Psalms 22:16

KJV

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

KJV (with Strong's)

For dogs {H3611} have compassed {H5437} me: the assembly {H5712} of the wicked {H7489} have inclosed {H5362} me: they pierced {H3738}{H738} my hands {H3027} and my feet {H7272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Dogs are all around me, a pack of villains closes in on me like a lion [at] my hands and feet.

Berean Standard Bible

For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.

American Standard Version

For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:16 is a profoundly evocative and prophetically significant verse, depicting the psalmist's intense suffering and humiliation at the hands of vicious adversaries. The imagery of being surrounded by "dogs" and "the assembly of the wicked" culminates in the stark declaration, "they pierced my hands and my feet," a detail that has long been understood as a direct foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, centuries before its historical occurrence. This verse encapsulates themes of extreme persecution, physical torment, and divine abandonment, yet it stands as a pivotal point in the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament, pointing to the precise nature of the Messiah's redemptive suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 22 is a deeply moving lament psalm, traditionally attributed to David, which transitions dramatically from profound anguish to triumphant praise. It opens with the iconic cry of dereliction, [My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - The Cry of Dereliction"), a sentiment later echoed by Jesus on the cross. The psalm meticulously details the psalmist's physical and emotional torment, his isolation, and the relentless mockery of his enemies. Verse 16 falls within the central section of the psalm (verses 12-18), which vividly describes the psalmist's enemies as animalistic and cruel, closing in on him like a pack of predators. This section emphasizes the psalmist's extreme vulnerability and the severity of his plight, setting the stage for the specific depiction of physical agony that follows. The subsequent verses then shift towards a plea for deliverance and a declaration of ultimate trust and praise, demonstrating the psalmist's unwavering faith despite his dire circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While attributed to David, the specific imagery in Psalms 22:16, particularly "they pierced my hands and my feet," points beyond typical ancient Near Eastern warfare or methods of execution known in David's time. "Dogs" in ancient Israelite culture were often scavengers, considered unclean and contemptible, symbolizing vicious, predatory, and unholy enemies (cf. [1 Kings 14:11](/1_kings/14-11 "1 Kings 14:11 - Dogs as Scavengers") or [2 Kings 9:36](/2_kings/9-36 "2 Kings 9:36 - Jezebel's Fate")). The concept of an "assembly of the wicked" suggests a formal, yet malevolent, gathering against the righteous. The detailed description of hands and feet being pierced, however, does not align with common Israelite punishments like stoning or hanging. Instead, it remarkably prefigures crucifixion, a brutal method of execution primarily developed and perfected by the Persians and later widely used by the Romans, centuries after David. This historical gap underscores the prophetic nature of the verse, suggesting a divine foresight that transcends the immediate historical context of the psalmist.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 22:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **suffering of the righteous**, a recurring motif where an innocent individual endures immense pain and injustice, often at the hands of the wicked. This theme is central to the wisdom literature and prophetic books, emphasizing that suffering is not always a sign of divine displeasure but can be part of God's redemptive plan. Secondly, the verse highlights **intense persecution and hostility**, depicting enemies who are not merely adversaries but are dehumanized and vicious in their intent, mirroring the spiritual warfare faced by God's chosen ones. Finally, and most profoundly, this verse is a cornerstone of **Messianic prophecy**. Its precise details, particularly the piercing of hands and feet, are widely understood as a direct and specific foretelling of the crucifixion of the Messiah, linking the psalmist's lament to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This prophetic element underscores God's meticulous plan for salvation, revealed progressively throughout history, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") which further details the Messiah's atoning work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dogs (כְּלָבִים, _k'lavim'_):** In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were generally not domesticated pets but rather wild, scavenging animals, often associated with impurity, viciousness, and contempt. They were seen as a symbol of the lowest, most despicable, and aggressive enemies. The plural "dogs" here suggests a pack, emphasizing the overwhelming, dehumanizing, and relentless nature of the psalmist's adversaries, who are depicted as feral and merciless in their pursuit.
* **Compassed/Inclosed (סָבְבוּ, _sav'vu'_ / הִקִּיפוּ, _hikifu'_):** These two Hebrew verbs are used in parallel, intensifying the sense of being surrounded, trapped, and utterly overwhelmed by enemies. _Sav'vu_ (compassed) implies circling or surrounding, while _hikifu_ (inclosed) suggests a complete encirclement, leaving no escape. This imagery conveys the psalmist's profound sense of helplessness and isolation, as he is hemmed in by a hostile force from which there appears to be no deliverance.
