Psalms 22:6-8
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; “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about feeling low; it's a deliberate self-abasement. By calling himself a "worm," the psalmist emphasizes his absolute helplessness and worthlessness in human eyes, highlighting how despised he is as one "not a man." This profound degradation is precisely the point, setting up a stark contrast with God's holiness and power.
The Psalmist begins by recalling God's faithfulness to Israel's ancestors, who trusted Him and were delivered. He then contrasts this with his own dire situation, feeling utterly forsaken and reduced to less than human status. This lament describes his profound helplessness and the mockery he faces from everyone, highlighting a deep sense of rejection and insignificance.
Imagine feeling so utterly insignificant and exposed that you can barely be called human. This verse paints a stark picture of that kind of despair.
The Psalmist, and by extension, the suffering Servant (Jesus), declares, 'I am a worm and not a man.' This isn't just about feeling sad; it's a profound statement of worthlessness.
Utter Degradation
A 'worm' in ancient thought represented the absolute lowest form of life – defenseless, easily crushed, and ignored. It’s a creature with no agency, no power, and no inherent value in the eyes of the world.
Stripped of Humanity
By saying 'and not a man,' the Psalmist emphasizes a complete stripping away of human dignity. It’s not that the speaker isn't human biologically, but that in his current state, he is treated as less than human. He is removed from the category of beings who are recognized, protected, or respected.
This profound self-abasement highlights the extreme suffering and rejection experienced, pointing to a desolation so deep it negates the very concept of 'manhood' as it's normally understood.
It's one thing to feel worthless, but it's another to be the target of widespread mockery and contempt. This verse shows the public dimension of the suffering.
The words 'scorned by mankind and despised by the people' reveal the social and communal rejection that accompanies the deep personal anguish.
Universal Contempt
'Scorned by mankind' suggests a broad, almost universal, disdain. It’s not just one person or group, but humanity itself seems to turn away in mockery.
The People's Rejection
'Despised by the people' zeroes in on the specific rejection by the community, the nation, the very ones who should offer solidarity. This isn't just indifference; it's active contempt, leading to gestures like thrusting out the lip and shaking the head in derision (as further described in verses 7-8).
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.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people.
batach · Hebrew Verb
To rely completely upon God's character, promises, and power; it involves a relational commitment and firm confidence in the face of circumstances.
The description of being 'a worm and not a man' powerfully captures a sense of utter degradation and helplessness. While David, the psalmist, likely used this to express his own deep suffering and lowliness, the New Testament writers and early Christians saw this verse, along with others in Psalm 22, as a direct prophecy fulfilled in the intense suffering and humiliation of Jesus Christ.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King of Israel
David, a celebrated king and warrior, faces intense personal suffering and betrayal, leading him to express profound anguish and feelings of abandonment in the Psalms.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Prophesies
The prophet Isaiah uses similar imagery of a 'worm' to describe the suffering servant of the Lord, a passage that would later be understood to foreshadow the Messiah's suffering.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Israelites are deported to Babylon, a period of national crisis and deep spiritual reflection that deeply influenced later expressions of lament and hope in the Psalms.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus Christ, seen by Christians as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, endures immense suffering, mockery, and abandonment, echoing the sentiments of Psalm 22.
This passage echoes the sentiment of insignificance and helplessness by calling Israel a 'worm,' highlighting a theme of God's seemingly weak people being used for His purposes.
Isaiah 53:2-3These verses describe the suffering servant who was 'despised and rejected by men' and had 'no form or majesty' that we should look upon Him, directly paralleling the scorn and lack of perceived value mentioned in the Psalm.
Job 25:6This verse offers a similar description of human frailty and insignificance, stating that humans are like 'a maggot, a grub' and therefore of little worth in God's sight, reinforcing the idea of deep abasement.
Lamentations 3:14Jeremiah expresses a similar feeling of being a 'laughingstock' and 'object of ridicule' to all his people, showing that this experience of profound societal rejection is not unique to one person or time.
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…
This verse isn't just about feeling low; it's a deliberate self-abasement. By calling himself a "worm," the psalmist emphasizes his absolute helplessness and worthlessness in human eyes, highlighting how despised he is as one "not a man." This profound degradation is precisely the point, setting up a stark contrast with God's holiness and power.
The Psalmist begins by recalling God's faithfulness to Israel's ancestors, who trusted Him and were delivered. He then contrasts this with his own dire situation, feeling utterly forsaken and reduced to less than human status. This lament describes his profound helplessness and the mockery he faces from everyone, highlighting a deep sense of rejection and insignificance.
The Psalmist begins by recalling God's faithfulness to Israel's ancestors, who trusted Him and were delivered. He then contrasts this with his own dire situation, feeling utterly forsaken and reduced to less than human status. This lament describes his profound helplessness and the mockery he faces from everyone, highlighting a deep sense of rejection and insignificance.
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This public humiliation, being the object of mockery and scorn from both the general populace and those closest, amplifies the suffering. It shows a complete ostracization, where the very people meant to be a source of comfort become the source of deepest shame.
natsal · Hebrew Verb
To set free or preserve from danger, distress, or enemies; it frequently describes God’s intervention on behalf of those who are weak or oppressed.
chaphets · Hebrew Verb
To find great pleasure or favor in someone; in a theological sense, it often refers to God's sovereign choice and affectionate regard for His people.
"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; “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, fo…" — This verse isn't just about feeling low; it's a deliberate self-abasement. By calling himself a "worm," the psalmist emphasizes his absolute helplessness and worthlessness in human eyes, highlighting…
