Meaning of Psalms 22:6

This verse, deeply expressive of profound suffering and alienation, portrays the psalmist (traditionally attributed to David, but often understood as a prophetic utterance pointing to the Messiah) as feeling utterly debased and insignificant, equating himself to a worm. This is not a literal self-identification but a powerful metaphor for extreme vulnerability, worthlessness in the eyes of others, and complete helplessness. The phrase "a worm and not a man" signifies a stripping away of human dignity, a reduction to something lowly and easily crushed, devoid of the strength, status, or respect typically associated with manhood. The subsequent phrases, "scorned by everyone, despised by the people," underscore the comprehensive nature of this rejection, indicating that his distress is not confined to a single adversary but is a universal experience of ostracization and contempt from all strata of society.

Context and Background

Psalm 22 is widely recognized as a lament, a cry of distress to God in the midst of extreme suffering. It is characterized by vivid imagery of physical torment and social isolation. Scholars generally agree that while it may reflect David's personal experiences of persecution, its detailed prophetic elements—such as the description of suffering, the casting of lots for garments, and the mention of pierced hands and feet (though the latter is debated in translation)—lead to its interpretation as a Messianic psalm, anticipating the suffering of Jesus Christ. The context is one of abandonment, where the speaker feels forsaken by both God and humanity, amplifying the intensity of his anguish.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are suffering, alienation, and perceived worthlessness. The verse highlights the devastating impact of societal rejection and the feeling of being utterly insignificant. It speaks to the human experience of profound isolation, where one feels stripped of identity and dignity. The metaphor of the "worm" is particularly potent, evoking an image of something small, defenseless, and destined for decay, a stark contrast to the perceived strength and authority of a man. This theme of being "despised by the people" points to the painful reality of social stigma and the crushing weight of public scorn.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse speaks to the depths of despair that can be experienced when one feels utterly abandoned. For believers, it can serve as a point of connection with the suffering of Christ, who was indeed scorned and despised. It encourages empathy for those who are marginalized, ostracized, or feel worthless. The verse also reminds us that even in our lowest moments, when we feel like nothing, God sees and hears. It can be a source of comfort to know that the ultimate suffering described here was borne by Christ, offering hope that even in the most extreme forms of rejection, redemption is possible.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Psalm 22, and specifically this verse, functions as a significant bridge between the Old Testament's prophetic laments and the New Testament's fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The suffering described here resonates deeply with the Gospel accounts of Jesus' passion, crucifixion, and rejection by the Jewish leadership and the crowds. It prefigures the Messiah's experience of being forsaken and reviled, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and plan for salvation through suffering. This psalm, therefore, is a crucial piece of evidence cited by early Christians to identify Jesus as the prophesied Messiah.

Analogies

One analogy for the feeling expressed in this verse is that of a fragile insect crushed underfoot, utterly defenseless and insignificant to the one who steps on it. Another is a discarded piece of refuse, deemed worthless and despised by all who encounter it. It can also be compared to a shipwreck survivor clinging to debris, lost and alone in a vast, indifferent ocean, stripped of all former status and security.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds powerful echoes in other parts of Scripture. In Isaiah 53:3, the Suffering Servant is described as "despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain." This directly parallels the sentiment of being "scorned by everyone, despised by the people." The feeling of abandonment is also evident in Psalm 38:11, where the psalmist states, "My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away." Furthermore, the New Testament explicitly links this psalm to Jesus. In Matthew 27:46, Jesus cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" a direct quote from the beginning of Psalm 22. The casting of lots for Jesus' garments in John 19:24 is also seen as a fulfillment of Psalm 22:18.