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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 22:21 Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/22-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/19_Psa_022_021.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 22:21 - The Psalm of the Cross" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/22-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/22-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/22-20.htm" title="Psalm 22:20">◄</a> Psalm 22:21 <a href="/psalms/22-22.htm" title="Psalm 22:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Snatch me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Save Me from the lion’s mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the lion’s mouth; From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Save me from the lion&#8217s mouth; From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Save me from the lion’s mouth; And from the horns of the wild oxen Thou dost answer me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion; From the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the lion’s mouth; From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the lion’s mouth, from the horns of wild oxen. You answered me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Save me from the lion's mouth; Yea, from the horns of the wild-oxen thou hast answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't let lions eat me. You rescued me from the horns of wild bulls, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Save me from the lion's mouth; yea, from the horns of the wild-oxen thou hast answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion and from the horns of wild oxen. You have answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Rescue me from these lions; I am helpless before these wild bulls. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Deliver me from the mouth of the lion, from the horns of the wild oxen. You have answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Rescue me from the mouth of the lion, and from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the lion's mouth. Yes, from the horns of the wild oxen, you have answered me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the lion’s mouth! Yes, you have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Save Me from the mouth of a lion "" And You have answered Me from the horns of the high places!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Save me from the mouth of a lion: -- And -- from the horns of the high places Thou hast answered me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion: and thou didst answer me from the horns of the high.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the lion's mouth; and my lowness from the horns of the unicorns. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 21:22>Save me from the mouth of the lion, and my humility from the horns of single-horned beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the lion’s mouth, my poor life from the horns of wild bulls. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion! From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Save me from the lion's mouth; save my meekness from the haughty,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Save me from the mouth of the lion and my humility from the horn of pride<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Save me from the lion's mouth; Yea, from the horns of the wild-oxen do Thou answer me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Save me from the lion's mouth; and <i>regard</i> my lowliness from the horns of the unicorns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/22-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=2300" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/22.htm">The Psalm of the Cross</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: hō·wō·šî·‘ê·nî (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 1cs) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">Save me</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: mip·pî (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">from the mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/738.htm" title="738: ’ar·yêh (N-ms) -- A lion. Or earyeh; from 'arah; a lion.">of the lion;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7161.htm" title="7161: ū·miq·qar·nê (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-fdc) -- From qaran; a horn; by implication, a flask, cornet; by resembl. An elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray; figuratively, power.">at the horns</a> <a href="/hebrew/7214.htm" title="7214: rê·mîm (N-mp) -- A wild ox. Or rieym; or reym; or rem; from ra'am; a wild bull.">of the wild oxen</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ă·nî·ṯā·nî (V-Qal-Perf-2ms:: 1cs) -- To answer, respond.">You have answered me!</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a></span><br />He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-46.htm">Matthew 27:46</a></span><br />About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Hebrews 5:7</a></span><br />During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-30.htm">John 19:30</a></span><br />When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5</a></span><br />Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-46.htm">Luke 23:46</a></span><br />Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-34.htm">Mark 15:34</a></span><br />At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-32.htm">Romans 8:32</a></span><br />He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17</a></span><br />But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-22.htm">Daniel 6:22</a></span><br />My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-30.htm">Exodus 14:30</a></span><br />That day the LORD saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-37.htm">1 Samuel 17:37</a></span><br />David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-1.htm">2 Samuel 22:1</a></span><br />And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Save me from the lion's mouth: for you have heard me from the horns of the unicorns.</p><p class="hdg">me from</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/22-53.htm">Luke 22:53</a></b></br> When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/14-30.htm">John 14:30</a></b></br> Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17</a></b></br> Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and <i>that</i> all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.</p><p class="hdg">horns</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-22.htm">Numbers 23:22</a></b></br> God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17</a></b></br> His glory <i>is like</i> the firstling of his bullock, and his horns <i>are like</i> the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they <i>are</i> the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they <i>are</i> the thousands of Manasseh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/30-9.htm">Job 30:9,10</a></b></br> And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword… </p><p class="hdg">in the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-25.htm">Psalm 22:25</a></b></br> My praise <i>shall be</i> of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/40-9.htm">Psalm 40:9,10</a></b></br> I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/18-27.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-7.htm">Buffaloes</a> <a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/psalms/22-7.htm">Free</a> <a href="/psalms/19-3.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/21-7.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-28.htm">Horns</a> <a href="/job/4-11.htm">Lion's</a> <a href="/psalms/22-15.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/22-12.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/psalms/18-45.htm">Places</a> <a href="/psalms/22-8.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/psalms/20-9.htm">Save</a> <a href="/psalms/22-8.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/psalms/22-20.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Unicorns</a> <a href="/job/40-20.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-7.htm">Wild-Oxen</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/22-24.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-7.htm">Buffaloes</a> <a href="/psalms/25-19.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/psalms/25-17.htm">Free</a> <a href="/psalms/22-24.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/27-5.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/69-31.htm">Horns</a> <a href="/amos/1-2.htm">Lion's</a> <a href="/psalms/32-3.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/50-10.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/psalms/43-3.htm">Places</a> <a href="/psalms/25-20.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/psalms/28-9.htm">Save</a> <a href="/psalms/26-11.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/psalms/22-29.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-7.htm">Unicorns</a> <a href="/psalms/29-6.