Psalms 22:16-18
For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While the term "dogs" vividly portrays the vicious, snarling mob surrounding the suffering one, the truly stunning detail is the phrase "they pierced my hands and feet." This isn't a metaphor for general mistreatment; it's a chillingly specific prophetic detail of crucifixion, something David himself never experienced, pointing far beyond his own trials to a future, ultimate suffering.
The Psalmist is describing an overwhelming sense of being surrounded and attacked by vicious enemies, comparing them to savage dogs and a pack of evildoers. This intense imagery culminates in the shocking statement that his hands and feet have been pierced, a detail that points beyond David's own suffering to a future, literal fulfillment in the Messiah.
The psalmist uses sharp imagery to describe his attackers. Who are these 'dogs' and 'evildoers,' and what does this language reveal about their nature?
A Pack of Hounds
The psalmist calls his enemies "dogs" and "a company of evildoers." This isn't just casual name-calling; it's a powerful description of their character and behavior.
The verse culminates in a shocking detail: 'they have pierced my hands and my feet.' How does this specific detail point beyond David's immediate suffering?
More Than a Metaphor
The phrase "they have pierced my hands and my feet" is one of the most intensely debated and profoundly prophetic parts of this psalm. While David experienced severe persecution, the specifics here dramatically point to a future fulfillment.
Understand the original words
keleb · Hebrew Noun
In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were often seen as scavenging, unclean, and vicious animals. Biblically, the term is used metaphorically to describe wicked enemies, Gentiles, or those outside the covenant community who act with hostility.
mere'im · Hebrew Noun
A general term for those who perform acts of wickedness, break the law, or oppose God's righteous ones. It designates individuals or groups whose habitual lifestyle is contrary to the holiness of God.
etsem · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to the physical remains of the body. In the Bible, bones are often associated with the strength, structural integrity, and vitality of the person; to have them counted suggests extreme emaciation, suffering, or the near-death state of the body.
While Psalm 22 reflects the deep anguish and persecution experienced by King David, the specific detail of hands and feet being pierced points decisively to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event in Christian history.
c. 1000 BC
Reign of King David
The Psalms are traditionally attributed to various authors, but many, including Psalm 22, are strongly associated with King David's life experiences.
c. 600-500 BC
Composition and Collection of Psalms
During the Babylonian exile and afterward, the Psalms were compiled and cherished as a source of comfort and prophetic insight.
c. 250-150 BC
Septuagint Translation
The ancient Greek translation (Septuagint) renders the Hebrew word in question as 'they pierced,' supporting a key interpretation of the verse.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is crucified by Roman soldiers, an event widely seen by Christians as the literal fulfillment of the prophecy in this verse.
This passage directly quotes Psalm 22:16 as being fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting the literal piercing of His hands and feet.
John 19:18This Gospel account describes the physical act of crucifixion where Jesus' hands and feet were pierced, aligning with the prophetic imagery in the Psalm.
Galatians 3:13This passage speaks of Christ becoming a curse for us by being 'hanged on a tree,' which echoes the suffering and agony described in Psalm 22, including the brutal methods of execution.
Philippians 2:8This verse states that Christ 'humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross,' underscoring the profound suffering and shame endured, as powerfully depicted in Psalm 22.
poolePsalms 22:16: "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet."
He calls his enemies dogs for their vileness and filthiness, for their insatiable greediness and implacable fury and fierceness against him. He explains what he means by dogs , even wicked men, who are oft so called, not some few of them singly, but the whole company or congregation of them; whereby may be noted either their great numbers, or their consulting and conspirin…
pulpitPsalms 22:16: "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet."
Verse 16. - For dogs have compassed me. "Dogs" now encompass the Sufferer, perhaps the subordinate agents in the cruelties - the rude Roman soldiery, who laid rough hands on the adorable Person (Matthew 27:27-35). Oriental dogs are savage and of unclean habits, whence the term "dog" in the East has always been, and still is, a term of reproach. The assembly of the wicked h…
While the term "dogs" vividly portrays the vicious, snarling mob surrounding the suffering one, the truly stunning detail is the phrase "they pierced my hands and feet." This isn't a metaphor for general mistreatment; it's a chillingly specific prophetic detail of crucifixion, something David himself never experienced, pointing far beyond his own trials to a future, ultimate suffering.
The Psalmist is describing an overwhelming sense of being surrounded and attacked by vicious enemies, comparing them to savage dogs and a pack of evildoers. This intense imagery culminates in the shocking statement that his hands and feet have been pierced, a detail that points beyond David's own suffering to a future, literal fulfillment in the Messiah.
The Psalmist is describing an overwhelming sense of being surrounded and attacked by vicious enemies, comparing them to savage dogs and a pack of evildoers. This intense imagery culminates in the shocking statement that his hands and feet have been pierced, a detail that points beyond David's own suffering to a future, literal fulfillment in the Messiah.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 22:16-18 is available in the Sola app.
beged · Hebrew Noun
Articles of clothing or covering. Biblically, garments are significant symbols of identity, status, and protection; the dividing of garments signifies the total stripping away of a person's dignity and worldly possessions.
c. AD 60-70
New Testament Gospels Written
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record the events of Jesus' crucifixion, often linking them to Old Testament prophecies like Psalm 22.
"For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they c…" — While the term "dogs" vividly portrays the vicious, snarling mob surrounding the suffering one, the truly stunning detail is the phrase "they pierced my hands and feet." This isn't a metaphor for gen…
