by Jesus Christ during His passion, surrounded by hostile crowds, religious leaders, and soldiers, as vividly recounted in the [Gospel narratives](/mark/15 "Mark 15 - The Crucifixion of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bulls (Hebrew, _par'_):** While the KJV translates `par` as "bulls," the primary meaning from H6499 is "a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof); ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox." This word emphasizes the raw, untamed power and aggressive nature of the animals. In the context of the verse, it signifies adversaries that are not merely numerous but possess immense, uncontrolled strength, akin to wild, charging cattle.
* **strong (Hebrew, _ʼabbîyr'_):** The word `ʼabbîyr` (H47) means "mighty (spoken of God); angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant." When applied to the "bulls of Bashan," it intensifies their formidable nature. It suggests that these adversaries are not just physically powerful but also perhaps arrogant, unyielding, and possess a certain "might" or "chiefest" quality, making them particularly dangerous and overwhelming.
* **beset me round (Hebrew, _kâthar'_):** From H3803, `kâthar` is a primitive root meaning "to enclose; hence (in a friendly sense) to crown, (in a hostile one) to besiege; also to wait (as restraining oneself); beset round, compass about, be crowned inclose round, suffer." The use of `kâthar` here, especially with the addition of "round," powerfully conveys the hostile sense of being under siege, completely encircled, and without any avenue of escape. This verb emphasizes the relentless and suffocating nature of the adversaries' attack, leaving the psalmist feeling utterly trapped.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Many bulls have compassed me":** This opening clause immediately establishes the overwhelming nature of the psalmist's opposition. The term "many bulls" represents a multitude of powerful and aggressive adversaries, whose collective strength and wild, untamed nature are likened to a herd of formidable cattle. The verb "compassed" (Hebrew: `çâbab`) indicates a complete encirclement, suggesting that the psalmist feels trapped and without escape, surrounded on all sides by these formidable foes, with no quarter given.
* **"strong [bulls] of Bashan":** This phrase intensifies the imagery, specifying the quality and origin of these "bulls." By calling them "strong bulls of Bashan," the psalmist emphasizes their exceptional power, ferocity, and perhaps their well-fed, arrogant, and unyielding nature. Bashan's reputation for large, robust cattle reinforces the idea that these enemies are not merely numerous but also exceptionally formidable, embodying untamed strength and relentless aggression. The bracketed "bulls" in the KJV signifies that the noun is implied from the previous clause, but the Hebrew `ʾabbîrîm` stands alone, reinforcing the idea of "mighty ones" or "champions" from Bashan.
* **"have beset me round":** This final clause reiterates and strengthens the sense of complete encirclement and siege. The verb "beset" (Hebrew: `kâthar`) means to crown, surround, or besiege. Combined with the adverb "round," it paints a vivid picture of the psalmist being entirely hemmed in, with no possibility of retreat or relief. This repetition underscores the psalmist's profound sense of vulnerability, isolation, and the relentless, inescapable nature of the opposition, highlighting the suffocating pressure he endures.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:12 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The primary **Metaphor** is the comparison of the psalmist's enemies to "bulls" and specifically "bulls of Bashan." These animals **Symbolize** raw, untamed power, aggression, and a brutish, overwhelming force. The choice of "bulls of Bashan" adds a layer of specific **Symbolism**, representing enemies who are not only strong but also well-resourced, arrogant, and perhaps even cruel in their indifference and relentless pursuit. The repetition of verbs of encirclement ("compassed," "beset round") creates a sense of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the threat, while also employing **Parallelism** to reinforce the central idea of being completely surrounded. This vivid animal imagery effectively conveys the psalmist's intense distress and the formidable nature of his adversaries, making the abstract concept of opposition tangible and terrifyingly real.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, with its depiction of overwhelming opposition, resonates deeply with the biblical theme of the suffering of the righteous and the reality of spiritual warfare. It underscores that even those deeply devoted to God can face immense and seemingly insurmountable challenges, often from powerful, relentless forces. The psalmist's lament acknowledges the raw, visceral experience of feeling trapped and threatened, yet within the broader psalm, this lament ultimately gives way to an expression of trust in God's deliverance. Theologically, it reminds us that God is intimately acquainted with suffering and opposition, as demonstrated supremely in the person of Christ. It also highlights the nature of evil, which often manifests as a powerful, aggressive, and encircling force seeking to destroy faith and hope, requiring divine intervention for true liberation.

