King James Version

What Does Psalms 22:10 Mean?

Psalms 22:10 in the King James Version says “I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.

Psalms 22:10 · KJV


Context

8

He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. He trusted: Heb. He rolled himself on seeing: or, if he delight in

9

But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. didst: or, kept me in safety

10

I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.

11

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. none: Heb. not a helper

12

Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'cast upon thee from the womb' (literally 'thrown upon you') emphasizes total dependence on God from life's first moment. 'Thou art my God from my mother's belly' affirms God's covenant relationship predates conscious faith. From a Reformed perspective, this supports the doctrines of election and covenant theology—God's choice and claim precede human response. Infant baptism advocates cite this verse to show covenant children are claimed by God before exercising personal faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The metaphor of being 'cast' upon God evokes the practice of a mother placing her newborn upon a relative or midwife. Total vulnerability and trust characterized this moment, illustrating the believer's complete dependence on divine grace from birth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your dependence on God today mirror your dependence on Him at birth?
  2. What does God's claim on you from conception teach about the nature of saving faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
עָ֭לֶיךָ1 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָשְׁלַ֣כְתִּי2 of 7

I was cast

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מֵרָ֑חֶם3 of 7

upon thee from the womb

H7358

the womb

מִבֶּ֥טֶן4 of 7

belly

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

אִ֝מִּ֗י5 of 7

from my mother's

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

אֵ֣לִי6 of 7

thou art my God

H410

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

אָֽתָּה׃7 of 7
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you


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 22:10 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 22:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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