“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.”
—Psalm 22:6
These words, written centuries before Christ’s birth, are part of Psalm 22—a song of agony that Jesus Himself quoted while hanging on the cross. Among its verses is a phrase that stirs the heart for its rawness: “I am a worm.” What does such an unexpected comparison mean? What does it reveal about the heart of our Savior?
What is the “worm” mentioned in the Psalm?
In the original Hebrew, the word used is tola’at, which does not refer to just any worm, but to a specific one: the crimson worm (scientifically known as Kermes vermilio). From this insect, the crimson dye was extracted and used in ancient times.
This detail draws us into a beautiful symbolic connection that has deeply moved many believers.
The astonishing life cycle of the crimson worm
The Kermes vermilio has a unique cycle. The female attaches herself to a tree to birth her young. While protecting them, she dies clinging to the wood, releasing a deep red dye that stains her body, her offspring… and the wood itself.
After three days, the crimson fades, and her body turns white—like wax.
Many Christians have seen in this a symbolic reflection of Jesus’ sacrifice: His blood, His death on the wood, and His selfless love poured out for us.
Three biblical truths we can affirm
While the parallel is poetic and meaningful, we must distinguish between symbolism and doctrine. Here are three truths that are clearly and biblically revealed:
1. Jesus quoted Psalm 22 on the cross
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1 / Matthew 27:46).
Jesus knew this Psalm pointed to His suffering.
2. Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death
“He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
He was also “despised and rejected by mankind” (Isaiah 53:3).
3. His blood was the price of our redemption
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7).
“He entered the Most Holy Place once for all time… having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).
A poetic coincidence? Perhaps. But it still points to Christ.
We do not claim the crimson worm as a literal prophecy of Christ’s sacrifice. Yet we can marvel at how creation—again and again—reflects the story of the Gospel.
God uses what is small, humble, and unexpected to speak of the greatest love that exists.
Wonder that leads to worship
It is amazing how even a simple worm can reveal how good God is and how deeply He loves us. He wanted us to live—and so He gave Himself in our place.
Every time we remember Jesus on the cross, may we do so with reverence and gratitude. He was not forced. He gave Himself willingly. He was despised and humiliated… so that you and I could be redeemed.
Digitally created illustration using artificial intelligence for illustrative purposes.
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