Psalm 22:16 is a controversial verse that has been translated differently in various Bible versions. The main debate is around how to translate the Hebrew word “kaari” – as “like a lion” or “they have pierced”. This has significant implications for understanding the prophetic nature of this Psalm that seems to foretell Jesus’ crucifixion hundreds of years before it happened.
In the King James Version (KJV), the verse reads:
“For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.”
Whereas the English Standard Version (ESV) translates it as:
“For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet”
The difference comes down to the Hebrew word “kaari” which can be translated as “like a lion” or “they have pierced”. The KJV uses the “pierced” translation, whereas the ESV simply transliterates the Hebrew word “kaari” directly into English.
Those who argue for “like a lion” point to the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) which renders it as “they bound my hands and feet like a lion”. This metaphorical language, they claim, is more consistent with the imagery in the rest of the Psalm describing bulls, dogs, and other predators surrounding the psalmist.
However, those supporting the “pierced” translation make several arguments:
- The Hebrew word “kaari” comes from a root meaning “to dig, excavate or pierce”. So “pierced” is the primary meaning.
- “Like a lion” seems inconsistent with the brutal crucifixion prophecy in this passage.
- The Dead Sea Scrolls, Targums, and some Medieval Hebrew manuscripts use the “pierced” reading.
- The New Testament quotes this verse as “they have pierced my hands and feet” (John 19:37), affirming this translation.
Looking at the grammar, “kaari” can function as a verb (“they have pierced/dug”) or a noun (“like a lion”). Since the surrounding verbs have clear subjects (dogs, evildoers), it makes most sense to take “kaari” as a verb parallel to them. The “like a lion” reading would be the lone noun in a string of verbs, which is unlikely.
Furthermore, reading this text in light of the full canon of Scripture, the “pierced” translation clearly points to Jesus’ crucifixion. The Gospel of John quotes this verse as prophecy fulfilled in Jesus (John 19:37). Taking the whole counsel of God into account, the “pierced” reading has strong support.
In summary, “they have pierced” is the best translation for Psalm 22:16. The Hebrew grammar favors this reading. And the overarching biblical context of a crucifixion prophecy that finds fulfillment in Christ affirms this translation. Modern versions like the ESV that transliterate the Hebrew provide a readable text, while still allowing for faithful translation of “kaari” as “they have pierced”.
Transmission of the Hebrew Text
When evaluating Psalm 22:16, it is also helpful to understand how the Hebrew text of the Old Testament has been transmitted over time. As an ancient text copied by hand for centuries, variations entered in as scribes made accidental or intentional changes.
Here are some key points about the textual history:
- The Masoretic Text (MT) is the standard Hebrew text used as the basis for most modern translations. The MT reads “like a lion” in Psalm 22:16.
- The Dead Sea Scrolls contain Hebrew manuscripts 1,000 years older than the MT. Some Dead Sea Scroll fragments of Psalm 22 use “pierced”, confirming it as an early reading.
- The Septuagint (LXX) is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures dating back to 200-100 BC. The LXX reads “they bound my hands and feet like a lion”, differing from the MT.
- Origen’s Hexapla shows earlyawareness of debates about Psalm 22:16 with alternatives like “they disfigured my hands and feet” provided.
- The Syriac Peshitta and Latin Vulgate also use translations akin to “they dug/pierced” my hands and feet rather than the MT lion imagery.
Based on the textual evidence, the MT appears to have altered an earlier reading. The Masoretes may have updated the text to remove a specific crucifixion prophecy. However, traces of the original wording persist in various textual traditions and the New Testament.
Examples of Bible Versions and Their Translation Choices
Modern English Bible versions handle Psalm 22:16 in different ways based on their translation philosophy:
- KJV, NKJV, MEV – “They pierced my hands and my feet” – Uses the traditional “pierced” reading, following the NT quotation.
- NASB – “They pierced my hands and my feet” – Also uses “pierced” but notes the alternative “like a lion” in a footnote.
- NIV – “they pierce my hands and my feet” – Has “pierced” but uses a footnote to indicate this reading is disputed by the MT.
- ESV – “they have pierced my hands and feet” – Transliterates the Hebrew “kaari” directly into English without translating it.
- NET – “like a lion [they maul] my hands and feet” – Uses square brackets to indicate alternative textual readings within the main text.
- NLT – “my hands and feet are mauled” – Captures the lion imagery of the MT but avoids specifying the action.
- NRSV – “they are staring and gloating over me” – Departs significantly from MT based on contextual reading rather than textual evidence.
