Psalms 22:21

KJV

Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

KJV (with Strong's)

Save {H3467} me from the lion's {H738} mouth {H6310}: for thou hast heard {H6030} me from the horns {H7161} of the unicorns {H7214}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Save me from the lion's mouth! You have answered me from the wild bulls' horns.

Berean Standard Bible

Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!

American Standard Version

Save me from the lion’s mouth; Yea, from the horns of the wild-oxen thou hast answered me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:21 is a profound and pivotal cry for immediate divine rescue, seamlessly interwoven with a steadfast declaration of confidence in God's past and assured deliverance. The psalmist, facing overwhelming and deadly threats symbolized by ferocious predatory beasts, implores God for urgent salvation, grounding this desperate petition in the unwavering conviction that the Lord has previously heard and effectively delivered him from equally formidable dangers, thereby anticipating the psalm's dramatic transition from deep lament to triumphant praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22:21 stands as a critical turning point within one of the most significant Messianic psalms in the Hebrew Bible. The preceding verses [Psalms 22:1-20](/psalms/22-1-20 "Psalm 22:1-20 - The Psalmist's Lament") vividly portray the psalmist's agonizing suffering, profound sense of abandonment by God, and the relentless mockery and aggression of his enemies. This section is dominated by intense imagery of being surrounded by "strong bulls of Bashan" and "roaring lions," graphically depicting the psalmist's dire and vulnerable state. Verse 21, with its urgent plea for salvation and its declaration of past deliverance, serves as a crucial bridge, foreshadowing the dramatic shift that occurs in [Psalms 22:22-31](/psalms/22-22-31 "Psalm 22:22-31 - From Lament to Praise"), where the psalmist transitions from the depths of despair to a powerful expression of praise, confidence in God's ultimate vindication, and the universal recognition of His reign. The "lion's mouth" and "horns of the unicorns" represent the final, culminating images of peril before this profound narrative and emotional pivot.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally attributed to King David, Psalm 22 reflects the intense experiences of a righteous individual facing severe persecution and mortal danger in ancient Israel. The vivid imagery of lions and wild oxen (re'em) was deeply resonant in a pastoral society where such animals posed genuine, life-threatening dangers to shepherds, their flocks, and even human settlements. These formidable creatures were also common symbols of powerful, untamed, and hostile forces, whether representing oppressive nations, tyrannical rulers, or spiritual adversaries in the ancient Near East. The psalmist's desperate situation would have been understood against a backdrop of potential political enemies, physical threats, or even spiritual attacks, all of which could feel as overwhelming and deadly as a predatory beast. The plea for deliverance from such forces was a pervasive theme in ancient laments, underscoring the profound vulnerability of individuals in a world often perceived as chaotic and dangerous without divine protection.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 22 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Desperate Plea and Divine Deliverance**, as the psalmist cries out from the brink of destruction, trusting in God as his sole rescuer from overwhelming odds. Secondly, it highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, emphasizing that past deliverances provide a firm foundation for present hope and future assurance, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, as seen in the psalmist's confident declaration that God has "heard" him. Thirdly, it is integral to the **Messianic Prophecy** of the psalm, foreshadowing the intense suffering and ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ, who faced the ultimate "lion's mouth" in the form of sin, death, and the powers of darkness, as detailed in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross"). Finally, it touches on the theme of **Suffering and Vindication**, illustrating how profound suffering can ultimately lead to a deeper experience of God's saving power and an outpouring of praise, as the psalm progresses from lament to a declaration of God's universal dominion and the salvation of all generations [Psalms 22:27-31](/psalms/22-27-31 "Psalm 22:27-31 - Universal Worship and God's Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** H3467, a primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor. This word signifies a comprehensive act of deliverance, rescue, and the bringing of salvation. It implies not merely preservation from harm but an active intervention that sets one free from a state of danger or oppression. The psalmist's plea is for God to perform this powerful, liberating act.
* **Heard (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** H6030, a primitive root; properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce. In this context, particularly in the Hiphil stem, it means "to answer by delivering" or "to respond effectively." Therefore, "thou hast heard me" is far more than a passive listening; it is a declaration of God's active, saving response to previous cries, implying a history of divine intervention and deliverance.
* **Unicorns (Hebrew, _rᵉʼêm'_):** H7214, or רְאֵים; or רֵים; or רֵם; from רָאַם; a wild bull (from its conspicuousness); unicorn. This term refers not to a mythical creature but to a powerful, wild bovine, most likely the now-extinct aurochs (_Bos primigenius_). This formidable animal was known for its immense strength, ferocity, and particularly its dangerous horns. The imagery of "horns of the unicorns" thus powerfully conveys a threat of overwhelming, untamed, and destructive strength, symbolizing fierce and dangerous enemies or forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Save me from the lion's mouth":** This is a direct, urgent, and desperate imperative. The psalmist is facing an immediate, life-threatening situation, symbolized by the most fearsome predator of the ancient world. The "lion's mouth" represents imminent, deadly peril, signifying being on the verge of being devoured or utterly destroyed. The plea is for a swift and decisive act of salvation from a peril that feels utterly overwhelming and inescapable by human means, highlighting the psalmist's recognition of his own helplessness and his complete reliance on God for rescue.
* **"for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the psalmist's plea, acting as both a statement of past experience and an expression of present confidence. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _ki_) introduces the basis for the request. It signifies that God has previously intervened and delivered the psalmist from equally formidable, wild, and destructive threats, symbolized by the powerful and dangerous "horns of the unicorns" (wild oxen). This past faithfulness serves as the unwavering assurance that God will again "hear" (i.e., answer by delivering) him from his current peril. It is a profound declaration that God's saving power is consistent and reliable, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds, transforming the desperate plea into a confident assertion of God's character.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:21 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**, employing vivid animalistic imagery to represent the psalmist's overwhelming adversaries. The "lion's mouth" and "horns of the unicorns" are not literal animals but potent symbols of fierce, predatory enemies, whether human, spiritual, or circumstantial, that threaten to destroy the psalmist. This use of **Zoomorphism** effectively conveys the raw, untamed, and deadly nature of the threats. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, though not strictly synonymous, as both clauses present distinct but equally terrifying images of danger, reinforcing the intensity of the psalmist's distress. The structure of a direct plea followed by a declarative statement of past deliverance also creates a subtle **Contrast** between the present state of peril and the enduring faithfulness of God, hinting at the psalm's larger movement from lament to praise. The psalmist's cry is a classic example of a **Lament**, a direct address to God expressing profound distress and seeking His urgent intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a fundamental theological tension: the stark reality of profound suffering and the unwavering conviction in God's power to deliver. It affirms that even when facing the most terrifying and seemingly insurmountable dangers—symbolized by the "lion's mouth" and "horns of the unicorns"—the believer can confidently appeal to God. This confidence is not born of naive optimism but from a remembered history of God's active intervention and faithfulness. The psalmist's declaration, "for thou hast heard me," points to a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in the lives of His people, actively responding to their cries for help. This theological truth undergirds the entire biblical narrative of redemption, where God consistently acts to save His people from oppression, sin, and death. It teaches us that our past experiences of God's faithfulness are vital anchors for our hope in present and future trials, reminding us that the God who delivered yesterday is the same God who can deliver today.

