Psalms 22:21
Psalms 22:21 in Multiple Translations
Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!
Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
Save me from the lion’s mouth; Yea, from the horns of the wild-oxen thou hast answered me.
Be my saviour from the lion's mouth; let me go free from the horns of the cruel oxen.
Rescue me from the mouth of the lion and from the wild bulls!
Saue me from the lyons mouth, and answere me in sauing me from the hornes of the vnicornes.
Save me from the mouth of a lion: — And — from the horns of the high places Thou hast answered me!
Save me from the lion’s mouth! Yes, you have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen.
Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
Snatch me away from my enemies who are like lions whose jaws are already open, ready to chew me up Grab me away from those men who are like wild oxen that attack other animals with their horns [MET]!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 22:21
BAB
Word Study
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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 22:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַצִּ֣ילָ/ה
מֵ/חֶ֣רֶב
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
מִ/יַּד
כֶּ֝֗לֶב
יְחִידָתִֽ/י
הַצִּ֣ילָ/ה
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
מֵ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
מִ/יַּד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
כֶּ֝֗לֶב
keleb
H3611
dog
N-ms
יְחִידָתִֽ/י
yâchîyd
H3173
only
Adj | Suff
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 22:21
הַצִּ֣ילָ/ה
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
מֵ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מִ/יַּד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
כֶּ֝֗לֶב
keleb
H3611
"dog"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
יְחִידָתִֽ/י
yâchîyd
H3173
"only"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for only or solitary, describing something or someone unique or alone. It can also mean beloved or lonely, and is used to describe the only child or the only begotten son, emphasizing their special status.
Definition: adj 1) only, only one, solitary, one 1a) only, unique, one 1b) solitary 1c)(TWOT) only begotten son subst 2) one
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: darling, desolate, only (child, son), solitary. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 35:17; Psalms 22:21.
Study Notes — Psalms 22:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 22:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
- Sermons on Psalms 22:21
Context — The Psalm of the Cross
19But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs.
21Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!
22I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly. 23You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All descendants of Jacob, honor Him! All offspring of Israel, revere Him!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 4:17 | But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. |
| 2 | Numbers 23:22 | God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 5:8 | Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | John 8:59 | At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | John 14:30 | I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me. |
| 8 | Acts 5:30–32 | The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 33:17 | His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.” |
| 10 | Luke 22:53 | Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on Me. But this hour belongs to you and to the power of darkness.” |
Psalms 22:21 Summary
This verse is a cry for help from someone who is being attacked by powerful enemies, symbolized by the lion and the wild oxen. The psalmist is asking God to save him from these attacks, and he is remembering that God has answered him in the past. We can apply this verse to our own lives by trusting in God's power to deliver us from our enemies, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual, as seen in Psalms 34:4 and 1 Peter 5:8. By remembering God's past deliverances, we can have confidence that He will continue to help us in our times of need, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the lion and the wild oxen in Psalms 22:21?
The lion and the wild oxen are symbols of fierce and powerful enemies, and the psalmist is asking God to save him from their attacks, just as God has answered him in the past, as seen in Psalms 22:21, and as promised in Deuteronomy 33:17.
How does this verse relate to Jesus Christ?
This verse is often seen as a prophetic reference to Jesus Christ, who was crucified between two thieves, symbolized by the wild oxen, and who was subjected to the fierce attacks of His enemies, symbolized by the lion, as seen in Luke 23:32-33 and 1 Peter 5:8.
What does it mean to be saved from the mouth of the lion?
To be saved from the mouth of the lion means to be delivered from the power of Satan, who is referred to as a roaring lion in 1 Peter 5:8, and to be protected from the attacks of evil, as seen in Psalms 91:13.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse to our own lives by trusting in God's power to deliver us from the attacks of our enemies, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual, and by remembering that God has answered us in the past and will continue to do so, as seen in Psalms 34:4 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'lions' and 'wild oxen' that I am facing in my life right now, and how can I trust God to deliver me from them?
- How have I seen God answer me in the past, and how can I remember those times of deliverance when I am facing new challenges?
- What does it mean to me that God is my Strength and my Savior, and how can I rely on Him more fully in my daily life?