This sample demonstrates how versions take different approaches based on their view of the textual evidence and appropriate translation methodology. The more formal equivalents (KJV, NASB, ESV) stay closer to the Hebrew text and manuscript evidence. While dynamic equivalents (NLT, NRSV) take a more interpretive approach informed by context more than just the word-for-word rendering.
Theological Implications of Translation Choices
Beyond the textual critical debate, the translation of Psalm 22:16 has significant theological implications. Here are some key points:
- The “pierced” reading supports Jesus as the Messiah who fulfilled this prophecy about crucifixion hundreds of years before crucifixion was invented.
- “Like a lion” weakens the specific prophecy but can still work as poetic analogy to brutal death.
- Psalm 22 as a whole has many parallels to the crucifixion, including mocking by others (v.7-8), thirst (v.15), and the splitting of garments (v.18).
- Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 on the cross, highlighting David’s experience as a type and foreshadow of His own greater sacrifice.
- The suffering servant motif builds throughout Scripture, and Psalm 22 depicts an innocent sufferer proclaiming God’s deliverance.
While vv.16’s translation does not make or break Psalm 22 as prophecy, the “pierced” reading underscores rich prophetic connections. It points clearly to the cross hundreds of years prior, affirming the cohesive redemptive narrative of Scripture that culminates in Christ.
Historical Interpretation of this Passage
Throughout church history, Psalm 22:16 has been interpreted in different ways based on the underlying translation. Here is a summary of how key groups have understood it:
- Early Church – The Greek-speaking early church overwhelmingly used the Septuagint reading “they bound my hands and feet like a lion”. This fit their understanding of the righteous sufferer.
- Medieval Jewish – Medieval Masoretic interpretations leaned toward “like a lion they maul my hands and feet” as poetic imagery of enemies surrounding the psalmist.
- Reformation – Reformers like Luther strongly advocated for the “pierced” reading as Christological prophecy based on the Hebrew text and NT fulfillment.
- Modern Christian – Contemporary Christian interpretation continues to be divided between textual arguments for “pierced” versus context for “like a lion”.
- Messianic Jewish – Many Messianic Jews uphold the “pierced” translation as important prophecy that Jesus fulfilled as the suffering servant Messiah.
This shows Psalm 22:16’s translation and meaning is not just an academic debate but has been an important theological issue throughout church history. Those seeing it as prophecy of the crucifixion have used it to affirm Jesus as Messiah. But other valid contextual readings also enrich the understanding of this Psalm as David’s cry to the Lord when surrounded by enemies on every side.
Recommended Translation Based on Evidence
Considering the linguistic, textual, contextual, and theological factors, the “pierced” translation is most well supported. Here are some final reasons to recommend it:
- Grammar fits better with “kaari” as a verb in parallel to the verbs around it.
- Hebrew root meaning of “kaari” aligns with “pierce” semantically.
- Dead Sea Scrolls and other early manuscripts provide external confirmation.
- The NT quotation settles question authoritatively for Christians.
- “Pierced” fits the passion prophecy genre more consistently than lion imagery.
- Church history affirms the potency of its Christological meaning.
For these reasons, translations should at minimum footnote “pierced” as the best textual reading. Ideally, they should use it in the main text. Reasons to hesitate fully endorsing it could include:
- The MT reading has stood for centuries as the Masoretic standard.
- Some ambiguity remains since Hebrew uses no vowels.
- The imagery of lions still fits the psalmist’s situation contextually.
While “they have pierced my hands and feet” is not the only possible translation, it has precedent in the textual evidence and Christian interpretive tradition. Rendering the Hebrew “kaari” this way captures both the anguish of David’s cry, and the redemptive purpose of God foretelling the Messiah’s victory through suffering centuries in advance. The piercing of hands and feet is richly meaningful for grasping the big picture message of Scripture.
Conclusion
Psalm 22:16’s translation has long been debated among scholars. But strong evidence supports “They have pierced my hands and feet” as the best rendering based on the Hebrew grammar, textual evidence, biblical context, and fulfilled prophecy in Christ’s crucifixion. While other readings have their merits, in keeping with New Testament authors and church tradition, “pierced” most accurately conveys this passage’s originally intended meaning. This attenuates David’s experience while prophetically pointing to the cross. The Scripture’s consistent message of a suffering servant who redeems through substitutionary death comes to fruition in Psalm 22’s striking foreshadow of Calvary. In this way, a careful understanding of the text’s original language combined with theology of biblical fulfillment gives modern readers a window into the multifaceted meaning encoded in this ancient text.