Psalms 22:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Deliver {H5337} my soul {H5315} from the sword {H2719}; my darling {H3173} from the power {H3027} of the dog {H3611}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rescue me from the sword, Or: "They pierced my hands and feet." See Introduction, Section VIII, paragraph 6, and Section XIV, footnote 70. my life from the power of the dogs.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:20 is a fervent plea for divine rescue from imminent, violent death and the relentless, contemptible aggression of enemies. Situated within a psalm renowned for its prophetic foresight of Christ's suffering and ultimate triumph, this verse encapsulates the psalmist's profound vulnerability and the desperate cry for the preservation of his precious life from overwhelming hostile forces. It is a raw expression of trust that only God possesses the power to deliver from such dire circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22:20 appears within the larger framework of Psalm 22, one of the most significant messianic psalms in the Old Testament. The psalm begins with an agonizing cry of perceived divine abandonment, famously echoed by Jesus on the cross: [My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - The Cry of Abandonment") The preceding verses detail the psalmist's intense physical and emotional torment, mockery, and the feeling of being surrounded by relentless adversaries, described vividly as "strong bulls of Bashan" and "roaring lions" ([Psalm 22:12-13](/psalms/22-12 "Psalm 22:12-13 - Enemies as Strong Bulls and Roaring Lions")). The psalmist's bones are out of joint, his heart like wax, his strength dried up, and his tongue cleaves to his jaws, leading him to the dust of death ([Psalm 22:14-15](/psalms/22-14 "Psalm 22:14-15 - Physical Suffering of the Psalmist")). Verse 20, therefore, is a desperate, immediate prayer for deliverance from this overwhelming threat before the psalm dramatically shifts to a tone of praise and confident expectation of God's universal reign, beginning in [Psalm 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalm 22:22 - The Shift to Praise").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While traditionally attributed to David, Psalm 22 speaks with a depth of suffering that resonates beyond any single historical event, pointing prophetically to the Messiah. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the "sword" was the primary instrument of violent death in warfare or execution, representing an immediate and mortal threat. The imagery of "dogs" was highly derogatory, signifying scavengers, wild animals, or those considered unclean and contemptible. Unlike domesticated pets, these were wild, predatory packs, often associated with impurity and viciousness. To be likened to a "dog" was a profound insult, underscoring the psalmist's perception of his adversaries as uncivilized, cruel, and without mercy. The term "my darling" (Hebrew: _yachid_) carries significant weight, often referring to an "only one" or something singularly precious, like an only child (e.g., [Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "Genesis 22:2 - Isaac, Abraham's Only Son")). This emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable value of the life being threatened, making the plea for its preservation all the more poignant.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in Psalm 22 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **desperate prayer and lament**, showcasing a believer's raw honesty and fervent plea to God in the face of overwhelming danger. Secondly, it underscores the **preciousness of human life** in God's eyes, particularly the life of His anointed or His child, emphasized by the term "my darling." Thirdly, the portrayal of enemies as "dogs" reinforces the theme of **vicious opposition and persecution** that the righteous often face, whether from human adversaries or spiritual forces. Finally, despite the intense suffering and the vivid depiction of threats, the very act of prayer in [Psalm 22:20](/psalms/22-20 "Psalm 22:20 - A Plea for Deliverance") implies an underlying theme of **faith in divine intervention** and God's ultimate power to deliver, which is fully realized in the psalm's triumphant conclusion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh_):** In this context, _nephesh_ refers not merely to the spiritual essence but to the entire being, the very life of the individual. It encompasses the vitality, the personhood, and the existence itself. Thus, "deliver my soul" is a plea for the preservation of life, for salvation from death, and for the restoration of the whole person.
* **Darling (Hebrew, _yachid'_):** This word signifies "only one," "unique," or "precious." It conveys a sense of singularity and irreplaceable value. When the psalmist refers to his life as "my darling," he emphasizes its profound preciousness and the immense loss that its destruction would entail. It elevates the plea from mere self-preservation to the protection of something uniquely cherished.
* **Dog (Hebrew, _kelev_):** In ancient Israelite culture, dogs were generally viewed as scavengers, unclean animals, or wild predators, not as beloved companions. The imagery of "the power of the dog" evokes a sense of viciousness, contemptibility, and relentless pursuit by a pack of wild, unrestrained enemies who seek to tear apart and devour. It dehumanizes the adversaries, portraying them as base and cruel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Deliver my soul from the sword":** This is a direct and urgent petition for rescue from violent, mortal danger. The "sword" is a potent symbol of immediate, physical death, often inflicted by human hands. The psalmist's "soul" (his very life) is at stake, making the plea one of ultimate desperation for preservation from annihilation.
* **"my darling from the power of the dog":** This parallel clause reiterates the plea for deliverance, but with added layers of meaning and imagery. "My darling" highlights the preciousness and unique value of the life being threatened. "The power of the dog" vividly portrays the enemies as vicious, relentless, and contemptible, operating with a predatory strength that seeks to overwhelm and destroy. The combined imagery emphasizes the psalmist's extreme vulnerability and the base, cruel nature of his adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Parallelism** is prominent, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("my darling from the power of the dog") largely repeats and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Deliver my soul from the sword"). This repetition underscores the psalmist's desperate plea and reinforces the dual nature of the threat: direct violence and relentless, predatory aggression. **Metaphor** is also central, with "the sword" serving as a metaphor for violent death and "the dog" (or "the power of the dog") as a potent metaphor for the psalmist's vicious, contemptible, and relentless enemies. This **Imagery** is vivid and visceral, evoking a sense of profound danger and the psalmist's feeling of being hunted and overwhelmed. The use of "my darling" introduces a layer of **pathos**, appealing to divine compassion by emphasizing the unique and precious nature of the life at risk.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:20 stands as a profound testament to the human experience of extreme vulnerability and the desperate, yet hopeful, cry for divine intervention. Theologically, it affirms God as the ultimate Deliverer, capable of rescuing His people from the most dire threats to their existence. It underscores the biblical truth that human life, especially the life of the righteous, is precious in God's sight, prompting His attentive ear to their cries. The imagery of the "sword" and "dog" also speaks to the reality of spiritual warfare and the relentless opposition faced by those who seek to follow God. This verse serves as a model for believers to bring their rawest fears and most urgent needs before God, trusting in His sovereign power to save, even when surrounded by overwhelming forces of destruction.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Deliverance from Many Afflictions")
* [Psalm 59:6](/psalms/59-6 "Psalm 59:6 - Enemies as Dogs Roaming the City")
* [Psalm 116:4](/psalms/116-4 "Psalm 116:4 - Plea for Deliverance from Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our own lives, we may not face literal swords or packs of wild dogs, but we often encounter circumstances that feel just as threatening and overwhelming. These can be spiritual attacks, relentless opposition from those who oppose our faith, or even the crushing weight of despair and anxiety that threatens to consume our "soul" or our "darling" precious hope. Psalms 22:20 provides a powerful template for prayer in such moments. It encourages us to be utterly honest with God about our vulnerability and the perceived viciousness of our adversaries. It reminds us that our lives, our faith, and even our most cherished dreams are precious to God, and He hears our cries for deliverance. Just as the psalmist, and ultimately Christ, endured immense suffering and yet found ultimate triumph, we too can cling to the hope that God's saving power is greater than any "sword" or "dog" that threatens our existence or faith. This verse calls us to trust that even in our darkest moments, God is attentive to our plight and capable of bringing about miraculous rescue.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "swords" or "dogs" (threats, adversaries, or internal struggles) are currently threatening your "soul" or "darling" aspects of your life?**
* **How does the psalmist's raw honesty in prayer encourage you to approach God with your own deepest fears and vulnerabilities?**
* **In what ways does this verse remind you of the preciousness of your life, or the lives of those you love, in God's eyes?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's delivering power, even when circumstances seem overwhelming and hostile?**