* **Pierced (כָּרוּ, _karu'_):** This is the most debated and significant word in the verse. The Masoretic Text (MT) reads _karu_ (כָּרוּ), which can mean "dug," "cut," or "pierced." The Septuagint (LXX), the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, renders it as ὤρυξαν (_ōryxan_), meaning "dug through" or "pierced." There is a slight textual variant in some Hebrew manuscripts, כָּאֲרִי (_ka'ari_), meaning "like a lion," which would suggest "they mauled my hands and my feet like a lion." However, the overwhelming weight of textual evidence, especially supported by the LXX and the consistent Messianic interpretation throughout history, favors _karu_ meaning "pierced." This rendering directly and remarkably foreshadows the method of crucifixion, where nails would pierce the hands and feet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For dogs have compassed me:"** This clause immediately establishes the nature of the psalmist's enemies. They are not merely human adversaries but are likened to a pack of wild, vicious dogs, emphasizing their relentless, predatory, and dehumanizing aggression. The verb "compassed" (סָבְבוּ, _sav'vu_) indicates that they have surrounded him, creating a sense of being cornered and overwhelmed.
* **"the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me:"** This phrase parallels the first, reinforcing the idea of total encirclement and hostile intent. "The assembly of the wicked" suggests an organized, collective, and malevolent force, perhaps even a formal gathering or mob, united in their opposition to the psalmist. The verb "inclosed" (הִקִּיפוּ, _hikifu_) intensifies the imagery of being completely hemmed in, highlighting the psalmist's utter lack of escape or defense against such a formidable and malicious group.
* **"they pierced my hands and my feet."** This is the climactic and most striking detail of the verse. It describes a specific, brutal act of physical violence directed at the psalmist's extremities. The verb "pierced" (כָּרוּ, _karu_) denotes a violent penetration or digging through. This precise detail, concerning the hands and feet, is highly unusual for descriptions of suffering or execution in the Old Testament period and stands out as a unique and powerful prefigurement of the crucifixion, a method of execution involving the nailing of a victim's hands and feet to a cross. This phrase captures the extreme physical agony and vulnerability of the psalmist, pointing forward to the ultimate suffering of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of intense suffering and prophetic significance. **Metaphor** is prominently used in the opening clause, where the psalmist's enemies are depicted as "dogs." This vivid comparison immediately conjures images of vicious, unclean, and predatory animals, effectively dehumanizing the adversaries and highlighting their cruel and relentless nature. The phrase "assembly of the wicked" serves as a form of **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, reinforcing the idea of a collective, hostile force that has surrounded the psalmist, intensifying the sense of being trapped. The entire verse is a powerful example of **Imagery**, painting a stark and visceral picture of the psalmist's physical and emotional torment, from the encircling "dogs" to the ultimate act of "piercing." Most significantly, the verse functions as **Prophecy**, specifically **Typology**, where the psalmist's suffering serves as a type or foreshadowing of the greater suffering of the Messiah. The precise detail of "pierced my hands and my feet" is a remarkable example of specific, predictive prophecy, transcending the immediate historical context of the psalmist to foretell the unique method of Christ's crucifixion centuries later.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:16 stands as a profound theological statement, bridging the Old Testament's anticipation of a suffering Messiah with the New Testament's fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The verse underscores the depth of human depravity and hostility towards the righteous, but more importantly, it reveals God's meticulous sovereign plan for redemption. The detailed description of suffering, particularly the piercing of hands and feet, points to the unique and excruciating nature of the atonement. It signifies that salvation was not achieved lightly but through immense physical and spiritual anguish, demonstrating the infinite cost of sin and the immeasurable love of God. This verse reminds us that even in the darkest moments of perceived abandonment and extreme suffering, God's purposes are being fulfilled, culminating in the ultimate victory of the cross.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")
* [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - They Will Look on Him Whom They Have Pierced")
* [John 19:37](/john/19-37 "John 19:37 - Another Scripture Says, 'They Will Look on Him Whom They Have Pierced'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:16 invites believers into a deeper contemplation of the profound suffering endured by Christ on our behalf. Understanding that this specific agony was prophesied centuries in advance should fill us with awe at God's meticulous plan and His unwavering commitment to our redemption. It reminds us that our salvation was purchased at an unimaginable cost, calling us to a life of profound gratitude and devotion. When we face our own moments of persecution, isolation, or physical pain, this verse offers solace, knowing that our Savior has experienced the depths of human suffering, including the feeling of being utterly forsaken and physically tormented. His victory over death, achieved through this very suffering, provides us with unwavering hope and the assurance that our trials, too, can be redemptive when viewed through the lens of His sacrifice. This verse challenges us to embrace the reality of suffering as a part of the Christian walk, trusting that God is sovereign even in the midst of our deepest pain, and that His ultimate purpose is always good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific imagery of "dogs" and "pierced hands and feet" deepen your understanding of Christ's suffering?**
* **In what ways does the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty and His redemptive plan?**
* **How might remembering Christ's agony, as described here, help you endure your own moments of pain or feeling "inclosed" by adversity?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the textual variant "like a lion" versus "pierced" in Psalms 22:16?**