* [Psalm 3:1](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1 - David's Cry About Many Enemies")
* [Psalm 118:10-12](/psalms/118-10-12 "Psalm 118:10-12 - Surrounded by Enemies, Trusting in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant Led Like a Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:12 offers profound solace and understanding for anyone who has felt utterly overwhelmed by life's challenges. The "bulls of Bashan" can manifest in our lives in myriad forms: relentless criticism, systemic injustice, severe illness, financial ruin, spiritual attacks, or even the crushing weight of depression and anxiety that feels like an inescapable siege. This verse validates the raw, gut-wrenching feeling of being surrounded, outnumbered, and helpless, reminding us that our struggles are not foreign to the human experience, nor to the experience of the Messiah. It encourages us to articulate our distress honestly and passionately before God, just as the psalmist did, trusting that even when circumstances seem dire and escape impossible, God sees, hears, and ultimately delivers. It calls us to find solidarity with the psalmist and, ultimately, with Christ, knowing that our suffering, however intense, is understood and can be redeemed through His own victorious endurance. This verse is a powerful reminder that even in our deepest valleys, we are not alone in our experience of being "beset round."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "bulls of Bashan" are currently surrounding you or pressing in on your life, making you feel trapped or overwhelmed?**
* **How does the psalmist's raw expression of feeling "compassed" and "beset round" resonate with your own experiences of being overwhelmed or under siege?**
* **In what ways can acknowledging the intensity of opposition, as this verse does, be a first step toward finding strength, seeking help, or crying out to God?**
* **How does the knowledge that Jesus experienced similar overwhelming opposition (as prophetically foreshadowed here) bring you comfort or courage in your own struggles?**

### FAQ

**Are the "bulls" in Psalms 22:12 literal animals?**

Answer: No, the "bulls" in Psalms 22:12 are not literal animals. In biblical poetry, especially in the Psalms, animal imagery is frequently used metaphorically to describe human enemies or powerful, aggressive forces. Here, "bulls" and "strong bulls of Bashan" are potent metaphors for the psalmist's adversaries, emphasizing their strength, aggression, and relentless nature. The Hebrew word `ʾabbîrîm`, which is translated as "strong" but can also mean "mighty ones" or "champions," further supports this interpretation, indicating formidable and powerful opponents rather than actual cattle.

**Who are the "bulls of Bashan" prophetically, especially in a Christ-centered interpretation?**

Answer: Prophetically, and particularly in a Christ-centered interpretation, the "bulls of Bashan" symbolize the powerful, aggressive, and unyielding forces that conspired against and tormented Jesus during His passion. This could include the Jewish religious leaders (e.g., the Sanhedrin, as seen in [Matthew 26:57-68](/matthew/26-57-68 "Matthew 26:57-68 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")), the Roman authorities (e.g., Pilate and the soldiers, as in [John 19:1-16](/john/19-1-16 "John 19:1-16 - Jesus Before Pilate")), and the hostile crowds who demanded His crucifixion (as described in [Luke 23:21-23](/luke/23-21-23 "Luke 23:21-23 - The Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")). These were indeed "mighty ones" (ʾabbîrîm) who collectively surrounded and "beset" Him with their accusations, mockery, and violence, seeking His destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:12 finds its most profound and poignant fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's cry of being "compassed" and "beset round" by "strong bulls of Bashan" vividly prefigures the overwhelming opposition and torment Jesus endured during His passion. From the moment of His arrest, Jesus was literally surrounded by hostile forces: the temple guard, the Roman soldiers, the religious leaders, and eventually, the jeering crowds. In Gethsemane, He faced the crushing spiritual weight of sin, feeling "exceeding sorrowful, even unto death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")), an internal "besetting" that paralleled the external. During His trials, He was encircled by accusers, mocked by soldiers ([Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus")), and condemned by a mob ([Luke 23:21](/luke/23-21 "Luke 23:21 - The Crowd Demands Crucifixion")). On the cross, He was literally positioned between two criminals, with hostile onlookers, religious leaders, and soldiers surrounding Him, hurling insults and challenging His divine authority ([Luke 23:35-39](/luke/23-35-39 "Luke 23:35-39 - Mockery at the Cross")). The "bulls of Bashan" were the powerful, unyielding forces of human sin, religious hypocrisy, and political power that converged upon the Lamb of God, seeking to crush Him. Yet, in His suffering, Jesus perfectly embodied the psalmist's lament, ultimately triumphing over these "mighty ones" through His death and glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), thereby offering hope and deliverance to all who feel similarly besieged.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 4:1

¶ Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that [are] in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

Amos 4:3

And ye shall go out at the breaches, every [cow at that which is] before her; and ye shall cast [them] into the palace, saith the LORD.

Psalms 68:30

Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, [till every one] submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people [that] delight in war.

Acts 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Matthew 27:1

¶ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

Ezekiel 39:18

Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.

Deuteronomy 32:14

Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.