- How can I proclaim God's name and praise Him in the midst of difficult circumstances, as the psalmist does in Psalms 22:22-23?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 22:21
Save me from the lion's mouth,.... Either the devil, who is as a roaring lion, whom Christ overcame both in the garden and on the cross, and destroyed him and his works; or all his wicked enemies,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 22:21
Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me. Horsley proposed a distinctive pause between the prayer and the answer.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
The lion; either the devil, that raging and roaring lion, who did many ways assault and annoy him; or his lionlike enemies. Heard me, i.e. answered and delivered me. Unicorn; a strong, and fierce, and untamable wild beast; though the learned are not agreed about the kind of it. See of it ,10 Psalms 92:10 , and my Latin Synopsis on . For it is not worth while to trouble the unlearned reader with such disputes.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
Psalms 22:21 Save me from the lion’ s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. Ver. 21. Save me from the lion’ s mouth] 2 Timothy 4:17. David was oft snatched out of death’ s mouth, and so was Christ; for although he had his life taken away upon the cross, yet was it (as Calvin here well observeth) more miraculously and by greater power restored after death, than if he had been delivered from the cross; and it is a greater miracle to raise the dead than to heal the most dangerously sick, and to stay the life when it is departing. For thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns] See Hebrews 5:7. It is ordinary with David to call his enemies by the names of the fiercest creatures. This here mentioned, whether the unicorn, or rhinoceros, or some other wild beast, see Job 39:9, &c. Cornua habet fortiora aliorum cornibus, saith Aben Ezra; Et audivi quod deiecit seipsum ab alto monte super cornu eius, irrupto illo permanente. Asperrimam feram appellat Plinius.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
(21) Unicorns.—See Numbers 23:22; either “buffaloes” or “antelopes.” There is some uncertainty about the translation of the second clause of this verse. It may be (1) “And from the horns of buffaloes hear me,” i.e., hear me calling for help from the horns, &c; or (2) “Save me from the lion’s mouth, and from the horns of buffaloes Thou hast heard me”—a sudden transition from plaintive prayer to exultant faith; or (3), following the LXX. and Vulg., “And from the horns of buffaloes save me, poor and humble as I am.” The first is, on the whole, preferable, as preserving the parallelism better.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
Verse 21. Save me from the lion's mouth] Probably our Lord here includes his Church with himself. The lion may then mean the Jews; the unicorns, רמים remin (probably the rhinoceros,) the Gentiles. For the unicorn, See Clarke on Numbers 23:22. There is no quadruped or land animal with one horn only, except the rhinoceros; but there is a marine animal, the narwhal or monodon, a species of whale, that has a very fine curled ivory horn, which projects from its snout. One in my own museum measures seven feet four inches, and is very beautiful. Some of these animals have struck their horn through the side of a ship; and with it they easily transfix the whale, or any such animal. The old Psalter says, "The unicorn es ane of the prudest best that es, so that he wil dye for dedeyn if he be haldyn ogayn his wil."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 22:21
21. for thou hast heard me &c.] Render, yea from the horns of the wild oxen—thou hast answered me. A singularly bold and forcible construction. We expect a second imperative, repeating the prayer for deliverance (rescue thou me: cp. Jer. exaudi). But the conviction that his prayer is heard, nay, answered, flashes upon the Psalmist’s soul; prayer is changed into assurance, joyous confidence takes the place of petition. Less forcible is the explanation which assumes a pregnant rather than a broken construction:—From the horns of the wild oxen thou hast answered and delivered me. unicorns] The rendering of LXX, Vulg., Jer. But the re’çm was certainly a two-horned animal (Deuteronomy 33:17, R.V.). The Auerochs or wild ox (Bos primigenius), now everywhere extinct, is almost certainly the animal meant. Its strength and untamableness are described in Job 39:9 ff. See Tristram’s Nat.
Hist. p. 146 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 22:21
Save me from the lion’s mouth - His enemies represented as fierce and ravening lions, compare Psalms 22:13, For thou hast heard me - The word “heard” in this place is equivalent to “saved” - or saved in answer to prayer.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 22:21
21. Lion’s mouth… horns of the unicorns—Two descriptions of imminent death. The lion’s mouth is already open to devour its prey.
Sermons on Psalms 22:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Isaiah (Part 5) - Sin-Offering by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses two stories written by C.S. Lewis, "Out of the Silent Planet" and "Perelandra," which depict the creation of new worlds and the threat of evil |
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The Messianic Psalms - Psalm 22 (1) by Chip Brogden | In this sermon, Chip Brogdon continues his series on the Messianic Psalms. He focuses on Psalm 22, which provides insight into the crucifixion of Jesus. The sermon emphasizes that |
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The Messianic Psalms - Psalm 22 (2) by Chip Brogden | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of endurance and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He emphasizes that Jesus endured the cross and despised the shame for the jo |
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A Rejoicing That Is Deeper Than Knowledge by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding joy and peace in God even in the midst of despair and difficult circumstances. It highlights the power of God's whisper to our hear |
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He Destroyed the Grave by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos passionately preaches about the resurrection of Christ, emphasizing its profound significance and the mystery of God becoming man. He connects the resurrection to |
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No Dirty Dogs Shall Ever Trample Upon That Golden Pavement by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the stark contrast between the holiness of heaven and the unholiness of sinful people, using vivid animal imagery to describe the nature of the unholy. He |
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The Importance of Right Spirit by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different types of people who may feel discouraged in life. He mentions those who are captive to their work, family responsibilities, or |