* [Daniel 6:22](/daniel/6-22 "Daniel 6:22 - Daniel in the Lions' Den")
* [2 Timothy 4:17](/2_timothy/4-17 "2 Timothy 4:17 - Paul's Deliverance from the Lion")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:21 offers a powerful and enduring message for believers navigating the complexities and perils of life. It reminds us that our spiritual journey will inevitably include moments where we feel surrounded by "lions" and "unicorns"—whether these are overwhelming anxieties, relentless temptations, physical ailments, relational betrayals, spiritual attacks, or the oppressive forces of injustice. In such moments of profound vulnerability, this verse invites us to emulate the psalmist: to cry out to God with raw honesty and desperate urgency, acknowledging our helplessness and utter dependence on Him. More profoundly, it calls us to ground our present pleas in the bedrock of God's past faithfulness. Just as God "heard" and delivered the psalmist from previous, equally terrifying threats, so too can we trust in His unchanging character and unfailing power to rescue us. This verse is a call to courageous faith, reminding us that even when deliverance feels distant, God's ear is attentive, and His arm is not too short to save. It encourages us to cultivate a memory of God's past interventions in our lives and in the lives of His people throughout history, allowing those testimonies to fuel our hope and perseverance in current struggles, knowing that our ultimate deliverance is secured in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lions" or "unicorns" are you currently facing in your life that feel overwhelming or threatening to your well-being or faith?**
* **How does remembering specific instances of God's past faithfulness in your life, or in the biblical narrative, strengthen your trust in Him for present challenges?**
* **What does it truly mean to "cry out" to God in desperation, and how does this verse encourage such a posture of prayer and dependence?**
* **How can the confidence expressed in the second half of the verse ("for thou hast heard me") transform your perspective and emotional state in times of fear, despair, or profound uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**What does "unicorns" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The term "unicorns" in the King James Version (KJV) of Psalms 22:21 is a translation of the Hebrew word _re'em_ (רְאֵם). This word does not refer to the mythical one-horned horse of folklore, but rather to a powerful, wild bovine, most likely the now-extinct aurochs (_Bos primigenius_). The aurochs was a large, formidable animal known for its immense strength and dangerous horns. The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) rendered _re'em_ as _monokeros_ (μονόκερως), meaning "one-horned," which led to the KJV's "unicorn." Therefore, the imagery of "horns of the unicorns" powerfully conveys a threat of overwhelming, untamed, and destructive strength, symbolizing fierce and dangerous enemies or forces.

