King James Version

What Does Psalms 22:9 Mean?

Psalms 22:9 in the King James Version says “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, ke...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 22:9 · KJV

Hope

Context

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.

11

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

Read Psalms 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Amidst anguish, the psalmist recalls God's providential care from conception—'thou art he that took me out of the womb.' This affirms God's sovereignty over life from its beginning and His sustaining grace through all stages. Reformed theology sees this as evidence of God's electing love: before birth, He determined salvation and providentially sustained life. Even Jesus' human birth was sovereignly ordained for redemptive purposes (Gal. 4:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient cultures with high infant mortality, reaching adulthood required divine protection. The psalmist's survival from birth demonstrated God's covenant faithfulness. For Christ, this recalls the slaughter of Bethlehem's infants and His miraculous preservation (Matt. 2:13-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's care from your conception affect your view of His ongoing faithfulness?
  2. What does this verse teach about the value and sanctity of life from its earliest stages?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּֽי1 of 8
H3588

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

אַתָּ֣ה2 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

גֹחִ֣י3 of 8

“But thou art he that took”

H1518

to gush forth (as water), generally to issue

מִבָּ֑טֶן4 of 8

“me out of the womb”

H990

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

מַ֝בְטִיחִ֗י5 of 8

“thou didst make me hope”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

עַל6 of 8
H5921

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

שְׁדֵ֥י7 of 8

“breasts”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

אִמִּֽי׃8 of 8

“when I was upon my mother's”

H517

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

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 22:9 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 22:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 71:6Isaiah 49:1-2Psalms 71:17Psalms 139:15-16Matthew 2:13-15Isaiah 9:6

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