King James Version

What Does Psalms 22:12 Mean?

Psalms 22:12 in the King James Version says “Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 22:12 · KJV

Context

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.

13

They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. gaped: Heb. opened their mouths against me

14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. out of: or, sundered

Read Psalms 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. This verse uses powerful animal imagery to describe David's enemies and, prophetically, the enemies surrounding Christ at the crucifixion. The Hebrew parim (פָּרִים, "bulls") depicts powerful, aggressive animals, while sabubuni (סְבָבוּנִי, "have compassed me") means to surround or encircle, suggesting being trapped with no escape.

"Strong bulls of Bashan" (abirey Bashan) carries particular significance. Bashan, located east of the Sea of Galilee, was renowned for its fertile pastures producing large, powerful cattle (Deuteronomy 32:14; Amos 4:1). These bulls symbolize enemies who are not merely numerous but formidable—well-fed, strong, aggressive leaders or powers arrayed against the sufferer. The imagery conveys being surrounded by overwhelming force.

Prophetically, this psalm (the "Psalm of the Cross") was fulfilled at Christ's crucifixion. The "bulls of Bashan" represent the hostile religious and political leaders who encircled Jesus—chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, Roman authorities. Like aggressive bulls, they surrounded Him with accusations, mockery, and condemnation (Matthew 26:57-68; 27:39-44). The encircling imagery anticipates Christ's complete isolation and the overwhelming nature of the forces arrayed against Him. Yet Psalm 22 moves from suffering to vindication, prophesying Christ's ultimate triumph.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 22 is attributed to David and may originate from his persecution by Saul or Absalom. However, its specific details transcend David's experience, pointing unmistakably to Christ's crucifixion. The psalm opens with "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (v. 1)—Jesus' cry from the cross (Matthew 27:46). It describes piercing of hands and feet (v. 16), gambling for garments (v. 18), and mockery (v. 7-8)—all fulfilled at Calvary.

The reference to Bashan's bulls would resonate with Israelite readers familiar with that region's reputation. Archaeological evidence confirms Bashan's agricultural richness. The metaphor of powerful bulls attacking was effective precisely because such animals were known to be dangerous when provoked—their strength and horns could gore and trample.

The early church recognized Psalm 22's Messianic nature, citing it extensively to demonstrate Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy. Church fathers like Augustine and Jerome wrote detailed commentaries showing how nearly every verse applies to Christ's passion. The psalm's structure—from intense suffering to triumphant praise—mirrors Christ's journey from cross to resurrection, making it a cornerstone of Christian understanding of redemptive suffering and ultimate vindication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing the 'bulls of Bashan' as Christ's enemies at the crucifixion deepen our understanding of His suffering?
  2. In what ways do believers experience being 'surrounded' by hostile forces, and how does Christ's example provide comfort and guidance?
  3. What does the specific fulfillment of this prophetic imagery teach us about the reliability and authority of Scripture?
  4. How should understanding Christ's complete isolation and suffering shape our response to the gospel?
  5. What encouragement can we draw from Psalm 22's movement from suffering to triumph when facing our own overwhelming circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
סְ֭בָבוּנִי1 of 6

“have compassed”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

פָּרִ֣ים2 of 6

“bulls”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

רַבִּ֑ים3 of 6

“Many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אַבִּירֵ֖י4 of 6

“me strong”

H47

a valiant one

בָשָׁ֣ן5 of 6

“bulls of Bashan”

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

כִּתְּרֽוּנִי׃6 of 6

“have beset me round”

H3803

to enclose; hence (in a friendly sense) to crown, (in a hostile one) to besiege; also to wait (as restraining oneself)

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 22:12 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 22:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 4:1-3Acts 4:27Psalms 68:30Matthew 27:1Ezekiel 39:18Deuteronomy 32:14-15

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
View all places in Psalms 22 →

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