Psalms 22:7-8
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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The verse emphasizes not just the mocking words, but the physical gestures of contempt—the jutting lip and shaking head—revealing how deeply the Psalmist felt the public humiliation and scorn directed at him. These actions, far more than spoken insults, convey a visceral sense of being utterly disregarded and ridiculed by those who witnessed his suffering.
The psalmist is in deep distress, feeling utterly abandoned and scorned by everyone around him, comparing himself to a worm. This cry for help follows an affirmation of God's holiness and past faithfulness to Israel, setting up a stark contrast with his current suffering. The scorn described is not just verbal abuse but includes demeaning physical gestures, laying bare the depth of his humiliation before onlookers who mock his plight.
Imagine being completely alone, the object of everyone's scorn. This verse paints a vivid picture of such isolation through specific, degrading actions.
The Psalmist describes the physical actions of those mocking him: 'they make mouths at me; they wag their heads.' These aren't just words; they are visual taunts.
The 'Shooting Out of the Lip'
This phrase, literally meaning to 'open with the lip,' describes a gesture of extreme disdain. It could involve gaping the mouth wide or protruding the tongue in mockery. It's a primal, non-verbal way of saying, 'You are nothing.'
The 'Wagging of the Head'
This gesture is universally understood as expressing scorn, disbelief, or derision. It’s the enemy’s way of saying, 'Look at this fool,' or 'Can you believe this?'
Together, these physical expressions amplify the verbal abuse, creating an overwhelming atmosphere of humiliation and rejection.
In moments of deep suffering, it feels like the whole world has turned against you. This verse captures that profound sense of isolation.
The phrase 'All who see me mock me' emphasizes the totality of the rejection. It’s not just a few individuals; it’s everyone who witnesses the suffering person's plight.
Universal Derision
There is no refuge, no friendly face. Anyone who looks upon the suffering individual joins in the condemnation. This creates an unbearable psychological burden, where even the act of being seen becomes a source of pain.
The Contrast with God's Presence
This outward rejection often intensifies an inner feeling of abandonment, especially when one has previously known God's favor. The Psalmist, in essence, is crying out, 'Even those who see me, who should perhaps show pity, add to my suffering. Where is the divine solace?'
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 Psalms are rich with theological truth, many passages, including this one, describe the physical and emotional anguish of suffering. The historical context reveals these expressions often mirrored real-life persecution, betrayal, and the deep sense of abandonment experienced by individuals like David, and ultimately, as Christians believe, by Jesus himself on the cross.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King
Psalms, traditionally attributed to David, often reflect personal experiences of persecution, betrayal, and suffering during his tumultuous reign.
c. 700 BC
Assyrian Empire's Dominance
The period of the Assyrian Empire saw significant political instability and military campaigns throughout the ancient Near East, influencing the backdrop of many Psalms.
c. 605 BC - 539 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Babylonian Exile profoundly impacted Jewish identity and worship, with many Psalms reflecting the sorrow and hope of this period of national crisis.
c. 1st Century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Under Roman occupation, Judea experienced political tension and oppression, a context that many believe sheds light on the Messianic expectations and sufferings described in the Psalms.
This Gospel passage directly quotes and applies the imagery of Psalm 22:7 to the crowd mocking Jesus as he was being crucified, highlighting the prophetic nature of the psalm.
Luke 23:35This account describes the rulers and the people mocking Jesus during his crucifixion, using a Greek word that is a direct translation of the Hebrew in Psalm 22:7, showing the fulfillment of the psalm's description.
Job 16:10This passage uses similar imagery of hostile crowds
Psalms 35:21This psalm employs the same vivid language of enemies opening their mouths wide and making mocking gestures, reinforcing the theme of unjust suffering and public ridicule.
Isaiah 53:3This prophetic passage describes the Suffering Servant as 'despised and rejected by mankind,' which captures the essence of the scorn and mockery detailed in Psalm 22:7.
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 verse emphasizes not just the mocking words, but the physical gestures of contempt—the jutting lip and shaking head—revealing how deeply the Psalmist felt the public humiliation and scorn directed at him. These actions, far more than spoken insults, convey a visceral sense of being utterly disregarded and ridiculed by those who witnessed his suffering.
The psalmist is in deep distress, feeling utterly abandoned and scorned by everyone around him, comparing himself to a worm. This cry for help follows an affirmation of God's holiness and past faithfulness to Israel, setting up a stark contrast with his current suffering. The scorn described is not just verbal abuse but includes demeaning physical gestures, laying bare the depth of his humiliation before onlookers who mock his plight.
The psalmist is in deep distress, feeling utterly abandoned and scorned by everyone around him, comparing himself to a worm. This cry for help follows an affirmation of God's holiness and past faithfulness to Israel, setting up a stark contrast with his current suffering. The scorn described is not just verbal abuse but includes demeaning physical gestures, laying bare the depth of his humiliation before onlookers who mock his plight.
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c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
The mocking and derision described in Psalms 22 are powerfully seen as fulfilled in the experience of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
"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 verse emphasizes not just the mocking words, but the physical gestures of contempt—the jutting lip and shaking head—revealing how deeply the Psalmist felt the public humiliation and scorn direc…
