Psalms 22:7

KJV

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, [saying],

KJV (with Strong's)

All they that see {H7200} me laugh me to scorn {H3932}: they shoot out {H6358} the lip {H8193}, they shake {H5128} the head {H7218}, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible

All who see me jeer at me; they sneer and shake their heads:

Berean Standard Bible

All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads:

American Standard Version

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:7 offers a stark and poignant depiction of the psalmist's profound public humiliation, portraying him as an object of universal scorn and derision. Through vivid descriptions of both verbal mockery and contemptuous non-verbal gestures, the verse emphasizes the intense isolation and degradation faced by the afflicted, setting the stage for the subsequent verbal taunts and highlighting the comprehensive nature of the suffering endured. This scene serves as a powerful prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah's ultimate humiliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22 is a deeply moving lament psalm, renowned for its striking prophetic parallels to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The psalm opens with a desperate cry of abandonment and profound anguish in [Psalms 22:1-2](/psalms/22-1-2 "Psalms 22:1-2 - My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"), a stark contrast to the psalmist's remembrance of God's historical faithfulness to Israel, as seen in [Psalms 22:3-5](/psalms/22-3-5 "Psalms 22:3-5 - God's Holiness and Israel's Deliverance"). The psalmist expresses an overwhelming sense of being despised, declaring himself "a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people" in [Psalms 22:6](/psalms/22-6 "Psalms 22:6 - Despised and Rejected by All"). Verse 7 immediately follows, elaborating on the specific, visible forms of public mockery and contempt directed at him by those witnessing his distress. This verse marks a crucial transition from the psalmist's internal agony to the external, observable humiliation he endures, emphasizing the spectacle of his suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, public humiliation was not merely an unfortunate consequence of misfortune but a deliberate and potent tool for social degradation and punishment. Mockery, derision, and scorn were powerful weapons designed to strip an individual of their dignity, honor, and social standing. Gestures such as "shooting out the lip" (a sneer or a thrusting out of the lower lip) and "shaking the head" were universally understood non-verbal expressions of extreme contempt, disapproval, and disdain. These actions communicated a profound lack of respect, belittlement, and often a sense of triumphant superiority over the suffering individual. Such public displays of scorn were common at public executions, trials, or any scene of profound misfortune, serving to amplify the victim's suffering by adding significant psychological and emotional torment to any physical pain. The scene depicted in [Psalms 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - The Psalm of the Cross") would have deeply resonated with an audience familiar with these public shaming rituals, underscoring the severity of the psalmist's plight.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 22:7 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Prophetic Suffering**, detailing specific forms of public humiliation that would be endured by the Messiah, a picture echoed in other Messianic prophecies like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Public Humiliation and Scorn** faced by the righteous sufferer, emphasizing that the suffering was not merely internal or private but a visible spectacle for all to witness and deride. This public nature intensifies the agony and isolation of the afflicted. Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays **Gestures of Contempt**, demonstrating how non-verbal communication can be as, if not more, impactful than words in conveying disdain. These actions communicate a profound lack of empathy and an active effort to belittle and degrade the one being mocked, foreshadowing the specific actions of those who mocked Christ on the cross, as recorded in [Matthew 27:39](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39 - Mockery at the Cross").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Laugh (Hebrew, _lâʻag'_ H3932):** From a primitive root meaning "to deride," this word signifies a deep, contemptuous mockery, often accompanied by malicious laughter. It implies not just amusement but a cruel delight in someone's misfortune, a taunting and ridiculing that aims to diminish, humiliate, and utterly scorn the object of derision. It can also imply speaking unintelligibly, as if mimicking a foreigner, further emphasizing the mockery.
* **Shoot out (Hebrew, _pâṭûwr'_ H6358):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to open," describes the action of opening or thrusting out. In the context of "shooting out the lip," it refers to a physical gesture of extreme contempt, likely involving thrusting out the lower lip in a sneer, a grimace of disdain, or perhaps opening the mouth wide to jeer. It is a vivid, non-verbal act of belittling and scorn.
* **Shake (Hebrew, _nûwaʻ'_ H5128):** A primitive root meaning "to waver" or "to move to and fro," this word describes the action of shaking. When applied to the head, as in this verse, it conveys a widely recognized gesture of disapproval, disdain, or dismissive rejection. In this context, it signifies a mocking triumph over the suffering individual, an act of derision that communicates utter contempt and a complete lack of sympathy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All they that see me laugh me to scorn:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the public and pervasive nature of the psalmist's humiliation. The phrase "all they that see me" suggests an overwhelming multitude of onlookers, transforming the sufferer into a public spectacle. Their response is not pity but contemptuous laughter and derision, emphasizing the profound isolation and the universal nature of the scorn directed at the afflicted.
* **"they shoot out the lip,"** This specifies the first of two powerful non-verbal expressions of contempt. It describes a physical act of sneering or grimacing, a direct and personal insult aimed at the suffering individual. This gesture conveys a visceral rejection, a profound belittlement, and an active display of disdain, often preceding or accompanying verbal taunts.
* **"they shake the head,"** This second non-verbal action reinforces the message of utter contempt and dismissal. Shaking the head in this context is a gesture that communicates a complete lack of respect, a mocking pity, or a triumphant declaration of the sufferer's perceived failure or deserved fate. It signifies active participation in the humiliation, amplifying the psalmist's agony.
* **"[saying],"** Though the specific words are not included in this verse, the bracketed "saying" in the KJV (implied from the Hebrew context) indicates that these non-verbal actions are preludes to or accompanied by verbal taunts. This prepares the reader for the explicit verbal abuse detailed in the subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 22:8](/psalms/22-8 "Psalms 22:8 - He trusted in the Lord")), highlighting the comprehensive nature of the mockery, involving both physical gestures and spoken abuse.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:7 masterfully employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the harrowing intensity of the psalmist's suffering and public humiliation. The verse is rich in **imagery**, painting a vivid and visceral picture of the scene through specific, observable actions like "shoot out the lip" and "shake the head." These gestures are not merely described but are presented in a way that evokes a strong emotional response, allowing the reader to almost see and feel the contempt. The use of **parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "shoot out the lip" and "shake the head," where two distinct but related actions reinforce the singular theme of overwhelming scorn. This creates a cumulative effect, amplifying the pervasive nature of the derision. Furthermore, the phrase "All they that see me" can be understood as a form of **hyperbole**, exaggerating the number of mockers to convey the overwhelming, inescapable, and absolute nature of the derision, thereby intensifying the psalmist's sense of isolation and abandonment. The entire psalm, including this verse, functions as profound **prophetic language**, foreshadowing events and experiences that would find their ultimate and complete fulfillment in the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:7 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of suffering, particularly the suffering of the righteous and the innocent. It highlights the often-unjust nature of human contempt directed at those who are vulnerable or perceived as weak, echoing the broader theological theme that true vindication and honor come from God, not from human approval or societal standing. Theologically, this verse underscores the depth and breadth of the Messiah's future suffering, demonstrating that His agony would not be limited to physical pain but would include profound psychological and emotional torment from public scorn and degradation. It reveals a God who intimately understands and identifies with the experience of being utterly despised, mocked, and ridiculed, providing a powerful example of enduring unjust suffering with unwavering trust in divine justice and ultimate vindication.

