Psalms 22:15
Psalms 22:15 in Multiple Translations
My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
My throat is dry like a broken vessel; my tongue is fixed to the roof of my mouth, and the dust of death is on my lips.
My strength has dried up like a piece of broken pottery. My tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth. You're burying me as if I'm already dead.
My strength is dryed vp like a potsheard, and my tongue cleaueth to my iawes, and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
Dried up as an earthen vessel is my power, And my tongue is cleaving to my jaws.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have brought me into the dust of death.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
My strength is all dried up [MET] like a broken piece of a clay jar that has dried in the sun. I am so thirsty that my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. O God, I think that you are about to let me die and become dirt!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 22:15
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 22:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ/מַּ֥יִם
נִשְׁפַּכְתִּי֮
וְ/הִתְפָּֽרְד֗וּ
כָּֽל
עַצְמ֫וֹתָ֥/י
הָיָ֣ה
לִ֭בִּ/י
כַּ/דּוֹנָ֑ג
נָ֝מֵ֗ס
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
מֵעָֽ/י
כַּ/מַּ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
נִשְׁפַּכְתִּי֮
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
וְ/הִתְפָּֽרְד֗וּ
pârad
H6504
to separate
Conj | V-Hithpael-Perf-3cp
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עַצְמ֫וֹתָ֥/י
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp | Suff
הָיָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֭בִּ/י
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
כַּ/דּוֹנָ֑ג
dôwnag
H1749
wax
Prep | N-ms
נָ֝מֵ֗ס
mâçaç
H4549
to melt
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
מֵעָֽ/י
mêʻeh
H4578
belly
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 22:15
כַּ/מַּ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
נִשְׁפַּכְתִּי֮
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
וְ/הִתְפָּֽרְד֗וּ
pârad
H6504
"to separate"
Conj | V-Hithpael-Perf-3cp
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עַצְמ֫וֹתָ֥/י
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
הָיָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ֭בִּ/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
כַּ/דּוֹנָ֑ג
dôwnag
H1749
"wax"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to wax, often used figuratively to describe something that melts away. It appears in Psalm 68:2 and 97:5, where God's enemies melt like wax before him. It symbolizes weakness and vulnerability.
Definition: wax (always figurative 'of melting')
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: wax. See also: Psalms 22:15; Psalms 97:5; Psalms 68:3.
נָ֝מֵ֗ס
mâçaç
H4549
"to melt"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To melt or waste away is what this verb means, often used to describe something weakening or disappearing. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, describing the effects of disease or fear. This word can also mean to faint or lose strength.
Definition: 1) to dissolve, melt 1a) (Qal) to waste away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away 1b2) to faint, grow fearful (fig.) 1b3) wasted, worthless (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to melt
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 16:21; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 22:15.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
מֵעָֽ/י
mêʻeh
H4578
"belly"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to the internal organs, like the intestines or stomach, and can also mean sympathy or emotions. The KJV translates it as belly, bowels, or womb, depending on the context.
Definition: 1) internal organs, inward parts, bowels, intestines, belly 1a) inward parts 1b) digestive organs 1c) organs of procreation, womb 1d) place of emotions or distress or love (fig.) 1e) external belly Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְעָא "belly" H4577)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: belly, bowels, [idiom] heart, womb. See also: Genesis 15:4; Psalms 71:6; Psalms 22:15.
Study Notes — Psalms 22:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 22:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:15
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
- Sermons on Psalms 22:15
Context — The Psalm of the Cross
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.
15My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death.
16For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. 17I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 19:28 | After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” |
| 2 | Psalms 69:3 | I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. |
| 3 | Psalms 69:21 | They poisoned my food with gall and gave me vinegar to quench my thirst. |
| 4 | Isaiah 53:12 | Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. |
| 5 | Psalms 38:10 | My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded. |
| 6 | Psalms 32:3–4 | When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah |
| 7 | Psalms 104:29 | When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 15:3 | For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, |
| 9 | Matthew 27:50 | When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit. |
| 10 | Proverbs 17:22 | A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. |
Psalms 22:15 Summary
This verse describes the Psalmist's experience of feeling completely drained and helpless, like a broken piece of pottery. He's so thirsty that his tongue is stuck to the roof of his mouth, and he feels like he's been laid low in the dust of death. This is a powerful reminder that, no matter how weak or helpless we may feel, God is always with us and can bring us back to life (Psalm 71:20, Romans 8:11). By crying out to God in our desperation, we can experience His power and refreshment, just like the Psalmist did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Psalmist's strength to be 'dried up like a potsherd'?
A potsherd is a piece of broken pottery, so the Psalmist is saying that his strength has been completely drained, much like how Jeremiah 18:4 describes a potter's vessel being marred and remade, illustrating the fragility of human strength compared to God's power (Psalm 73:26).
