King James Version

What Does Psalms 22:8 Mean?

Psalms 22:8 in the King James Version says “He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. He trusted: Heb. He r...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 22:8 · KJV

Context

6

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

7

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, shoot: Heb. open

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.

Read Psalms 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mockers' taunt—quoted verbatim by those at the cross (Matt. 27:43)—strikes at the heart of faith: 'let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.' Reformed theology sees profound irony here: God did delight in His Son (Matt. 3:17), but precisely because of that delight, He did not deliver Him from the cross. Christ's abandonment was necessary for our salvation. God's silence during Christ's suffering was the loudest declaration of His love for sinners.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This exact taunt at Calvary demonstrates the psalm's prophetic nature. The religious leaders unknowingly quoted Scripture while rejecting its fulfillment. Their mockery became proof of Messianic prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that God 'did not spare His own Son' (Rom. 8:32) transform your view of divine love?
  2. What does Christ's abandonment teach about the cost of God's delight in you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
גֹּ֣ל1 of 8

“He trusted”

H1556

to roll (literally or figuratively)

אֶל2 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 8

“on the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יְפַלְּטֵ֑הוּ4 of 8

“that he would deliver”

H6403

to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver

יַ֝צִּילֵ֗הוּ5 of 8

“him let him deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

כִּ֘י6 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָ֥פֵֽץ7 of 8

“him seeing he delighted”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

בּֽוֹ׃8 of 8
H0

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 22:8 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 22:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:42-43Mark 15:30-32Psalms 91:14Psalms 18:19Isaiah 42:1Psalms 55:22

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