Psalms 22:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 22:13 mean?

Psalms 22:13 describes people surrounding the psalmist, opening their mouths wide against him like a fierce and noisy lion ready to attack. The verse uses the image of a threatening animal to show how overwhelming and dangerous the psalmist’s enemies feel.

In this psalm, David is speaking, expressing deep distress as he feels surrounded by hostile people. The language paints a vivid picture of being threatened and powerless, comparing his enemies to a ravenous lion. This verse is part of a larger passage where David pours out his feelings of abandonment and fear, using strong animal imagery to help the reader sense the intensity of his situation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 22:13

• "gaped" (פָּעַר, pa'ar): This word means to open wide, especially the mouth. Here, it emphasizes how aggressively the enemies are confronting David, as if ready to swallow him.
• "ravening" (טָרַף, taref): This word means to tear or to seize prey. It highlights the violent and predatory nature of the threat, not just loud but truly dangerous.
• "roaring" (שָׁאַג, sha'ag): This word means to roar, like a lion. It adds to the sense of fear and intimidation, suggesting the enemies are not only attacking but also making a terrifying noise.
• "lion" (אַרְיֵה, aryeh): The lion is a common symbol of power and danger in the Hebrew Bible. Here, it makes the threat feel immediate and life-threatening.

Why Psalms 22:13 matters

• Psalms 22:13 helps the reader understand the depth of David’s fear and vulnerability by comparing his enemies to a wild, predatory animal, not just people who dislike him.
• The vivid language connects this verse to the larger theme of Psalms 22, where David feels abandoned and under attack, making the emotional intensity of the psalm more relatable.
• This verse sets the stage for later verses that move from despair to hope, showing how desperate the situation feels before any deliverance comes.