Psalms 22:19 Meaning and Explanation
“But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In the climax of suffering, the psalmist begs God to draw near and intervene.
The Context of Psalms 22:19
A turning plea for God to draw near and act quickly in the face of imminent death.
What Does Psalms 22:19 Mean?
Another 'But'—the psalmist's turning point again. After describing torture, humiliation, and despoliation in detail, the prayer shifts to urgent petition. 'Be not far from me'—the call of verse 1, now amplified with desperation. The psalmist calls God 'my strength,' acknowledging that when personal strength has failed, God alone remains as power. 'Haste thee to help'—a demand for God's urgent intervention.
This verse marks the hinge between lament and hope. The psalmist has brought every detail of suffering before God and now commands Him to act. It is a bold prayer: not resignation but an insistence that God, as God, cannot remain distant from this anguish.
Psalms 22:19 in the Original Language
chazaq (חָזָק), 'strength' — might, firm endurance; when applied to God, divine power that sustains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 22:19
What does Psalms 22:19 mean?
In the climax of suffering, the psalmist begs God to draw near and intervene.
What is the context of Psalms 22:19?
A turning plea for God to draw near and act quickly in the face of imminent death.