Psalms 22:24

KJV

For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he hath not despised {H959} nor abhorred {H8262} the affliction {H6039} of the afflicted {H6041}; neither hath he hid {H5641} his face {H6440} from him; but when he cried {H7768} unto him, he heard {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he has not despised or abhorred the poverty of the poor; he did not hide his face from him but listened to his cry."

Berean Standard Bible

For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help.

American Standard Version

For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Neither hath he hid his face from him; But when he cried unto him, he heard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:24 offers a profound declaration of God's unwavering compassion and attentiveness, particularly in the midst of extreme suffering. This verse serves as a powerful turning point within a psalm that vividly portrays the agony and sense of abandonment experienced by the psalmist, yet ultimately affirms divine faithfulness. It transitions from a desperate cry for help to a confident declaration of trust, showcasing the psalmist's ultimate conviction in God's character and His readiness to respond to the cries of the afflicted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22:24 marks a dramatic shift in tone within Psalm 22. The preceding verses (Psalms 22:1-21) are a raw and intense lament, detailing the psalmist's profound physical and emotional anguish, feeling forsaken by God and surrounded by enemies. The psalm opens with the iconic cry, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - The Cry of Abandonment"), and continues with graphic descriptions of suffering, mockery, and near-death experiences. The psalmist describes his strength drying up, his bones out of joint, and being surrounded by "bulls of Bashan" and "dogs" (Psalms 22:12-16). Verse 22, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee," begins to pivot, moving from lament to a vow of praise. Verse 24 solidifies this transition, offering the theological basis for the psalmist's renewed hope and eventual praise, affirming God's active engagement and compassion despite the felt absence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 22 is not explicitly stated, it resonates with the experiences of suffering and persecution common in ancient Israel. The language of being surrounded by enemies, mocked, and feeling abandoned by God was a familiar lament motif in the ancient Near East, often reflecting the vulnerability of individuals or communities facing oppression or illness. The concept of God "hiding His face" (Psalms 22:24) was a powerful idiom signifying divine displeasure, withdrawal, or abandonment, often associated with judgment or a perceived lack of divine intervention. Conversely, God "hearing" implied not just auditory perception but active, compassionate response and intervention. The psalmist's affirmation that God has *not* hidden His face and *has* heard is a powerful counter-cultural statement against the despair that such suffering might induce, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness even in the face of apparent divine silence.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 22:24 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Unwavering Compassion and Empathy**, asserting that He does not disdain or abhor the suffering of the afflicted, contrasting with any notion of a distant or indifferent deity. This underscores the biblical portrayal of God as one who is intimately concerned with human suffering, as seen in passages like [Exodus 3:7](/exodus/3-7 "Exodus 3:7 - God Hears the Cry of His People"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Presence and Attentiveness**, reassuring the suffering that God is not ignoring their plight, but is steadfastly present and actively engaged, a powerful comfort for those feeling isolated in their pain. Thirdly, the verse powerfully affirms **The Efficacy of Prayer**, culminating in the declaration that "when he cried unto him, he heard." This underscores God's readiness to listen and intervene, a central theme in the biblical understanding of God's relationship with humanity, exemplified throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalms 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry Out"). Finally, despite the profound suffering described earlier in the psalm, this verse offers a **Beacon of Hope in Despair**, reminding us that God is ultimately a deliverer who does not abandon His own, transforming lament into a declaration of trust and anticipation of deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Despised (Hebrew, _bazah'_):** This word carries the meaning of to scorn, disdain, or hold in contempt. In the context of Psalms 22:24, its negation emphasizes God's absolute lack of disdain for the suffering person. He does not look down upon their affliction as something trivial or unworthy of His attention. Instead, He regards it with deep care and respect.
* **Abhorred (Hebrew, _shaqats'_):** Derived from a root meaning to detest, loathe, or treat as abominable, this word, when negated, powerfully conveys God's complete non-rejection of the afflicted one or their suffering. It implies that God does not find the state of affliction repulsive or an object of disgust. The double negative ("not despised nor abhorred") creates a strong rhetorical emphasis, underscoring God's profound acceptance and compassion for the suffering.
* **Hid his face (Hebrew, _histir panav'_):** This is a common biblical idiom signifying God's withdrawal, absence, or ignoring of His people, often associated with judgment or abandonment (e.g., [Deuteronomy 31:17](/deuteronomy/31-17 "Deuteronomy 31:17 - God Hides His Face")). The affirmation that God *has not* done this is a powerful statement of His covenant faithfulness and active presence, even when He might *feel* distant to the one suffering. It assures the psalmist that God's perceived silence was not abandonment.
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shama'_):** While literally meaning to perceive sound, in biblical usage, _shama'_ often implies more than just auditory reception. It encompasses listening attentively and, crucially, responding or acting upon what is heard. When God "hears" a cry, it signifies His active engagement, His willingness to intervene, and His commitment to His covenant promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted":** This clause directly refutes the common human experience of feeling overlooked or disdained in suffering. It asserts God's profound empathy and active concern. He does not view suffering with contempt or disgust, but rather with compassion and a desire to alleviate it. This is a foundational statement about God's character, particularly His mercy and justice.
* **"neither hath he hid his face from him":** Building on the previous clause, this phrase assures the psalmist that God has not withdrawn Himself or ignored the suffering. The idiom "hiding one's face" signifies a deliberate act of non-engagement or abandonment. The negation here confirms God's steadfast presence and attentiveness, even when His intervention may not be immediately apparent or when the sufferer feels utterly alone.
* **"but when he cried unto him, he heard":** This culminating clause provides the ultimate comfort and assurance. It affirms the efficacy of prayer and God's responsiveness. The psalmist's desperate cries (as detailed in the preceding verses) were not in vain. God not only perceived the sound but actively listened and was prepared to act. This highlights the dynamic, relational nature of God's interaction with His people, emphasizing His readiness to answer and deliver.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:24 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Negation** is prominently used ("hath not despised," "nor abhorred," "neither hath he hid"), which serves to emphatically refute the psalmist's earlier feelings of abandonment and the common human fear that God is indifferent to suffering. This creates a strong rhetorical contrast with the preceding verses of lament. The phrase "hid his face" is a powerful **idiom**, a common biblical expression that vividly communicates God's perceived withdrawal or abandonment. Its negation here assures the reader of God's unwavering presence. The structure of the verse itself, moving from a double negative affirmation of God's character to a positive statement of His responsiveness ("but when he cried... he heard"), functions as a form of **climax** or **turnaround**. This shift in tone and content signals the pivotal moment in the psalm, transforming despair into hope and setting the stage for the subsequent praise. The entire verse also functions as a form of **affirmation**, providing a theological foundation for the psalmist's renewed trust and the broader community's faith in God's compassionate nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:24 stands as a profound theological statement on the character of God, particularly His unwavering compassion and active engagement with human suffering. It asserts that God is not a distant, uncaring deity, but one who intimately knows and responds to the cries of the afflicted. This verse serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the experience of despair, affirming that even when God feels absent, He is neither indifferent nor withdrawn. It undergirds the biblical emphasis on prayer as a vital means of communion with a God who truly hears and acts on behalf of His people. This divine responsiveness is not merely a passive listening but an active, empathetic engagement that leads to intervention and deliverance, transforming the deepest lament into a foundation for praise and trust.

