But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

PSALMS 22:6KJV
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Psalms 22:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 22:6 mean?

Psalms 22:6 describes the speaker feeling utterly worthless and rejected, comparing himself to a worm rather than a man, and saying he is scorned and despised by others. The verse expresses deep humiliation and a sense of being looked down on by people.

In this psalm, David is the one speaking, pouring out his feelings of abandonment and shame during a time of great distress. The language paints a vivid picture of someone who feels not just ignored but actively shamed and dehumanized by those around him. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which continues to explore themes of suffering and isolation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 22:6

  • "worm" (תּוֹלַעַת, tolaʿat): This word refers to a lowly creature, often seen as insignificant or even repulsive. By calling himself a "worm," David is emphasizing how far he feels from being respected or valued.
  • "man" (אִישׁ, ish): This word usually means a person of standing or dignity. The contrast between "worm" and "man" highlights the depth of the speaker’s humiliation.
  • "reproach" (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah): This term means shame or disgrace. It shows that the speaker is not just ignored but is actively mocked or shamed by others.
  • "men" (אָדָם, adam): This is the general word for humanity, emphasizing that the rejection is coming from people in general, not just a specific group.
  • "despised" (בָּזָה, bazah): This word means to be held in contempt or considered worthless. It underlines the intensity of the rejection.
  • "people" (עָם, am): This refers to the broader community or nation, suggesting the speaker feels isolated from everyone around him.

Why Psalms 22:6 matters

  • Psalms 22:6 clarifies the depth of the speaker’s suffering, showing it is not just physical or emotional pain, but also social humiliation and rejection.
  • The verse helps readers understand the intensity of David’s feelings and sets up the psalm’s themes of abandonment and hope for deliverance.
  • This verse is often connected to later verses in the psalm that are seen as foreshadowing the suffering of Jesus, making it significant in both Jewish and Christian readings.

Where else these words appear

“despised” Hebrew H959 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
  • Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
  • Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

“worm” Hebrew H8438 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 16:20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
  • Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
  • Leviticus 14:6 As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:

“reproach” Hebrew H2781 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 30:23 And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:
  • Psalms 74:22 Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.
  • Jeremiah 42:18 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt: and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.