Psalms 22:13

They gaped vpon me with their mouthes, as a rauening and a roaring Lyon. Psalms 22:13 (KJV)

They gaped upon me

with their mouths,

as a ravening and a roaring lion. Psalms 22:13 (KJV)

Psalm 22 is one of the most well‑known Messianic Psalms, often associated with the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross. It begins with the famous words, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” which Jesus quoted while on the cross (Matthew 27:46). In verse 13 the psalmist vividly describes the intense hostility and aggression directed toward him, saying, “They gaped upon me with their mouths, saying, Aha, aha.”

The Symbolism of “Gaped upon me” suggests that the enemies of the psalmist are mocking him with open mouths, staring at him with malicious intent, ready to attack or devour him like predators. This imagery conveys a sense of derision, contempt, and imminent danger. The psalmist then compares the adversaries to “a ravening and a roaring lion,” using powerful lion imagery—commonly associated with strength, dominance, and fear—to illustrate the ferocity and cruelty of his foes. The phrase “ravening and roaring” emphasizes their aggressiveness and the relentless nature of their attacks, making the psalmist feel surrounded by enemies who seek his destruction.

Messianic Significance: while the psalm originated in the context of the psalmist’s personal distress, it also contains prophetic elements that foreshadow the sufferings of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The New Testament draws a parallel between the psalmist’s experience and the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus experienced rejection, mockery, and physical harm at the hands of His enemies, just as described in this verse, and He quoted the opening words of Psalm 22 while hanging on the cross, indicating the psalm’s prophetic implications.

Connection to Jesus’ Crucifixion: the verse we are studying helps us grasp the mockery, contempt, and brutality Jesus faced during His crucifixion. It is essential to study this verse in the broader context of Psalm 22 and the New Testament to fully understand its significance and its connection to Jesus’ redemptive work.

The psalm progresses from despair to a confident trust in God’s deliverance, concluding with praise and a declaration of God’s sovereignty. This movement from anguish to hope aligns with the ultimate victory and triumph found in Jesus’ resurrection.