Answer: The textual variant between the Hebrew word כָּרוּ (_karu_), meaning "pierced" or "dug," and כָּאֲרִי (_ka'ari_), meaning "like a lion," is one of the most discussed in the Old Testament. While a few Hebrew manuscripts and some rabbinic interpretations read "like a lion" (suggesting "they mauled my hands and my feet like a lion"), the overwhelming majority of Hebrew manuscripts (the Masoretic Text) and ancient translations, most notably the Septuagint (LXX), support the reading of _karu_ as "pierced" (ὤρυξαν, _ōryxan_). The theological and prophetic significance of this verse is profoundly tied to the "pierced" reading, as it directly and uniquely foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a method of execution unknown in David's time but involving the piercing of hands and feet. The New Testament's explicit accounts of Jesus' crucifixion, where His hands and feet were indeed pierced (e.g., [John 20:25](/john/20-25 "John 20:25 - Thomas's Doubt and the Nail Marks")), strongly affirm the "pierced" translation as the correct and divinely intended Messianic prophecy. The "like a lion" reading, while grammatically possible, does not align with the historical fulfillment in Christ's passion and lacks the same textual support from the most reliable ancient versions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's cry of being "compassed" by "dogs" and "inclosed" by "the assembly of the wicked" vividly prefigures the hostile crowds, the mocking religious leaders, and the brutal Roman soldiers who surrounded Jesus at Calvary (e.g., [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mocking of Jesus")). Most strikingly, the declaration "they pierced my hands and my feet" is a direct and astonishingly precise prophecy of crucifixion, a method of execution unknown to the Israelites in David's era. Centuries later, Jesus of Nazareth would indeed have His hands and feet pierced by nails as He was affixed to the cross (e.g., [John 19:18](/john/19-18 "John 19:18 - The Crucifixion")). This fulfillment underscores the divine foreknowledge embedded within Scripture, demonstrating that Christ's suffering was not a random act but the meticulously planned culmination of God's redemptive purpose from eternity past. The piercing of His hands and feet was not merely physical torment; it was the means by which He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, shedding His blood as the ultimate atoning sacrifice, as foretold by the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Thus, Psalms 22:16 stands as a powerful testament to Jesus as the promised Messiah, whose suffering was both historically actualized and prophetically declared, securing eternal salvation for all who believe (e.g., [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")).

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

John 19:37

And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

Matthew 27:35

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Zechariah 12:10

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

John 20:25

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

John 19:23

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also [his] coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

Mark 15:24

And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

John 19:34

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.