Psalms 22:17
I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 22:17
I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "they stare and gloat over me" reveals that the focus isn't just on the physical suffering, but on the malicious joy of onlookers who are captivated by this horrific spectacle. It highlights the deep humiliation of being reduced to such a state that even one's own bones become visible, while enemies feast their eyes with delight.
This psalm portrays a moment of extreme suffering and desolation, where the speaker feels utterly abandoned and overwhelmed by enemies. It's a cry from the depths, describing a physical and emotional agony so intense it leaves him feeling like a mere skeleton. The enemies are depicted as gloating, dehumanizing him in his suffering, and even anticipating his demise by dividing his possessions.
The verse paints a stark image of extreme physical suffering. What does this vivid description reveal about the depth of the psalmist's distress?
The phrase "I can count all my bones" is a powerful metaphor for emaciation and suffering. It suggests a body so weakened and gaunt that the skeletal structure is plainly visible, almost as if one could meticulously count each bone.
The psalmist isn't just suffering alone; he's a spectacle for his enemies. What does their 'staring' reveal about their hearts?
The second part of the verse, 'they stare and gloat over me,' shifts the focus from the psalmist's internal state to the external cruelty of his tormentors.
Understand the original words
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.
This psalm, traditionally attributed to David, finds its most profound and literal fulfillment in the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where the physical agony and the taunts of his enemies are starkly depicted.
c. 1000 BC
Reign of King David
The traditional authorship of Psalm 22 is attributed to King David, reflecting a period of intense personal suffering and persecution.
c. 700-500 BC
Compilation of the Psalter
Psalm 22 was compiled and preserved within the collection of psalms, becoming part of Israel's sacred worship and prophecy.
c. 300 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures (the Septuagint) renders Psalm 22:17, suggesting the suffering described was already understood to be profound.
AD 26-36
Ministry of Jesus
Jesus Christ lived, ministered, and eventually suffered crucifixion in Judea, a Roman province.
AD 30-33— this verse
This passage describes the crowd at the crucifixion, staring and mocking Jesus, directly reflecting the 'stare and gloat' mentioned in the Psalm, showing a fulfillment of this sorrowful observation.
Matthew 27:35This verse details the soldiers casting lots for Jesus' garments, a specific event prophesied in the surrounding verses of Psalm 22, highlighting the Psalm's prophetic accuracy concerning the Messiah's suffering.
John 19:24This passage references the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the soldiers dividing Jesus' garments and casting lots for his tunic, further emphasizing the Psalm's connection to the events of the crucifixion.
Isaiah 53:3This verse describes the Suffering Servant as 'despised and rejected by men,' a sentiment echoed in Psalm 22:6 and the overall tone of abandonment and suffering, showing the prophetic link between the Psalm and the Servant Songs.
Lamentations 2:15-16This passage describes Jerusalem's enemies looking and gloating over its destruction, similar to the enemies' malicious gaze in Psalm 22, illustrating a parallel between national devastation and personal suffering.
clarkePsalms 22:17: "I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me."
I may tell all my bones - This may refer to the violent extension of his body when the whole of its weight hung upon the nails which attached his hands to the transverse beam of the cross. The body being thus extended, the principal bones became prominent, and easily discernible.
wesleyPsalms 22:17: "I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me."
22:17 May tell - By my being stretched out upon the cross.
The phrase "they stare and gloat over me" reveals that the focus isn't just on the physical suffering, but on the malicious joy of onlookers who are captivated by this horrific spectacle. It highlights the deep humiliation of being reduced to such a state that even one's own bones become visible, while enemies feast their eyes with delight.
This psalm portrays a moment of extreme suffering and desolation, where the speaker feels utterly abandoned and overwhelmed by enemies. It's a cry from the depths, describing a physical and emotional agony so intense it leaves him feeling like a mere skeleton. The enemies are depicted as gloating, dehumanizing him in his suffering, and even anticipating his demise by dividing his possessions.
This psalm portrays a moment of extreme suffering and desolation, where the speaker feels utterly abandoned and overwhelmed by enemies. It's a cry from the depths, describing a physical and emotional agony so intense it leaves him feeling like a mere skeleton. The enemies are depicted as gloating, dehumanizing him in his suffering, and even anticipating his demise by dividing his possessions.
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Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified by Roman soldiers. This event is seen as the literal fulfillment of many prophecies in Psalm 22.
AD 33
Resurrection of Jesus
According to Christian belief, Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, a pivotal event that validates his identity and sacrifice.
"I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me;" — The phrase "they stare and gloat over me" reveals that the focus isn't just on the physical suffering, but on the malicious joy of onlookers who are captivated by this horrific spectacle. It highligh…