Psalms 22:19

KJV

But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

KJV (with Strong's)

But be not thou far {H7368} from me, O LORD {H3068}: O my strength {H360}, haste {H2363} thee to help {H5833} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, ADONAI, don't stay far away! My strength, come quickly to help me!

Berean Standard Bible

But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

American Standard Version

But be not thou far off, O Jehovah: O thou my succor, haste thee to help me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:19 is a fervent and pivotal plea from a suffering individual to God, imploring His immediate and tangible presence and swift intervention. Following a detailed portrayal of intense physical and emotional torment, the psalmist's urgent cry for God not to remain distant but to act as his ultimate strength and deliverer underscores a profound, persistent reliance on divine help in the face of overwhelming adversity, isolation, and the very brink of death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22:19 serves as a critical turning point within a psalm that commences with the agonizing, prophetic cry, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - The Cry of Abandonment")" The preceding verses (Psalms 22:1-18) meticulously detail the psalmist's profound and multifaceted suffering. This includes public humiliation and scorn ("All they that see me laugh me to scorn," [Psalms 22:7](/psalms/22-7 "Psalm 22:7 - Public Scorn")), severe physical debilitation ("my strength is dried up like a potsherd," [Psalms 22:15](/psalms/22-15 "Psalm 22:15 - Physical Weakness")), and the relentless, predatory pursuit of enemies described metaphorically as "strong bulls of Bashan" and "dogs" ([Psalms 22:12-16](/psalms/22-12-16 "Psalm 22:12-16 - Surrounded by Enemies")). The psalmist vividly describes himself as "poured out like water" with "all my bones are out of joint" ([Psalms 22:14](/psalms/22-14 "Psalm 22:14 - Physical Distress")). Amidst this graphic depiction of utter desolation, impending death, and perceived divine abandonment, verse 19 marks a dramatic shift from lament and description of suffering to an urgent, direct supplication for God's active presence and immediate rescue, demonstrating an unwavering faith even in the depths of despair.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalms of lament, of which Psalm 22 is a profound example, were an integral part of ancient Israelite worship and personal piety. These prayers reflected a sophisticated theological understanding that God, while sovereign, was also intimately involved in the lives of His people. In a society where community standing and divine favor were paramount, suffering and isolation could be interpreted as signs of divine displeasure or abandonment, making the plea for God's manifest presence all the more critical for the psalmist's well-being, reputation, and survival. The concept of God being "far from" or "near to" was not merely a spatial descriptor but denoted His active engagement or perceived absence in one's circumstances. The psalmist's experience, while deeply personal, also resonates with the collective suffering of Israel and the righteous individual facing oppression, appealing to the God who had historically delivered His people from bondage and distress, and whose covenant faithfulness was the bedrock of their hope.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Proximity and Presence**, articulating a deep human longing for God's tangible closeness, especially when feeling isolated or overwhelmed. This echoes the promise of God's abiding presence with His people, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Unfailing Presence"). Secondly, the declaration "O my strength" underscores the theme of **God as the Ultimate Source of Strength and Deliverance**. Even in profound weakness, the psalmist acknowledges God's inherent power to uphold and empower, a theme recurrent in scriptures such as [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") and [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Strengthening Hand"). Thirdly, the imperative "haste thee to help me" conveys the **Urgency of Prayer and Divine Intervention**. It's a cry for swift, decisive action, born out of a critical situation where delay could mean further suffering or ruin, demonstrating the believer's right to boldly petition God for immediate aid, as encouraged in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **far (Hebrew, _râchaq'_):** This primitive root signifies "to widen (in any direction)," implying to recede, remove, or withdraw. In this context, it expresses the psalmist's desperate plea for God not to be spatially or relationally distant, but to draw near and actively engage in his suffering. It highlights the profound sense of isolation and perceived abandonment the psalmist is experiencing.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the tetragrammaton, God's sacred covenant name, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal, and personal character. By addressing God as Yᵉhôvâh, the psalmist appeals to God's unchanging faithfulness to His promises and His people, invoking the very essence of His being as the one who "is" and "will be" for them. It signifies a deep, personal relationship, even amidst feelings of abandonment.
* **strength (Hebrew, _ʼĕyâlûwth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be strong" or "to be mighty," _ʼĕyâlûwth_ here denotes God as the ultimate source of power, might, and resilience. It's not merely an attribute of God, but God Himself as the very embodiment of strength and protection for the weak and suffering. The psalmist identifies God as his sole and ultimate resource in a state of utter depletion.
* **haste (Hebrew, _chûwsh'_):** This verb is an imperative, meaning "hurry!", "make haste!", or "act quickly!" It conveys the extreme urgency and desperation of the psalmist's plea. It's not a polite request but an impassioned cry for immediate, decisive intervention, reflecting a situation where every moment counts and delay is unbearable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But be not thou far from me, O LORD":** This clause marks a crucial turning point from the lament of perceived abandonment to a direct, fervent appeal for God's presence. The "But" introduces a stark contrast to the preceding verses where the psalmist feels utterly forsaken and surrounded by enemies. The plea "be not thou far from me" expresses a profound longing for God's active and comforting proximity, not just a theological truth, but a felt reality in the midst of overwhelming suffering. It is a prayer for God to manifest His presence and intervention, countering the overwhelming sense of isolation.
* **"O my strength":** This is an address to God, identifying Him as the sole source of power and resilience for the psalmist. In a state of extreme physical and emotional exhaustion, where human strength has utterly failed, the psalmist declares God to be his ultimate and unfailing might. This declaration is both an act of profound faith—acknowledging God's inherent capacity to deliver—and a desperate cry for that divine power to be unleashed on his behalf. It reflects a complete and total dependence on God's inherent ability to sustain and deliver.
* **"haste thee to help me":** This is an urgent, imperative command, born out of a critical and immediate need. The psalmist is not merely requesting help, but imploring God to act swiftly and decisively. The verb "haste" underscores the dire nature of the situation, implying that any delay could lead to ruin or death. It is a bold and persistent appeal for God's timely and effective intervention, demonstrating profound trust in His willingness and ability to respond to His suffering servant.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:19 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the psalmist's desperate plea. **Apostrophe** is prominently evident as the psalmist directly addresses God ("O LORD," "O my strength"), creating a profound sense of intimacy and immediate communication in a moment of profound distress. The phrase "O my strength" functions as a potent **Metaphor**, portraying God not merely as a provider of strength, but as strength itself, the very essence of power and resilience for the psalmist in his state of utter weakness. The pervasive use of the **Imperative Mood** in "be not thou far" and "haste thee to help me" highlights the extreme urgency and raw desperation of the speaker's plea, transforming a request into a fervent command born of critical need. This creates a dramatic intensity, emphasizing the dire nature of the situation and the psalmist's complete and absolute reliance on immediate divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:19 powerfully articulates the believer's inherent right and desperate need to appeal to God in times of extreme distress, even when God's presence feels agonizingly distant. It underscores the profound theological truth of God's immanence – His active involvement in creation and the lives of His people – even as the human experience of suffering may suggest otherwise. The psalmist's raw cry is a testament to persistent faith, demonstrating that true reliance on God means bringing our deepest, most desperate needs before Him, trusting in His covenant faithfulness and His identity as our ultimate strength. This verse serves as a timeless model for prayer that moves beyond polite requests to passionate, urgent supplication, reminding us that God is not intimidated by our desperation but invites us to cast all our anxieties upon Him, knowing He cares for us. It also highlights the paradox of faith: acknowledging profound personal weakness while simultaneously declaring God as one's all-sufficient strength.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In the darkest valleys of life, when circumstances overwhelm and God feels distant, Psalms 22:19 offers a profound spiritual anchor and a powerful template for prayer. It validates the authentic human experience of feeling forsaken and empowers us to voice our deepest anxieties and most desperate needs directly to the Lord. This verse teaches us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's power and to actively declare Him as our personal "strength" in moments of profound weakness, exhaustion, and despair. It encourages a bold, unreserved, and urgent approach to prayer, reminding us that God invites us to "haste" Him with our needs, trusting in His immediate attention and His sovereign ability to intervene. When we are physically or emotionally depleted, facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, or feeling isolated and abandoned, this verse provides the very language to cry out for His palpable presence and swift deliverance, transforming our desperation into an act of profound faith and complete dependence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt God to be "far from you," and how did you respond to that feeling?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently need God to be your ultimate "strength" and source of resilience?**
* **What urgent need in your life are you hesitant to bring before God with a bold and persistent plea to "haste thee to help me"?**
* **How does the psalmist's raw honesty and urgent appeal in prayer encourage or challenge your own prayer life?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist ask God not to be far, if God is omnipresent?**

