Psalms 22:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 22:2 mean?

Psalms 22:2 describes someone crying out to God both during the day and at night but feeling unheard and unanswered. The verse expresses a deep sense of distress and loneliness, as the speaker continues to call out without receiving a response.

The speaker in Psalms 22:2 is traditionally understood to be David, addressing God (H430) directly in a time of great trouble. The verse shows that the speaker's suffering is constant, not limited to a single moment, and that he is persistent in seeking help. This verse sets the tone for much of the psalm, highlighting feelings of abandonment and the struggle to understand God's silence.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 22:2

• God (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing the speaker’s direct and personal appeal to the divine.
• Cry (קָרָא, qara’): This word often means to call out loudly or urgently, showing the intensity and desperation of the speaker’s prayers.
• Daytime (יוֹם, yom): The use of "daytime" here stresses that the speaker’s distress is not hidden or passing, but ongoing and public.
• Hearest (עָנָה, ‘anah): This word can mean to answer or respond; the verse’s emphasis is that God does not seem to answer, deepening the sense of isolation.
• Season (לַיְלָה, laylah): Refers to the night, suggesting that the speaker’s suffering and prayers continue without pause, even in darkness.
• Silent (דֳּמִיָּה, domiyyah): This word means stillness or silence, highlighting that the speaker does not stop praying, even when there is no reply.

Why Psalms 22:2 matters

• Psalms 22:2 clarifies that feelings of abandonment or unanswered prayer are not new or unusual, even for faithful people in the Bible.
• The verse emphasizes the persistence of the speaker, showing that faith can include honest expressions of pain and confusion.
• This verse sets up the rest of Psalm 22, which moves from despair to hope, helping readers see the full emotional journey of the psalmist.