Psalm 22 24

Psalm 22:24 kjv

For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

Psalm 22:24 nkjv

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard.

Psalm 22:24 niv

For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

Psalm 22:24 esv

For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.

Psalm 22:24 nlt

For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned his back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help.

Psalm 22 verses

Psalm 22 24 Meaning

This verse declares the unwavering character of God in the face of deep suffering. It asserts that the Lord does not disdain, abhor, or turn away from the misery of the afflicted person. Instead, when the one in distress cries out to Him, He actively listens and responds. This forms a pivotal turn in Psalm 22, moving from intense lament to profound assurance and praise, reflecting God's ultimate vindication of the righteous sufferer.

Psalm 22 24 Context

Psalm 22 stands as a profound Messianic prophecy and a classic example of a "lament" psalm that transitions dramatically into "praise." The first half of the Psalm (vv. 1-21) details intense suffering, humiliation, and the feeling of divine abandonment, famously beginning with the cry "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"—words directly quoted by Jesus on the cross. This section vividly portrays the physical and emotional agony of the afflicted one. Verse 24 marks a pivotal shift. After articulating the depths of despair and appealing for rescue, the Psalmist expresses absolute conviction in God's attentive character. This shift transforms the personal lament into a declaration of God's universal faithfulness, anticipating a future global worship and recognition of the Lord's kingdom (vv. 27-31). Historically, it reflects the experiences of David, a man of great faith who endured much suffering and betrayal, yet found ultimate vindication and established a kingdom by God's power. Prophetically, it paints an extraordinarily precise picture of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, His perfect endurance, the Father's ultimate non-abandonment (though seemingly so), and His subsequent resurrection and the establishment of His worldwide spiritual kingdom. It stands in contrast to the capricious and indifferent gods of pagan beliefs, emphasizing Yahweh's unique attentiveness and active engagement with His suffering people.

Psalm 22 24 Word analysis

• For he hath not despised (לֹא־בָזָה, lo-vazah): The word בָזָה (bazah) means "to despise, disdain, scorn, treat with contempt." Its negation signifies God's complete valuation and cherishing of the suffering individual, contrasting with human disdain for weakness. It highlights God's perfect love and recognition of dignity.
• nor abhorred (וְלֹא שִׁקֵּץ, velo shiqetz): The word שִׁקֵּץ (shiqetz) means "to detest, to make abominable, to loathe," often associated with impurity or repugnant things. Its use here strongly states that the Lord does not view the suffering or the sufferer as defiled or repulsive. His holy nature is not repelled by human misery.
• the affliction (עֳנִי, oni): Refers to "affliction, oppression, misery, poverty, humility." It encompasses a broad range of suffering, from physical pain to emotional distress and social degradation, and can also imply a humble spirit under duress. The Psalmist here refers to the state of being afflicted.
• of the afflicted (עָנִי, ani): This word describes the person experiencing עֳנִי – the "poor, humble, oppressed, suffering one." It points to the specific individual undergoing severe ordeal (representing the speaker, David, and ultimately Christ).
• neither hath he hid his face from him (וְלֹא־הִסְתִּיר פָּנָיו מִמֶּנּוּ, velo-histir panav mimmennu): "Hiding the face" is a common biblical idiom for withdrawal of favor, presence, help, or active turning away in disapproval. The negation powerfully states that despite the initial cry of "forsaken me," God's presence and favor were never truly withdrawn from the suffering one. He remained attentive and engaged.
• but when he cried unto him (וּבְשַׁוְּעוֹ אֵלָיו, uvshavvo elav): שַׁוְּעוֹ (shavvo) is derived from שָׁוַע (shava'), meaning "to cry for help, appeal, supplicate." It emphasizes the specific act of desperate petition and fervent prayer by the suffering individual. This highlights human responsibility in seeking God.
• he heard (שָׁמֵעַ, shamia): The verb שָׁמַע (shama') means "to hear, listen, obey, understand, answer." In this context, it signifies God's active reception of the plea and His subsequent positive response, implying both attention and action leading to deliverance or vindication. This "hearing" is not mere audition but an affirmative act of divine intervention.
• "For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted": This phrase forms a strong double negative, powerfully asserting God's perfect empathy and unreserved care for those in misery. It negates any thought that God considers human suffering beneath Him, disgusting, or valueless. It speaks to God's inherent compassion and enduring love for His people, regardless of their condition.
• "neither hath he hid his face from him": This part directly contrasts with the anguished cries of feeling forsaken or abandoned, a major theme earlier in Psalm 22. It's a declaration of continued divine presence and attentiveness, affirming that even when God's actions are inscrutable, His true character remains one of non-abandonment and active watchfulness. For Christ, this means the Father's loving presence was not truly removed from Him in essence even in the depths of His suffering.
• "but when he cried unto him, he heard": This emphasizes the efficacy of desperate, humble prayer and God's faithfulness in responding. It demonstrates a covenantal relationship: the human plea is met with divine reception and action. This active 'hearing' signifies not just perceiving the sound but also acting upon it, confirming the deliverance or vindication that follows (as seen in the transition of Psalm 22 and the resurrection of Christ).

Psalm 22 24 Bonus section

This verse is a prime example of a faith-filled declaration overriding sensory experience and initial despair. While Psalm 22:1 ("My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?") perfectly captures human feelings of utter abandonment during severe affliction, verse 24 provides the theological resolution and eternal perspective. It's a testament to God's unchangeable character—He cannot despise what He created, nor turn away from the cries of His own. The Hebrew parallelism throughout the verse reinforces the central message: God's attentive and compassionate nature is resolute. The transition in Psalm 22 from personal complaint to corporate praise for God's redemptive work signifies that the suffering of the righteous, particularly Christ, is not in vain, but rather leads to universal blessing and revelation of God's glory to future generations. This truth grounds believers to call out in times of trouble, trusting in God’s unfailing response, knowing He is both able and willing to hear.

Psalm 22 24 Commentary

Psalm 22:24 serves as the turning point from the deepest lament to triumphant praise, powerfully revealing the true nature of God. Despite the Psalmist's prior agony and feeling of being utterly forsaken, this verse proclaims a profound truth: God does not despise, detest, or turn His face from the suffering of His own, particularly the righteous afflicted. The depth of suffering described earlier, including the perceived abandonment on the cross by Christ, was not because God found the suffering abhorrent or was indifferent. Rather, this verse assures us that God always regards His afflicted ones with utmost value and attention. The cry of the sufferer, when directed to Him, always finds an open ear and a responsive heart. For Jesus, this verse signifies that the Father's temporary "abandonment" on the cross was a theological and relational estrangement necessitated by the bearing of sin, not a disinterest or revulsion towards His Son's anguish. Rather, the Father heard His Son's fervent prayers and answered by raising Him from the dead, demonstrating the perfect bond between Father and Son, and vindicating Him publicly. The result of God "hearing" this cry of the afflicted one is a global proclamation of God's righteous rule and deliverance, expanding the scope of salvation to all nations, as detailed in the concluding verses of Psalm 22. It offers profound comfort that no suffering, however deep, lies beyond God's compassionate gaze and responsive intervention.