Answer: While God is indeed omnipresent and universally present in all places, the psalmist's plea "be not thou far from me" is not a theological statement about God's spatial location but an experiential and relational one. It reflects the psalmist's *feeling* of God's absence, silence, or inactivity in his profound suffering. In moments of extreme distress, when divine intervention seems delayed or withheld, a person can feel abandoned, even if intellectually knowing God is everywhere. This cry is a desperate longing for God's active, manifest presence and intervention in his immediate circumstances, a desire for God to draw near in a way that brings comfort, strength, and deliverance. It's a prayer for God to make His presence felt and His power known, transforming a sense of isolation into one of intimate divine care and rescue, much like Jesus' own cry on the cross in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, particularly during His crucifixion. As the Messianic Psalm, Psalm 22 vividly prefigures the agony of the cross, where Jesus, bearing the sins of the world, experienced the ultimate depth of human suffering and perceived divine forsakenness. His agonizing cry, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" (quoted in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction") and [Mark 15:34](/mark/15-34 "Mark 15:34 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")), directly echoes the opening of this psalm. Yet, even in that moment of unparalleled suffering and perceived abandonment, Jesus' continued address to God as "My God" reveals an underlying, unwavering trust in the Father's ultimate faithfulness, even as His human nature cried out in anguish. Just as the psalmist appealed to God as "my strength" and pleaded for swift help, Jesus, though seemingly abandoned by God for the sake of humanity's sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), remained utterly dependent on the Father's will and power. He knew that His ultimate deliverance would come through resurrection, securing eternal help for all who call upon Him. This verse thus points to Christ as the one who fully entered into the human experience of suffering and felt the crushing weight of God's distance due to sin, yet clung to the Father as His strength, ultimately fulfilling the plea for divine intervention through His victorious resurrection ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Resurrection and Intercession")), securing salvation and help for all believers ([Hebrews 5:7-9](/hebrews/5-7-9 "Hebrews 5:7-9 - Jesus' Obedience and Suffering")).

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

Psalms 22:11

¶ Be not far from me; for trouble [is] near; for [there is] none to help.

Psalms 10:1

¶ Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] hidest thou [thyself] in times of trouble?

Psalms 21:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

Psalms 40:13

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

Psalms 40:17

But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psalms 70:5

But I [am] poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

Psalms 18:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.