Book of Psalms - Chapter 22 - Verse 16

This particular verse, “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet,” is often interpreted as a prophetic reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The first part of the verse, “dogs have compassed me,” may symbolize the enemies and persecutors surrounding Jesus during his crucifixion. The next part, “the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me,” could be seen as a representation of the religious leaders and Roman authorities who conspired against Jesus. Lastly, “they pierced my hands and my feet” is a direct allusion to the nails that were used to crucify Jesus on the cross. This verse is considered to be a powerful foreshadowing of the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus endured for the sins of humanity, emphasizing the theme of redemption and salvation through his death and resurrection.

The verse "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet" from Psalm 22:16 has been a subject of theological interpretation for centuries. The term "dogs" in this context refers to unclean and contemptible creatures, often used metaphorically to describe enemies or those who oppose God's people. The imagery of being surrounded by dogs and the assembly of the wicked conveys the sense of being completely encircled and overwhelmed by adversaries. The phrase "they pierced my hands and my feet" is particularly significant as it has been interpreted by many scholars as a prophecy of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The piercing of the hands and feet aligns with the method of execution used during Roman times, where nails were driven through the hands and feet of the condemned. This verse is seen by Christians as foreshadowing the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, emphasizing the suffering he endured for the redemption of humanity.