Psalms 22:21 (KJV)

What does Psalms 22:21 mean?

Psalms 22:21 is a plea for rescue, where the speaker asks God to save him from deadly danger, using vivid images of wild animals to describe his enemies and peril. The verse expresses trust that God hears his cries, even in the most desperate situations.

In this psalm, David is speaking directly to God, describing his suffering and the threats he faces as if surrounded by fierce animals. The "lion's mouth" and "horns of the unicorns" are poetic ways of describing extreme danger and powerful foes. The verse marks a turning point, hinting that God has heard his prayer and that deliverance is possible.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 22:21

• "Save" (יָשַׁע, yashaʿ): This word means to deliver or rescue, emphasizing the urgent need for help in a life-threatening situation.
• "Lion's" (אַרְיֵה, aryeh): The lion is often a symbol of deadly threat or powerful enemies in Hebrew poetry, highlighting the seriousness of David's danger.
• "Horns" (קֶרֶן, qeren): Horns represent strength or power, often used to describe the might of an animal or an enemy.
• "Unicorns" (רְאֵם, re'em): This word likely refers to a wild, powerful animal such as an aurochs (an extinct wild ox), not the mythical unicorn. The image is one of overwhelming force, not fantasy.

Why Psalms 22:21 matters

• This verse helps clarify that "unicorns" in the King James Version refers to a real, formidable animal known to the ancient world, not a mythical creature.
• The vivid animal imagery in Psalms 22:21 highlights the intensity of David's distress and the real danger he feels, making his plea for rescue more urgent and relatable.
• Psalms 22:21 marks a shift in the psalm from deep anguish to hope, showing that even in the darkest moments, the speaker believes God hears and can deliver.