Psalm 22 and the Crucifixion
David's psalm reads like an eyewitness account of Calvary.
David, who never died by crucifixion, wrote a psalm describing pierced hands and feet, parted garments and cast lots, mockery, thirst, and the cry 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' — words quoted by Christ on the cross.
The Prophecy
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?"
"...they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture."
The Fulfillment
"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
"...They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did."
Written before crucifixion existed
Crucifixion as a form of execution was unknown in David's day, yet Psalm 22 describes its details a millennium before the Romans practiced it.
Spoken from the cross
Christ deliberately took the opening words of the psalm on His lips at Golgotha — directing every hearer to read the rest.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Psalm 22 predict the crucifixion?
Its details — pierced hands and feet, gambling for garments, mockery, thirst, and the cry of forsakenness — match the crucifixion exactly.
Why did Jesus quote Psalm 22 on the cross?
To declare that the psalm was being fulfilled in Him at that very moment.
Related Bible Prophecies
The Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53
Christ wounded for our transgressions — fulfilled at Calvary.
They Shall Look on Him Whom They Pierced
Zechariah foresaw the pierced Messiah — and Israel's future mourning.
Thirty Pieces of Silver
Zechariah named the price of betrayal — fulfilled by Judas and the potter's field.
The Messiah Born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14 foretold a virgin would bear Immanuel — fulfilled in Mary.
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