KJV ORIGINAL
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
But I am like a worm, not even human; people mock me and everyone looks down on me with disgust.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is expressing the depths of his humiliation and rejection, feeling so low that he compares himself to a worm and describes how people treat him with contempt.
📚 Historical Context
This psalm is traditionally attributed to King David during a time of intense suffering and persecution. The vivid imagery of being treated as less than human reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of public shame and social rejection. Many Christians later saw this verse as prophetically describing Christ's humiliation during His crucifixion.
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