Why does the Psalmist say his 'tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth'?
This phrase is a metaphor for extreme thirst and dehydration, as seen in Psalm 137:6, where the Psalmist says his tongue cleaves to the roof of his mouth, indicating a desperate need for spiritual and physical refreshment, which can only be quenched by God (John 4:14).
What does it mean to be 'laid in the dust of death'?
This phrase is a metaphor for being brought low, humbled, and helpless, much like how Job 16:15 describes being laid in the dust, and Psalm 119:25 describes being laid low in the dust, illustrating the Psalmist's complete dependence on God for deliverance and salvation (Psalm 30:3).
How does this verse relate to Jesus' experience on the cross?
This verse is often seen as a prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus' crucifixion, where He would experience extreme physical and spiritual suffering, as described in Matthew 27:48 and John 19:28, demonstrating how Jesus fully identified with human weakness and suffering (Hebrews 5:7-8).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have felt 'dried up' or depleted in my own life, and how can I turn to God for refreshment and restoration?
- How do I respond when I feel 'laid low' or helpless, and what can I learn from the Psalmist's example of crying out to God in desperation?
- In what ways can I identify with the Psalmist's experience of feeling overwhelmed and surrounded by enemies, and how can I apply the principles of this verse to my own life?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and dependence on God, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility in my own walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:15
My strength is dried up like a potsherd,.... The radical moisture of his body was dried up through his loss of blood and spirits, and through the violent fever upon him, brought on him by his being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:15
My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
I have in a manner no more radical moisture left in me than is in a dry potsherd. My tongue eleaveth to my jaws, through that excessive thirst and drought. See . Thou hast brought me into the dust of death; partly by thy providence delivering me into the power of mine enemies, and partly by thy terrors in my mind and soul.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
Psalms 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.Ver. 15. My strength is dried up like a potsherd] My spirits are utterly spent, my natural moisture quite wasted and dried up, Viror meus. Humidum radicale membra in unum conglutinans (Aben Ezra); so that I am even like a skin bottle in the smoke, &c. For "my strength" some read my palate. And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws] That which feedeth and facilitateth the motion of the tongue in speech is exhausted. Consider here the greatness of the divine displeasure poured upon Christ, our surety. Words are too weak to utter it. And thou hast brought me into the dust of death] Here is the utmost of our Saviour’ s humiliation. While alive he was a worm and no man; but now he is lower; for a living dog is better than a dead lion, saith Solomon. O humble Saviour, whither wilt thou descend?
Oh that the same mind might be in us, that was in Christ Jesus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
(15) My strength.—The conjecture, “my palate,” instead of “my strength,” improves the parallelism. Others, but not so happily, “my moisture.” The dust of death.—Comp. Shakespeare’s “Macbeth:” “The way to dusty death.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
Verse 15. My strength is dried up] All these expressions mark a most distressed and hopeless case. Into the dust of death.] This means only that he was apparently brought nigh to the grave, and consequent corruption; this latter David saw; but Jesus Christ never saw corruption.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:15
15. The vital sap and moisture of the body are dried up. Cp. Psalms 32:4. Possibly for my strength we should read my palate. Cp. Psalms 69:3. thou hast brought me] Thou art laying me. Even in this persecution he can recognise the hand of God. His tormentors are Jehovah’s instruments. Cp.
Acts 2:23.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:15
My strength is dried up like a potsherd, - A “potsherd” is a fragment of a broken pot, or a piece of earthenware. See Isaiah 45:9, note; and Job 2:8, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:15
15. Dried up like a potsherd—The humidity of my body is burned out like a piece of pottery in a furnace. The metaphor is twofold—the shrinking or drying by heat, and worthlessness, as a sherd or fragment of pottery.
Sermons on Psalms 22:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline in the life of a believer. He references the example of Paul, who worked tirelessly and faced hard |
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Seven Words From the Cross - Victory by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a British mother who prayed for her unconverted teenage son while on holiday. Meanwhile, the son finds a pamphlet and starts readi |
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Becoming What You Are by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of facing the issue of victory in our lives. He refers to Psalms 139:16, which speaks about God knowing and writing the days |
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The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached by Neil Rhodes | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sequence of events that occur when someone believes in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They emphasize that when we give our lives to God, He i |
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Perfect Love Casts Out Fear by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of approaching the day of judgment with fearlessness and confidence. He uses the example of a man named Wallace Blom who rece |
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Does Jesus Really Understand by Keith Price | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the emotional and spiritual anguish that Jesus experienced before his crucifixion. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus had not yet been physical |
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Victory by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of victory and how it has been lost in our lives. He shares a personal story about his son's struggle with living a Christian lif |