**Is this verse only about physical danger?**

Answer: While the imagery of lions and wild oxen certainly evokes physical danger, the threats described in the Psalms often extend beyond the purely physical. The "lion's mouth" and "horns of the unicorns" can symbolize any overwhelming, hostile force that seeks to destroy the psalmist—whether spiritual attacks, emotional torment, social persecution, or the oppressive actions of human adversaries. The psalmist's plea is for holistic deliverance from all forms of existential threat, recognizing that true well-being encompasses more than just physical safety. This broad interpretation allows the verse to resonate with believers facing diverse forms of peril in their lives, reminding them that God is capable of delivering from every kind of "mouth" or "horn" that threatens their well-being.

**How does "for thou hast heard me" relate to the plea "Save me"?**

Answer: The phrase "for thou hast heard me" (Hebrew: _'anita'ni_) serves as the foundational reason for the psalmist's urgent plea for salvation. It's not merely a statement of God having listened, but rather a declaration of God having *answered* or *delivered* the psalmist in past instances of extreme danger. This past faithfulness forms the basis for the psalmist's present confidence. In essence, the psalmist is saying, "Save me now, because I know from experience that You are a God who hears and delivers, and You have done so for me before, even from equally terrifying threats like the horns of the wild oxen." It transforms the plea from a desperate cry into a confident assertion of God's consistent character as a rescuer, even while the danger remains immediate. This dynamic highlights the biblical principle that past divine interventions are a powerful anchor for present faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Psalm 22 is a prophetic blueprint of the Messiah's suffering, and this verse, positioned at the climax of the lament, powerfully foreshadows Christ's experience on the cross. Jesus truly faced the ultimate "lion's mouth"—the relentless onslaught of Satan, the crushing weight of human sin, and the very power of death itself. His cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross"), directly quotes the opening of this psalm, demonstrating His full identification with the psalmist's agony. Yet, just as the psalmist declares, "for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns," so too was Jesus "heard" and delivered. His resurrection from the dead is God's ultimate answer, His triumphant deliverance from the "horns of the unicorns" (the power of the grave and the dominion of death, as seen in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). Through His victory, Jesus, the true [Lion of the Tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), utterly vanquished the one who held the power of death, the devil [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death"), and triumphed over all principalities and powers [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Thus, Christ's experience is the perfect embodiment of this verse: a desperate plea for salvation met with the Father's ultimate, glorious deliverance, securing eternal salvation for all who believe and demonstrating God's faithfulness in the most profound way.

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

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Numbers 23:22

God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

John 8:59

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

John 14:30

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

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,

Isaiah 34:7

And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.