Psalms 22:12
Psalms 22:12 in Multiple Translations
Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
Many bulls have compassed me; Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
A great herd of oxen is round me: I am shut in by the strong oxen of Bashan.
Enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; strong bulls from Bashan have encircled me.
Many yong bulles haue compassed me: mightie bulles of Bashan haue closed me about.
Many bulls have surrounded me, Mighty ones of Bashan have compassed me,
Many bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
My enemies surround me like a herd/group of wild bulls. Fierce people, like those strong bulls that graze on the hills in Bashan area, encircle me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 22:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 22:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּרְחַ֣ק
מִ֭מֶּ/נִּי
כִּי
צָרָ֣ה
קְרוֹבָ֑ה
כִּי
אֵ֥ין
עוֹזֵֽר
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּרְחַ֣ק
râchaq
H7368
to remove
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
מִ֭מֶּ/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
צָרָ֣ה
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
N-fs
קְרוֹבָ֑ה
qârôwb
H7138
near
Adj
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
עוֹזֵֽר
ʻâzar
H5826
to help
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 22:12
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּרְחַ֣ק
râchaq
H7368
"to remove"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
מִ֭מֶּ/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
צָרָ֣ה
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
N-fs
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
קְרוֹבָ֑ה
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
עוֹזֵֽר
ʻâzar
H5826
"to help"
V-Qal
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
Study Notes — Psalms 22:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 22:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
- Sermons on Psalms 22:12
Context — The Psalm of the Cross
10From birth I was cast upon You; from my mother’s womb You have been my God.
11Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
12Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul. 14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 4:1–3 | Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy, who say to your husbands, “Bring us more to drink.” The Lord GOD has sworn by His holiness: “Behold, the days are coming when you will be taken away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks. You will go out through broken walls, each one straight ahead of her, and you will be cast out toward Harmon, ” declares the LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 68:30 | Rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations, until it submits, bringing bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. |
| 3 | Acts 4:27 | In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. |
| 4 | Matthew 27:1 | When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 32:14–15 | with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine. But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked— becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 39:18 | You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all the fattened animals of Bashan. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 50:11 | “Because you rejoice, because you sing in triumph— you who plunder My inheritance— because you frolic like a heifer treading grain and neigh like stallions, |
| 8 | Isaiah 34:7 | And the wild oxen will fall with them, the young bulls with the strong ones. Their land will be drenched with blood, and their soil will be soaked with fat. |
Psalms 22:12 Summary
This verse, Psalms 22:12, uses a powerful and scary image to describe how the psalmist feels - like he's surrounded by strong and fierce enemies, symbolized by the 'bulls of Bashan'. It's a picture of feeling completely overwhelmed and trapped, but it reminds us that even in those moments, God is near, as promised in Psalms 23:4 and Deuteronomy 31:6. The psalmist's cry for help in the preceding verse, Psalms 22:11, shows us that even when we feel abandoned, we can still call out to God for rescue and comfort, trusting in His goodness and love, as expressed in Psalms 34:17-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the 'bulls' in Psalms 22:12 represent?
The 'bulls' in this verse are likely a metaphor for powerful enemies or oppressors, as seen in other passages like Psalms 68:30, where God scatters the bulls of the peoples who delight in war.
What is the significance of 'Bashan' in this verse?
Bashan was a region known for its fertile land and strong cattle, so the 'strong bulls of Bashan' may symbolize the most powerful and intimidating foes, emphasizing the severity of the psalmist's situation, similar to the way God describes the strength of the nations in Numbers 21:33 and Ezekiel 39:18.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' experience on the cross?
While Psalms 22 is a messianic psalm, this specific verse is more about the psalmist's emotional and spiritual state, but it sets the stage for the crucifixion scene where Jesus, like the psalmist, feels abandoned and surrounded by enemies, as described in Matthew 27:35-44 and Luke 23:35-43.
What can we learn from the psalmist's use of animal imagery in this verse?
The use of animal imagery, like bulls and lions in Psalms 22:12-13, teaches us that our spiritual struggles can feel overwhelming and ferocious, but God is our deliverer, as seen in Psalms 50:10-11, where He claims ownership over all animals, including the mighty ones.
Reflection Questions
- How do you feel when you are surrounded by difficulties or enemies, and what does this verse teach you about God's presence in those moments?
- In what ways can you identify with the psalmist's sense of being encircled by powerful foes, and how can you apply the truths of this verse to your life?
