Psalm 22:12-13 pictures the sufferer surrounded by powerful and threatening enemies, poetically compared to strong bulls and a roaring lion opening its mouth against him. The imagery conveys helplessness in the face of violent people intent upon his destruction.

John 19:6 records the chief priests and officers demanding Jesus' crucifixion, illustrating the deadly hostility that had gathered around Him. John does not quote Psalm 22:12-13, so the relationship is typological rather than a direct fulfillment citation. Within the broader passion pattern of Psalm 22, however, the image of the righteous sufferer encircled by hostile forces corresponds naturally to Jesus surrounded by leaders and crowds demanding His death.