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-7.htm">Wild-Oxen</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/22-1.htm">David complains in great discouragement</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/22-9.htm">He prays in great distress</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/22-23.htm">He praises God</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Save me from the mouth of the lion;</b><br>This phrase evokes a vivid image of imminent danger and desperation. In biblical literature, lions often symbolize powerful enemies or overwhelming threats (<a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>). The lion's mouth represents a place of no escape, emphasizing the psalmist's urgent plea for deliverance. Historically, lions were present in ancient Israel, making this imagery relatable to the original audience. The plea for salvation from such a formidable predator underscores the psalmist's reliance on divine intervention, reflecting a common theme in the Psalms where God is seen as a protector and deliverer (<a href="/psalms/91-13.htm">Psalm 91:13</a>).<p><b>at the horns of the wild oxen</b><br>The wild ox, or "re'em" in Hebrew, is often translated as "unicorn" in older versions of the Bible, but it likely refers to a now-extinct species of large wild cattle. The horns symbolize strength and power, suggesting another form of peril. In ancient Near Eastern culture, wild oxen were known for their strength and untamable nature, making them a fitting metaphor for overwhelming challenges. This imagery complements the previous mention of lions, reinforcing the sense of being surrounded by insurmountable threats. The psalmist's cry for help in the face of such powerful adversaries highlights the need for divine strength and protection.<p><b>You have answered me!</b><br>This phrase marks a turning point in the psalm, transitioning from a plea for help to an acknowledgment of divine response. It reflects a deep faith and trust in God's ability to deliver and save. The past tense "have answered" suggests a confidence in God's intervention, even if the deliverance is not yet visible. This assurance of being heard by God is a recurring theme in the Psalms (<a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a>). Theologically, it points to the faithfulness of God in responding to the cries of His people. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's victory over sin and death, where ultimate deliverance is achieved through His resurrection.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22</a>, David is expressing a deep sense of distress and seeking deliverance from God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/lion.htm">Lion</a></b><br>Symbolic of powerful and dangerous enemies or situations that threaten the psalmist.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wild_oxen.htm">Wild Oxen</a></b><br>Represents formidable and overwhelming challenges or adversaries.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate deliverer and protector, whom David calls upon for salvation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/psalm_22.htm">Psalm 22</a></b><br>A prophetic and messianic psalm that foreshadows the suffering and deliverance of Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_deliverer.htm">God as Deliverer</a></b><br>Trust in God's power to save us from overwhelming situations, just as David did.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_adversity.htm">Symbolism of Adversity</a></b><br>Recognize the symbolic nature of "lions" and "wild oxen" as representations of our personal struggles and adversaries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prophetic_fulfillment.htm">Prophetic Fulfillment</a></b><br>Understand <a href="/bsb/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22</a> as a messianic prophecy that points to Jesus' suffering and ultimate victory over death.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_trials.htm">Faith in Trials</a></b><br>Emulate the faith of biblical figures who trusted God amidst dire circumstances, knowing He hears and answers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_deliverance.htm">Prayer for Deliverance</a></b><br>Incorporate prayers for deliverance into your spiritual practice, acknowledging God's past faithfulness and future promises.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'lions'_in_psalm_57_4_poetic_or_literal.htm">Is the reference to enemies being like “lions” in Psalm 57:4 simply poetic imagery, or does it exaggerate any verifiable historical threat David faced? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_deut._33_17's_metaphor_explained.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 promises Joseph a strength likened to 'horns of a wild ox'; how do we address this metaphor scientifically or literally?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/pierced_or_like_a_lion_in_psalm_22_16.htm">Is it 'pierced' or 'like a lion' in Psalm 22:16?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'pierced'_in_psalm_22_16_a_later_addition.htm">Psalm 22:16 - Does the phrase 'they have pierced my hands and my feet' reflect a later Christian interpretation rather than the original Hebrew text?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Unicorns.</span>--See <a href="/numbers/23-22.htm" title="God brought them out of Egypt; he has as it were the strength of an unicorn.">Numbers 23:22</a>; either "buffaloes" or "antelopes." There is some uncertainty about the translation of the second clause of this verse. It may be (1) "And from the horns of buffaloes hear me," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>hear me calling for help from the horns, &c<span class= "ital">; </span>or (2) "Save me from the lion's mouth, and from the horns of buffaloes Thou hast heard me"--a sudden transition from plaintive prayer to exultant faith; or (3), following the LXX. and Vulg., "And from the horns of buffaloes save me, poor and humble as I am." The first is, on the whole, preferable, as preserving the parallelism better.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Save me from the lion's mouth</span> (comp. ver. 13). Either the chief persecutors, viewed as a class, or Satan, their instigator, would seem to be intended. <span class="cmt_word">For thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns;</span> rather, <span class="accented">even from the horns of the win oxen hast thou heard me.</span> The conviction suddenly comes to the Sufferer that he is heard. Still, the adversaries are round about him - the "dogs," the "lions," and the "strong bulls of Bashan," now showing as ferocious wild cattle, menacing him with their horns. But all the Sufferer's feelings are changed. The despondent mood has passed away. He is not forsaken. He has One to help. In one way or another he knows himself - feels himself - delivered; and he passes from despair and agony into a condition of perfect peace, and even exultation. He passes, in fact, from death to life, from humiliation to glory; and at once he proceeds to show forth his thankfulness by a burst of praise. The last strophe of the psalm (vers. 22-31) is the jubilant song of the Redeemer, now that his mediatorial work is done, and his life of suffering "finished" (<a href="/john/19-30.htm">John 19:30</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/22-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Save me</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֭וֹשִׁיעֵנִי</span> <span class="translit">(hō·wō·šî·‘ê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the lion;</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְיֵ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·yêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_738.htm">Strong's 738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the horns</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִקַּרְנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·miq·qar·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - fdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7161.htm">Strong's 7161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, power</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wild oxen</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵמִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(rê·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7214.htm">Strong's 7214: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wild bull</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You have answered Me!</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲנִיתָֽנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·nî·ṯā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/22-21.htm">Psalm 22:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/22-21.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth! (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/22-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 22:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 22:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/22-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 22:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 22:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>