* [Matthew 27:39-43](/matthew/27-39-43 "Matthew 27:39-43 - Mockery of Jesus on the Cross")
* [Mark 15:29-32](/mark/15-29-32 "Mark 15:29-32 - Those who passed by derided Him")
* [Luke 23:35](/luke/23-35 "Luke 23:35 - The Rulers Scoff at Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:7 offers a profound mirror for believers who may face scorn, ridicule, or misunderstanding for their faith, their values, or simply for their vulnerability in a world often hostile to righteousness. It serves as a powerful reminder that our Lord, Jesus Christ, intimately understands and personally experienced the deepest forms of public humiliation and contempt. When we are mocked, belittled, dismissed, or even actively scorned, we are not alone; we walk in the very footsteps of our Savior, who endured far greater derision. This verse calls us to cultivate resilience, perseverance, and unwavering trust, recognizing that our ultimate vindication, worth, and identity do not come from the fleeting approval of the world but from our steadfast relationship with God. It challenges us to respond not with bitterness, retaliation, or despair, but with the same patient endurance and self-giving love that Christ exemplified, trusting in God's sovereign plan and ultimate justice, even when surrounded by those who "shoot out the lip" and "shake the head." This passage encourages us to find strength in Christ's suffering, knowing that He has sanctified our own experiences of rejection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the depth of Christ's humiliation, as foreshadowed in Psalms 22:7, deepen your appreciation for His sacrificial love and atonement?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might you be tempted to "shoot out the lip" or "shake the head" at others, and how can you cultivate a spirit of compassion and empathy instead?**
* **When facing mockery, misunderstanding, or opposition for your faith, how can the example of the psalmist and especially Christ encourage you to persevere with grace and steadfastness?**
* **How does this verse challenge your perception of true strength and weakness in the face of public opinion and societal pressure?**

### FAQ
**Why is Psalm 22 considered such a significant Messianic Psalm?**

Answer: Psalm 22 is considered a paramount Messianic Psalm because its detailed descriptions of suffering, abandonment, and public humiliation align with remarkable precision to the events of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, centuries after its composition. From the opening cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1 - My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?")), which Jesus Himself quoted on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), to specific details like the piercing of hands and feet ([Psalms 22:16](/psalms/22-16 "Psalms 22:16 - Pierced Hands and Feet")) and the division of garments by lot ([Psalms 22:18](/psalms/22-18 "Psalms 22:18 - Dividing Garments by Lot")), the psalm paints an astonishingly accurate prophetic portrait of the Messiah's suffering. Verse 7, with its vivid depiction of public scorn and gestures of contempt, is directly echoed in the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion, reinforcing its profound Messianic significance and demonstrating God's meticulous plan for redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:7 finds its ultimate, most profound, and precise fulfillment in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As the true Suffering Servant, Jesus endured not only unimaginable physical agony but also the very public and intense psychological and emotional torment described by the psalmist. The Gospel accounts vividly portray the crowds, chief priests, scribes, and elders fulfilling this prophecy as they stood before the cross. They "laughed Him to scorn" with their taunts, saying, "He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him" ([Matthew 27:42](/matthew/27-42 "Matthew 27:42 - Mockery of Jesus")). Mark's account specifically notes that "they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads" ([Mark 15:29](/mark/15-29 "Mark 15:29 - Those who passed by derided him")), directly echoing the "shake the head" gesture. Luke adds that "the rulers also with them derided him" ([Luke 23:35](/luke/23-35 "Luke 23:35 - The Rulers Scoff at Jesus")). Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), willingly subjected Himself to this ultimate public humiliation, enduring the "contradiction of sinners against himself" ([Hebrews 12:3](/hebrews/12-3 "Hebrews 12:3 - Consider Him who endured such opposition")) for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Enduring the Cross for Joy")). His perfect fulfillment of Psalms 22:7 demonstrates the unfathomable depth of His love, obedience, and identification with human suffering, transforming the ultimate act of human contempt into the very means of eternal salvation for all who 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

Mark 15:29

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days,

Matthew 27:39

And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

Matthew 27:40

And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

Psalms 109:25

I became also a reproach unto them: [when] they looked upon me they shaked their heads.

Mark 15:20

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

Matthew 26:66

What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Matthew 26:68

Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?