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of spiritual warfare, and how can you prepare yourself for such battles, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- How does the image of strong bulls and lions affect your perception of God's power and your trust in Him, especially in light of verses like Romans 8:37-39?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:12
Many bulls have compassed me,.... By whom are meant the chief priests, elders, Scribes, and Pharisees, among the Jews, and Herod and Pontius Pilate among the Gentiles, comparable to bulls for their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:12
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. Many bulls - implying the strength and violence of His enemies, while he was as the gentle and weak 'hind' (title).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
Bulls; wicked, and violent, and potent enemies; for such are so called, . Strong bulls of Bashan, i.e. fat and lusty, as the cattle there bred were, 32:14, and therefore fierce and furious.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
Psalms 22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round.Ver. 12. Many bulls have compassed me] Young bulls, which noteth their lustiness and courage. Tauri bene saginati et petulci. Strong bulls of Bashan] A far country beyond Jordan, famous for fat and fierce cattle. Hereby are meant princes and potentates, persecutors of Christ and his people, against whom they run and rush with utmost might and malice, but not always with desired success. Of the wild bull it is said, that of all things he cannot abide any red colour. Therefore the hunter for the nonce standing before a tree, puts on a red garment; whom, when the bull seeth, he runneth hard at him, as hard as he can drive; but the hunter slipping aside, the bull’ s horns stick fast in the tree; as, when David slipped aside, Saul’ s spear stuck fast in the wall. In like manner, saith a divine, Christ standing before the tree of his cross, put on a red garment dipped and dyed in his own blood, as one that cometh with red garments from Bozra, Isaiah 63:1. Therefore the devil and his agents, like wild bulls of Bashan, ran at him. But he, saving himself, their horns stick fast in the cross; as Abraham’ s ram by his horns stuck fast in the briers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
(12) Bulls of Bashan.—For “Bashan” see Numbers 21:33; for its pastures and cattle, comp. Deuteronomy 32:14, and for the figures, Amos 4:1. Instead of “fat bulls,” the LXX. and Vulgate paraphrase “strong ones of Bashan.” The point of the comparison lies in the wantonness and insolence of pampered pride, displayed by the minions of fortune.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
Verse 12. Many bulls have compassed me] The bull is the emblem of brutal strength, that gores and tramples down all before it. Such was Absalom, Ahithophel, and others, who rose up in rebellion against David; and such were the Jewish rulers who conspired against Christ. Strong bulls of Bashan] Bashan was a district beyond Jordan, very fertile, where they were accustomed to fatten cattle, which became, in consequence of the excellent pasture, the largest, as well as the fattest, in the country. See Calmet. All in whose hands were the chief power and influence became David's enemies; for Absalom had stolen away the hearts of all Israel. Against Christ, the chiefs both of Jews and Gentiles were united.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:12
12. He compares his insolent enemies to wanton bulls, which “are in the habit of gathering in a circle round any novel or unaccustomed object, and may easily be irritated into charging with their horns” (Tristram, Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 71). Bashan is here used in a wide sense for the district from the Jabbok to the spurs of Hermon, including part of Gilead. It was famous for its rich pastures (Numbers 32:1 ff.; Deuteronomy 32:14; Amos 4:1).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:12
Many bulls have compassed me - Men with the fierceness and fury of bulls. Compare Isaiah 51:20; Psalms 68:30.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:12
12. Many bulls have compassed me— “Under the names of ferocious beasts, mentioned here and in Psalms 22:13; Psalms 22:16; Psalms 22:20-21, are signified powerful and deadly enemies.”—French and Skinner.
Sermons on Psalms 22:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Behold the Lamb by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the testimony of Jesus and his experience on the cross. Jesus expresses his feelings of abandonment by God and questions why he has been for |
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The Suffering of Christ by John Musser | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being born again and having a genuine experience of salvation. He quotes from the Bible, stating that without holiness and |
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The Spirit Commited to God by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound significance of committing our spirits to God, drawing parallels between Christ's final words on the cross and the believer's journey |
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(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 2. Man- Poor and Needy by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the plight of being poor and needy in this world. He explains that those who are in such a condition have a special appeal to the merciful a |
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Prepare to Meet Your God by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of genuine worship from the heart. He criticizes those who engage in religious activities without true devotion to God. The p |
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Judas Iscariot, the Suicide of Satan, and the Salvation of the World by John Piper | This sermon delves into the profound truths surrounding the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, highlighting the role of Satan, God's sovereignty over sin, and the ultimate p |
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(Genesis) 56 - Joseph Prepared by Providence in Pharaoh's Prison by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's hand in the difficulties and challenges of life. He uses the example of Joseph, who experienced hardships |