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 vividly portrays the intense public ridicule and scorn endured by the suffering psalmist, a scene deeply prophetic of the Messiah's ultimate humiliation. It describes the onlookers' contempt through both verbal derision ("laugh me to scorn") and powerful non-verbal gestures ("shoot out the lip," "shake the head"), emphasizing the profound isolation and public degradation faced by the one in agony. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent verbal taunts, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the mockery directed at the afflicted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22 is a profound lament psalm, often referred to as "The Psalm of the Cross" due to its striking prophetic parallels to Christ's crucifixion. The psalm begins with a cry of abandonment and deep anguish in [Psalms 22:1-2](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1-2 - My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"), contrasting the psalmist's present suffering with God's past faithfulness to Israel (e.g., [Psalms 22:3-5](/psalms/22-3 "Psalms 22:3-5 - God's Holiness and Israel's Deliverance")). The psalmist feels utterly despised, "a worm, and no man" ([Psalms 22:6](/psalms/22-6 "Psalms 22:6 - Despised and Rejected")), setting the immediate stage for verse 7, which elaborates on the specific forms of public mockery and contempt he endures from those who observe his distress. This verse transitions the focus from internal anguish to external, visible humiliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public humiliation was a severe form of punishment and social degradation. Mockery, derision, and scorn were potent weapons used to strip an individual of their dignity and standing. Gestures like "shooting out the lip" (a sneer or thrusting out 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 triumph 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 psychological torment to physical pain. The scene depicted in [Psalms 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - The Psalm of the Cross") would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with such public shaming rituals.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalms 22 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Prophetic Suffering**, detailing the specific forms of public humiliation the Messiah would endure, a picture echoed in other Messianic prophecies like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, it highlights the **Public Humiliation and Scorn** faced by the righteous sufferer, emphasizing that the suffering was not merely internal or private but a spectacle for all to witness and deride. This public nature intensifies the agony and isolation. Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays **Gestures of Contempt**, demonstrating how non-verbal communication can be just 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 (e.g., [Matthew 27:39](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39 - Mockery at the Cross")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Laugh me to scorn (Hebrew, _la'ag_):** This verb signifies a deep, contemptuous mockery, often accompanied by derisive laughter. It implies not just amusement but a malicious delight in someone's misfortune, a taunting and ridiculing that aims to diminish and humiliate the object of scorn.
* **Shoot out the lip (Hebrew, יַפְטִּירוּ בְשָׂפָה, _yaftiru b'saphah_):** This idiomatic expression vividly describes 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 mock or jeer. It's a non-verbal act of belittling, often preceding or accompanying verbal taunts.
* **Shake the head (Hebrew, יָנִיעוּ רֹאשׁ, _yaniau rosh_):** This gesture is widely recognized across cultures as a sign of disapproval, disdain, or dismissive rejection. In this context, it conveys a mocking triumph over the suffering individual, an act of derision that communicates, "Look at him now, he's helpless and pathetic," or "He deserves this." It signifies a complete lack of sympathy and an active participation in the humiliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All they that see me laugh me to scorn:"** This clause emphasizes the public and universal nature of the mockery. The suffering individual is a spectacle, and everyone who witnesses his plight responds with contemptuous laughter and derision. The phrase "all they that see me" suggests an overwhelming, inescapable wave of scorn, intensifying the feeling of isolation and abandonment.
* **"They shoot out the lip,"** This specifies one of the primary non-verbal actions of contempt. It's a vivid, physical expression of sneering and disdain, a direct and personal insult aimed at the suffering one. It conveys a visceral rejection and belittlement.
* **"They shake the head,"** This second non-verbal action reinforces the message of utter contempt and dismissal. It's a gesture that communicates a profound lack of respect, a mocking pity, or a triumphant declaration of the sufferer's perceived failure or deserved fate.
* **"[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, which are elaborated upon in the subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 22:8](/psalms/22-8 "Psalms 22:8 - He trusted in the Lord")). This highlights the comprehensive nature of the mockery, involving both physical gestures and verbal abuse.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the intensity of the psalmist's suffering. The use of vivid **imagery** is prominent, painting a clear picture of the public spectacle of humiliation through actions like "shoot out the lip" and "shake the head." These are specific, observable gestures that evoke a strong emotional response in the reader. The verse also utilizes **parallelism** in the pairing of "shoot out the lip" and "shake the head," where two distinct but related actions reinforce the singular theme of contempt. This creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the scorn. Furthermore, the phrase "All they that see me" can be seen as a form of **hyperbole**, exaggerating the number of mockers to convey the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the derision, making the psalmist's isolation feel absolute. The entire psalm, including this verse, functions as **prophetic language**, foreshadowing events and experiences that would find their ultimate 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. It highlights the often-unjust nature of human contempt directed at those who are vulnerable or perceived as weak, echoing the broader theme that true vindication comes from God, not from human approval. Theologically, this verse underscores the depth 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. It reveals a God who understands and identifies with the experience of being utterly despised and ridiculed, providing a powerful example of enduring unjust suffering with trust in divine justice.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:7 offers a profound mirror for believers facing scorn or ridicule for their faith, their values, or simply for their vulnerability. It reminds us that our Lord, Jesus Christ, intimately understands and experienced the deepest forms of public humiliation and contempt. When we are mocked, belittled, or dismissed, we are not alone; we walk in the footsteps of our Savior, who endured far greater derision. This verse calls us to cultivate resilience and perseverance, recognizing that our ultimate vindication and worth do not come from the approval of the world but from God. It challenges us to respond not with bitterness or retaliation, but with the same patient endurance 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."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the depth of Christ's humiliation in Psalms 22:7 deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to "shoot out the lip" or "shake the head" at others, even subtly, and how can you counter such tendencies with compassion?**
* **When facing mockery or misunderstanding for your faith, how can the example of the psalmist and Christ encourage you to persevere?**
* **How does this verse challenge your perception of strength and weakness in the face of public opinion?**

### 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 a prophetic portrait of the Messiah's suffering that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Verse 7, with its depiction of public scorn and gestures of contempt, is directly echoed in the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion, reinforcing its Messianic significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:7 finds its ultimate and most profound 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 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")). Jesus, the spotless 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 fulfillment of Psalms 22:7 demonstrates the depth of His love and obedience, transforming the ultimate act of human contempt into the means of salvation.

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.