### FAQ
**What does the imagery of "the sword" and "the dog" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The "sword" is a direct and potent symbol of violent death, representing an immediate and mortal threat to the psalmist's life. It speaks of physical danger and the threat of annihilation. The "dog," particularly in the ancient Near Eastern context, refers not to a domesticated pet but to wild, predatory scavengers or packs of vicious animals. This imagery signifies enemies who are contemptible, unclean, relentless, and intent on tearing apart or devouring. Together, they represent the overwhelming and brutal nature of the threats the psalmist faces, whether from human adversaries or spiritual forces of evil.

**What is the significance of the term "my darling" (yachid)?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _yachid_ (יָחִיד) means "only one," "unique," or "precious." Its use here emphasizes the singular and irreplaceable value of the life that is being threatened. It conveys a sense of profound attachment and preciousness, akin to an only child (as seen in [Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "Genesis 22:2 - Abraham's Only Son, Isaac")). When the psalmist calls his life "my darling," he is highlighting its profound worth and the immense loss that its destruction would represent, making the plea for its preservation all the more poignant and urgent.

**Is Psalms 22:20 exclusively about Jesus, or does it have broader application?**

Answer: While Psalm 22 is profoundly messianic and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, it also has a dual application. It certainly describes the experience of the psalmist (traditionally David) facing intense persecution and danger. However, its language and depth of suffering transcend any single historical figure, pointing prophetically to the Messiah. Therefore, it applies both to the historical experience of the righteous who suffer and to the ultimate suffering and triumph of Christ. For believers today, it serves as a model for prayer in times of extreme distress and a reminder of God's power to deliver from all forms of "swords" and "dogs" that threaten our lives and faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "sword" from which the psalmist pleads deliverance foreshadows the divine judgment and the physical agony that Christ endured on the cross, where He was "pierced for our transgressions" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Sin")). His "soul" (His very life) was poured out unto death, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Christ Poured Out His Soul Unto Death"). The "power of the dog" vividly prefigures the relentless mockery, scorn, and spiritual forces of evil that surrounded Jesus during His passion. He was surrounded by those who "gape upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion" ([Psalm 22:13](/psalms/22-13 "Psalm 22:13 - Enemies as Roaring Lions")), and the religious leaders and Roman soldiers acted with the viciousness of a pack of wild dogs, casting lots for His garments ([Psalm 22:18](/psalms/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Casting Lots for Garments")). Yet, the "darling" life of the unique Son of God, though seemingly overcome by death, was ultimately delivered not by avoiding the "sword" but by triumphing over it through resurrection. Christ's prayer in Gethsemane, though not explicitly mirroring this verse, reflects a similar plea for deliverance from the cup of suffering ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). His ultimate deliverance from death, as described in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead"), demonstrates God's answer to the ultimate "deliver my soul" plea, securing eternal life and deliverance for all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 35:17

¶ Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.

Zechariah 13:7

¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Psalms 17:13

Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, [which is] thy sword: