Psalms 22:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist is surrounded by powerful hostile forces symbolized as bulls.
The Context of Psalms 22:12
Powerful enemies encircle the psalmist, depicted as strong bulls from Bashan.
What Does Psalms 22:12 Mean?
Enemies now take form: bulls, strong ones from Bashan (a region known for fertile pasture and robust cattle). They 'compass' and 'beset' the psalmist—a military encirclement. The bulls are not merely aggressive; they are many, they are strong, and they are coordinated. The metaphor shifts from social mockery (verses 7–8) to physical threat and siege.
Bashan's bulls were proverbial for strength and ferocity. By using this image, the psalmist conveys that enemies are not merely annoying but overwhelming, pressing in from all sides with brute force. The psalmist is trapped, vulnerable, and the danger is real and immediate.
Psalms 22:12 in the Original Language
par (פַּר), 'bull' — a powerful, often dangerous animal; metaphor for military might and aggression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 22:12
What does Psalms 22:12 mean?
The psalmist is surrounded by powerful hostile forces symbolized as bulls.
What is the context of Psalms 22:12?
Powerful enemies encircle the psalmist, depicted as strong bulls from Bashan.