Psalm 22 13

Psalm 22:13 kjv

They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.

Psalm 22:13 nkjv

They gape at Me with their mouths, Like a raging and roaring lion.

Psalm 22:13 niv

Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me.

Psalm 22:13 esv

they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.

Psalm 22:13 nlt

Like lions they open their jaws against me,
roaring and tearing into their prey.

Psalm 22 verses

Psalm 22 13 Meaning

Psalm 22:13 describes the psalmist's enemies as utterly fierce and predatory, likening their aggressive actions and threatening presence to a destructive lion. Their "gaping mouths" signify not only vocal assault and mockery but also a ravenous hunger to consume and destroy the psalmist. The imagery of a "ravening and a roaring lion" conveys the overwhelming terror, intimidation, and imminent danger of these adversaries, emphasizing their raw power, predatory nature, and unyielding desire for the psalmist's ruin.

Psalm 22 13 Context

Psalm 22 is a profound lament that transitions into triumphant praise. It is renowned for its messianic prophecies regarding the suffering Messiah. The psalmist (traditionally David), though describing his own intense anguish and betrayal, uses language that meticulously foretells the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Verse 13 comes in a section (verses 12-18) where the psalmist vividly describes the cruelty and overwhelming number of his enemies through increasingly fierce animalistic metaphors (bulls, dogs, lions). The "gaping" mouths and "roaring" lions capture the essence of public shame, ridicule, and an impending, violent death. In ancient Near Eastern culture, lions symbolized power, often tyrannical or destructive, and their roar signified terrifying dominance. The vulnerability of the individual before such overwhelming predatory force was a deeply felt experience, mirroring the utter helplessness and abandonment perceived by the psalmist.

Psalm 22 13 Word analysis

• They gape (פָּצוּ - patsu): Derived from the Hebrew root פָּצַע (paṣaʿ), meaning "to cleave, split open, burst open." Here, it specifically means "to open wide" the mouth in an aggressive manner. This signifies not merely opening but an act of hostile display, potentially mocking, reviling, or preparing to devour. It implies a malicious intent and readiness for a destructive verbal or physical attack.
• upon me (עָלַי - 'alay): A direct and specific preposition showing the targeting of the psalmist. The aggression is precisely directed at him.
• with their mouths (פִּיהֶם - pihem): The instrument of their gaping. Emphasizes verbal scorn, contempt, or blasphemy, but also links to the predatory aspect of devouring or consuming the victim, especially when combined with "ravening lion."
• as a ravening (טֹרֵף - tōrēp̄): A participle from the Hebrew root טָרַף (tāraph), meaning "to tear, rend in pieces, pluck off, prey upon." This describes a lion that is actively engaged in tearing apart its prey, symbolizing extreme, destructive violence and consumption. It signifies a profound, consuming hunger for the psalmist's ruin.
• and a roaring (וְשֹׁאֵג - wəšōʾēḡ): A participle from the Hebrew root שָׁאַג (shā’aḡ), meaning "to roar, bellow." A lion's roar is not just a sound; it is a declaration of power, intimidation, and territorial assertion, often preceding or accompanying an attack. It creates terror and paralysis in its prey.
• lion (אֲרִי - 'ari): The Hebrew word for lion. A common, fearsome predator in the ancient world, representing untamed power, ferocity, and destructive capacity. Here, the emphasis is solely on its deadly, predatory nature.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "They gape upon me with their mouths": This phrase paints a vivid picture of contemptuous and menacing behavior. The open mouths are both vehicles for mocking shouts and expressions of hatred, as well as the metaphoric jaws ready to consume the psalmist. It denotes extreme verbal and psychological assault, often publicly intended to shame and destroy.
• "as a ravening and a roaring lion": This powerful simile intensely escalates the threat. The adversaries are not merely threatening, but possess the full, unbridled destructive force of a lion. "Ravenous" (tearing) underscores their active, consuming violence and relentless intent to rip the psalmist apart. "Roaring" highlights their terrifying, intimidating presence, signalling imminent danger and overwhelming power. The combined image presents a relentless, terrifying, and overwhelming enemy determined to annihilate the psalmist.

Psalm 22 13 Bonus section

The progressive intensification of animal metaphors in Psalm 22—from the encircling "bulls of Bashan" (v. 12) to the predatory "dogs" (v. 16) and finally the tearing, roaring "lion" (v. 13)—reveals an escalating sense of dread and vulnerability. This stylistic choice not only illustrates the increasing savagery of the psalmist's tormentors but also signifies their increasingly close proximity and readiness to attack. While a lion could represent kingship or strength in other contexts, here its symbol is inverted to depict oppressive, destructive forces. This vivid imagery also served as a profound comfort for early Christians, as they recognized in the psalm an exact prophecy of Jesus Christ, who faced precisely such overwhelming, ravenous, and roaring adversaries, not only in human form but in the spiritual battle against the "roaring lion" of temptation and sin itself. The fulfillment of this desperate cry on the cross solidifies the ultimate victory of God's love and deliverance over such overwhelming evil.

Psalm 22 13 Commentary

Psalm 22:13 is a terrifyingly visceral image within a psalm steeped in suffering. It transitions from general threats to specific, animalistic ferocity. The enemies are not merely humans opposing the psalmist but embody the untamed, destructive power of predatory beasts. The "gaping mouths" refer to the venomous verbal assaults—mockery, accusations, and scorn—that physically and emotionally tear at the psalmist. These open mouths are not just speaking, but symbolize an eagerness to consume, much like a hungry beast ready for its meal. The "ravening and roaring lion" encapsulates the apex of their predatory malice. "Ravenous" signifies their tearing, destructive intent, reflecting their hunger for the psalmist's demise, while "roaring" speaks to their intimidating power and the terror they wish to inflict. This verse perfectly foreshadows Christ's passion, where His physical torment was compounded by the relentless mockery and savage cries of the crowds and authorities, who effectively "gape[d] upon Him" with their mouths and sought His violent destruction with the ferocity of a lion. This is not merely a complaint but a plea for deliverance from overwhelming, evil forces.

• Example: When one feels completely exposed to hostile criticism, public ridicule, or seemingly insurmountable forces that seek to dismantle their peace or reputation, Psalm 22:13 speaks to that intense vulnerability.
• Example: In the spiritual battle, we often feel as though an adversary (as in 1 Peter 5:8) is relentlessly pursuing our downfall, "roaring" its intimidation and "ravening" with deceptive intent.