True Rendering of Psalms 22:21

From: Questions and Answers on Scripture: From the Bible Treasury

Narrator: Chris Genthree

Duration: 1min

Psalm 22:21 • 1 min. read • grade level: 8

Question: Psa. 22:21²¹Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. (Psalm 22:21). What is the true rendering of this verse? J. N.

Answer: I see no sufficient reason to question the common view. The R. V. is clearer than the A. V. The force of the verse lies in the unexpected turn. For “and from the horns of the r’eem” (wild oxen or buffaloes) the natural thought would have been “answer me.” But there can be no doubt that the only legitimate sense is, as is generally if not universally given, “thou hast answered,” or heard, “me.” It is impossible, without wresting the scriptural expression, to extract a future bearing. Parallelism is usual, but cannot override the plain language of inspiration; nor can a priori doctrine, which is sound only as far as it is subject to scripture. Nor is there more difficulty in understanding these words of our Lord than what He subsequently cited from Psa. 31:5⁵Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. (Psalm 31:5). Is there not something to learn?

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