King James Version

What Does Psalms 22:1 Mean?

Psalms 22:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Aijeleth: or, the hind of the morning helping: Heb. my salvation”

Psalms 22:1 · KJV

Salvation

Context

1

To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Aijeleth: or, the hind of the morning helping: Heb. my salvation

2

O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. am: Heb. there is no silence to me

3

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Read Psalms 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This cry of desolation represents one of Scripture's most profound prophetic utterances, quoted by Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34). The Hebrew word for "forsaken" (עָזַב/'azab) conveys abandonment, leaving behind, desertion. David's cry from personal anguish became Christ's cry as He bore humanity's sin, experiencing genuine separation from the Father. The doubling "My God, my God" intensifies the pathos—this isn't distant deity but intimate relationship now broken. The psalm's shift from "My God" to "why art thou" reveals the mystery: God remains "my God" even when experienced as absent. This verse establishes the pattern of lament psalms: honest expression of anguish while maintaining covenant relationship. The "words of my roaring" (שְׁאָגָה/she'agah) uses animal imagery—not quiet prayer but desperate, primal groaning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written by David during intense persecution, possibly during Absalom's rebellion or Saul's pursuit. The historical context involved physical danger and profound betrayal by those David trusted. Ancient Near Eastern lament literature commonly addressed the "hidden god" theme—deities who seemed absent during crisis. However, Israelite faith maintained that Yahweh remains covenant-faithful even when circumstances suggest otherwise. This psalm was regularly used in Jewish worship, demonstrating that questioning God's presence isn't faithlessness but honest wrestling within relationship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's use of this verse on the cross reveal the depth of His identification with human suffering and divine judgment for sin?
  2. What does it mean to cry "My God" while asking "why have you forsaken me"—maintaining relationship amid felt abandonment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֵ֭לִי1 of 8

“My God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֵ֭לִי2 of 8

“My God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

לָמָ֣ה3 of 8
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עֲזַבְתָּ֑נִי4 of 8

“why hast thou forsaken”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

רָח֥וֹק5 of 8

“me why art thou so far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

מִֽ֝ישׁוּעָתִ֗י6 of 8

“from helping”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

דִּבְרֵ֥י7 of 8

“me and from the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שַׁאֲגָתִֽי׃8 of 8

“of my roaring”

H7581

a rumbling or moan

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 22:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 15:34Matthew 27:46Hebrews 5:7Psalms 22:16Job 3:24Psalms 10:1

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