They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

PSALMS 22:5KJV
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Psalms 22:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 22:5 mean?

Psalms 22:5 says that those who called out to God in trouble were rescued, and those who put their trust in Him were not put to shame. The verse highlights a pattern of deliverance and reliability in God’s response to people’s faith.

In this psalm, David is speaking about the experience of his ancestors who faced hardship. He remembers how, when they cried out to God, they were saved and their trust was not disappointed. This verse stands as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the past, even as David himself is feeling abandoned and desperate in the present.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 22:5

  • "cried" (זָעַק, za'aq): This word often means to call out for help in distress, showing the urgency and desperation of those praying.
  • "delivered" (פָּלַט, palat): This word means to be rescued or set free, emphasizing that God actively intervened to save those who called on Him.
  • "trusted" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to rely on or have confidence in, showing that the people put their hope fully in God.
  • "confounded" (בּוֹשׁ, bosh): This word means to be put to shame or disappointed, highlighting that their faith in God did not lead to embarrassment or failure.

Why Psalms 22:5 matters

  • Psalms 22:5 reminds readers that God’s faithfulness is not just a personal hope but is rooted in real events from the past, giving weight to trust in Him.
  • The verse connects David’s personal suffering to the broader story of his people, showing that feelings of abandonment can exist alongside memories of God’s past rescue.
  • By using strong words for trust and deliverance, the verse reassures readers that relying on God is not wishful thinking but has proven reliable through generations.

Where else these words appear

“cried” Hebrew H2199 · used in 73 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • 1 Samuel 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
  • Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

“delivered” Hebrew H4422 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
  • Isaiah 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

“confounded” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

“trusted” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.
  • Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: