Psalms 22:6-7
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "I am a worm and not a man" highlights a profound self-emptying, indicating a state of utter degradation and helplessness so extreme that the speaker feels less than human. This is not about literal weakness, but about being perceived and treated as worthless, despised, and utterly insignificant by all.
This verse comes at a pivotal moment where the psalmist, after praising God's faithfulness to past generations, dramatically shifts to his own dire circumstances. He contrasts his present state of extreme suffering and rejection with the historical deliverance of God's people. The words that follow will describe the mockery and abandonment he faces, underscoring his profound sense of helplessness and isolation.
Why would someone in such profound distress compare themselves to a worm? This isn't just a poetic flourish; it's a raw cry from the deepest part of suffering.
The imagery of a "worm" in Psalm 22:6 speaks volumes about the speaker's state. It signifies.
Utter Helplessness
A worm is defenseless, easily crushed, and offers no resistance. It represents someone stripped of all power and agency.
Deep Degradation
This creature is often found in dirt and decay, symbolizing a state of extreme lowliness and being trampled underfoot by others.
Insignificance
Comparatively, a worm is seen as worthless, beneath notice. The speaker feels so utterly abandoned and degraded that they are even less than a human being in their own estimation and in the eyes of others.
The verse contrasts being a 'worm' with being 'not a man.' What does this profound statement reveal about the nature of this suffering?
While the "worm" imagery conveys absolute lowliness, the phrase 'and not a man' adds another layer of meaning, pointing to a suffering that transcends ordinary human experience.
Beyond Human Suffering
This isn't just the pain of a man experiencing hardship; it's a state so debased that the speaker feels they are no longer recognized or treated as human. This isolation amplifies the distress.
A Picture of Christ
Commentators strongly connect this verse to Jesus Christ. His suffering wasn't just the rejection of a man, but a divinely ordained humiliation where He was treated as less than human, scorned and despised by all.
Redemptive Humiliation
Understand the original words
tola'ath · Hebrew Noun
A term used to express extreme humility, helplessness, and social insignificance, often depicting someone who is being trampled upon or treated with utter contempt.
ish · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to the human race or humanity in general, often emphasizing our status as creatures created by God, yet fallen and prone to sin.
This verse, deeply personal to David in his suffering, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who as the suffering servant, was indeed treated as a 'worm'—utterly devalued and crushed by humanity.
c. 1010 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King of Israel
King David, a man after God's own heart, experienced intense persecution from enemies like Saul and later faced internal rebellions and personal failures, leading to deep laments in his Psalms.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Prophesies to Judah
The prophet Isaiah uses similar imagery of a 'worm' to describe the vulnerable and suffering servant of the Lord who would be despised by people.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Judah
Many Judeans were deported to Babylon, experiencing profound loss, alienation, and a sense of God's abandonment, which shaped their understanding of suffering and God's promises.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus, the Messiah, was publicly humiliated, scourged, and executed, fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering servant despised and forsaken by both God and man.
This passage directly calls Israel a 'worm' that is helped by God, echoing the helplessness and despised state described in Psalms 22:6.
Isaiah 53:2-3These verses vividly describe the Suffering Servant as having 'no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him,' and as being 'despised and rejected by men,' mirroring the deep degradation of the Psalmist.
Job 25:6This verse uses the imagery of a 'worm' and 'man' to describe human insignificance and sinfulness, providing a conceptual parallel to the Psalmist's self-deprecation.
Luke 18:32This verse records Jesus foretelling his suffering, betrayal, and mocking, which directly fulfills the experience of being 'scorned by mankind and despised by the people' in Psalms 22:6.
clarkePsalms 22:6: "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people."
But I am a worm, and no man - I can see no sense in which our Lord could use these terms. David might well use them to express his vileness and worthlessness. The old Psalter gives this a remarkable turn: I am a worme, that es, I am borne of the mayden with outen manseede; and nout man anely, bot god als so: and nevir the latter, I am reprove of men. In spitting, buffetyng, and punging with the thornes an…
poolePsalms 22:6: "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people."
Our fathers were honoured by thee and by others, because of thy appearance for their defence and deliverance; but I am treated like a worm, i.e. neglected and despised, both by thee, who dost not afford me help, and by the men of my age and nation, as it follows. For the phrase, see Job 25:6 Isaiah 41:14 . Despised of the people; not only of the great men, but also of the common people; which doth not so…
The phrase "I am a worm and not a man" highlights a profound self-emptying, indicating a state of utter degradation and helplessness so extreme that the speaker feels less than human. This is not about literal weakness, but about being perceived and treated as worthless, despised, and utterly insignificant by all.
This verse comes at a pivotal moment where the psalmist, after praising God's faithfulness to past generations, dramatically shifts to his own dire circumstances. He contrasts his present state of extreme suffering and rejection with the historical deliverance of God's people. The words that follow will describe the mockery and abandonment he faces, underscoring his profound sense of helplessness and isolation.
This verse comes at a pivotal moment where the psalmist, after praising God's faithfulness to past generations, dramatically shifts to his own dire circumstances. He contrasts his present state of extreme suffering and rejection with the historical deliverance of God's people. The words that follow will describe the mockery and abandonment he faces, underscoring his profound sense of helplessness and isolation.
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This extreme abasement, while agonizing, served a divine purpose. It was through this complete emptying of Himself, being made 'no man' in the eyes of the world, that Christ could ultimately achieve salvation for humanity.
The verse doesn't just mention internal feelings of worthlessness, but also how others reacted. What does this public shame signify?
The final part of the verse details the outward experience of contempt: 'scorned by mankind and despised by the people.' This highlights the social and communal aspect of the suffering.
Universal Rejection
'Mankind' suggests a broad, encompassing rejection, while 'the people' points to a more specific, intimate contempt from those closest, including one's own community or nation.
Gestures of Contempt
Ancient commentaries often point to the physical actions that accompanied this scorn – the mocking gestures, the turning away, the open ridicule described in the following verses. This wasn't passive dislike but active, public humiliation.
A Mirror to Christ's Experience
This accurately reflects the public derision Jesus faced. He was mocked by the crowds, reviled by religious leaders, and ultimately abandoned by His disciples. His suffering was intensely public and designed to shame Him completely.
"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;" — The phrase "I am a worm and not a man" highlights a profound self-emptying, indicating a state of utter degradation and helplessness so extreme that the speaker feels less than human. This is not abo…