* [Psalms 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "Psalm 34:18 - God is Near to the Brokenhearted")
* [Isaiah 49:15-16](/isaiah/49-15 "Isaiah 49:15-16 - Can a Mother Forget Her Child?")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Cares on Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:24 offers immense encouragement for believers navigating the complexities of suffering and distress in their own lives. It reminds us that our afflictions, no matter how profound or isolating, are never despised or abhorred by God. In moments where God feels distant or silent, this verse assures us that He has not hidden His face from us; rather, He is intimately present, even when His presence is not immediately felt. The climax of the verse, "but when he cried unto him, he heard," serves as a powerful affirmation of the efficacy of prayer. Our desperate pleas are not unheard; they reach the ears of a compassionate, responsive God who is ready to intervene. This truth provides a deep well of hope, enabling us to persevere through trials, knowing that our suffering is seen, our cries are heard, and our faithful God will ultimately respond. It calls us to persist in prayer, even when hope seems dim, trusting in the unchanging character of the One who never abandons His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the affirmation that God "hath not despised nor abhorred" your affliction challenge your perceptions of God's character during times of personal suffering?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to believe that God has "hid his face" from you, and how does this verse reframe that feeling?**
* **Reflect on a time when you "cried unto him" in deep distress. How did you experience God's hearing and response, even if it wasn't immediate or what you expected?**
* **How can the truth of Psalms 22:24 strengthen your commitment to persistent prayer, especially when answers seem delayed or absent?**

### FAQ
**Does Psalms 22:24 mean God will always remove my suffering if I pray?**

Answer: Psalms 22:24 assures us that God *hears* our prayers and does not despise our affliction, but it does not guarantee immediate or specific removal of suffering in every instance. "Heard" in biblical terms implies attentive listening and a commitment to respond, often in ways that align with God's perfect will and timing, which may include strengthening us through the trial, revealing His presence, or ultimately delivering us in His way. The psalm itself, while ending in praise, recounts a period of intense, prolonged suffering. The ultimate fulfillment of this "hearing" is often seen in God's redemptive plan, particularly through Christ's suffering and resurrection, where the deepest cry was heard and answered not by avoiding the cross, but by transforming it into victory. This verse guarantees God's compassionate engagement, not necessarily an instant cessation of pain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:24 finds its most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the passion and resurrection of Jesus. The entire Psalm 22 is famously Messianic, opening with Jesus' own cry from the cross, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" (compare [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - The Opening Cry")). Yet, even in that ultimate moment of perceived abandonment and profound affliction, the truth of verse 24 held firm: God the Father did not despise or abhor the suffering of His Son. He did not hide His face from Him. Instead, "when he cried unto him, he heard." This "hearing" was not the removal of the cross, but the vindication of the resurrection. As [Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Obedience") states, "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." Jesus' cries were heard, not by being spared the agony, but by being raised from the dead, conquering sin and death, and being exalted to the Father's right hand ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Thus, Psalms 22:24 foreshadows God's perfect response to the ultimate affliction, demonstrating that even in the deepest suffering, God's compassionate presence and ultimate deliverance are assured through the work of Christ, who perfectly embodied the "afflicted one" and whose cries were indeed heard, leading to the salvation of all who believe ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe")).

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

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Isaiah 50:9

Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who [is] he [that] shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.

Psalms 118:5

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place.

Psalms 69:29

But I [am] poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.

Psalms 69:34

Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.

Psalms 34:6

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.