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)
The text doesn't just say people mock; it describes specific, physical gestures of utter contempt – "shooting out the lip" and "wagging their heads." These aren't just insults, but actions meant to dehumanize and express complete disdain, revealing the depth of the Psalmist's (and Christ's) suffering.
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)
The psalmist is deep in suffering, feeling utterly abandoned and despised. He describes himself as a "worm" (verse 6), an object of contempt to everyone who sees him. This intense personal anguish continues into verse 7, where he details the physical gestures of mockery—their gaping mouths and wagging heads—that signal his profound humiliation. The surrounding verses show this isn't just random misfortune; it's a desperate cry to God against overwhelming opposition and scorn.
Imagine the sheer humiliation. People aren't just ignoring you; they're actively mocking your pain. This verse paints a picture of intense public shame.
Physical Gestures of Derision
In Psalm 22:7, the Psalmist describes the outward expressions of those who scorn him: "they make mouths at me; they wag their heads." These aren't just idle words; they are physical acts meant to convey utter contempt.
These actions highlight the public, visceral nature of the suffering. It's not just internal pain; it's external humiliation, where every observer becomes a judge and a mocker.
The Psalmist feels stripped bare, not just of comfort, but of dignity. His suffering turns him into a spectacle for others' cruel entertainment.
The 'Worm' Becomes a Public Joke
Verse 6 introduces the Psalmist's self-description: 'But I am a worm and not a man.' This sets the stage for the intense public mockery described in verse 7. The contrast is stark:
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The people see his lowliness and respond with derision, not empathy. His perceived weakness becomes an invitation for their cruelty. This transformation of a person's deep personal anguish into a public spectacle is a devastating aspect of his suffering.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
While deeply personal to David's experience of suffering and rejection, Psalm 22 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose suffering and mockery on the cross echo the Psalmist's lament with profound specificity.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King of Israel
David, renowned as a warrior and poet, faced numerous trials and persecutions throughout his life, including betrayal by his own people and the constant threat of his enemies.
c. 1000 BC
Widespread Political Instability
The early monarchy in Israel was often marked by internal strife and external threats from neighboring nations, creating an atmosphere of insecurity and conflict.
c. 1000 BC
Prophetic Traditions Develop
Alongside the monarchy, prophetic voices emerged, offering divine messages that sometimes critiqued the actions of leaders and the people, leading to tension.
c. 1000 BC
Development of Temple Worship
The establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and the focus on centralized worship created new social and religious dynamics within the Israelite community.
This passage directly quotes and applies the imagery of Psalm 22:7 to the onlookers who mocked Jesus as he was being crucified, showing a fulfillment of the Psalmist's words.
Luke 23:35Luke uses the same Greek word found in the Septuagint translation of Psalm 22:7 to describe the rulers and the people mocking Jesus, highlighting the shared theme of derision against the suffering righteous one.
Job 16:10This passage in Job describes a similar physical expression of scorn – 'gaping with their mouths' – illustrating that the act of mocking with gestures was a recognizable sign of contempt long before this Psalm was written.
Isaiah 53:3This prophetic passage describes the 'Man of Sorrows' as 'despised and rejected by mankind,' echoing the deep social isolation and scorn that the Psalmist experiences in Psalm 22:7.
Psalms 35:21This verse uses similar language of antagonists 'opening their mouths wide' against the Psalmist in mockery, reinforcing the theme of being ridiculed through exaggerated physical expressions.
pulpitPsalms 22:7: "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,"
Verse 7. - All they that see me laugh me to scorn; ἐξεμυκτήρισάν με, LXX. (comp. Luke 23:35, "The people stood beholding;and the rulers also with them derided him (ἐξεμυκτήριζον)"). They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying (see Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29: "They that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads," where the expression of the Septuagint is again used).
poolePsalms 22:7: "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,"
Laugh me to scorn; instead of pitying or helping, deride me, and insult over me; such is their inhumanity. They shoot out the lip; they gape with their mouths, and put forth their tongues, in mockery. See Job 16:10 Isaiah 57:4 . They shake the head; another posture of scoffers. See Job 16:4 Psalm 44:14 Isaiah 37:22 . This and the next verse are applied to Christ, Matthew 27:39,43 . Saying…
The text doesn't just say people mock; it describes specific, physical gestures of utter contempt – "shooting out the lip" and "wagging their heads." These aren't just insults, but actions meant to dehumanize and express complete disdain, revealing the depth of the Psalmist's (and Christ's) suffering.
The psalmist is deep in suffering, feeling utterly abandoned and despised. He describes himself as a "worm" (verse 6), an object of contempt to everyone who sees him. This intense personal anguish continues into verse 7, where he details the physical gestures of mockery—their gaping mouths and wagging heads—that signal his profound humiliation. The surrounding verses show this isn't just random misfortune; it's a desperate cry to God against overwhelming opposition and scorn.
The psalmist is deep in suffering, feeling utterly abandoned and despised. He describes himself as a "worm" (verse 6), an object of contempt to everyone who sees him. This intense personal anguish continues into verse 7, where he details the physical gestures of mockery—their gaping mouths and wagging heads—that signal his profound humiliation. The surrounding verses show this isn't just random misfortune; it's a desperate cry to God against overwhelming opposition and scorn.
"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!”" — The text doesn't just say people mock; it describes specific, physical gestures of utter contempt – "shooting out the lip" and "wagging their heads." These aren't just insults, but actions meant to d…
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Last reviewed October 2026