Psalm 16 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;
3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
Psalms Chapter 16 (Old Testament)
More of the 16th Psalm KJV:
5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 16:11
Verse: בְּעִירֹתָךְ, שִׂמְחָה תָמִיד
Transliteration: B’eirotak simchah tamid
English: “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Focus Word: שִׂמְחָה (Simchah)
- Root: ש-מ-ח (Shin-Mem-Chet)
- Meaning: “Joy,” “gladness,” “delight.”
- Deeper Insight: In Hebrew, simchah conveys deep, lasting joy that stems from God’s presence, not fleeting happiness.
Biblical Scholars on This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 16 |
|---|---|---|
| John Calvin (University of Paris / Orléans, 1509–1564) | Commentaries on the Psalms | Calvin interprets Psalm 16 as expressing trust in God’s guidance and the joy of a life rooted in Him. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Henry highlights delight in God as the believer’s true portion, emphasizing spiritual stability. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Manton stresses that confidence in God preserves the soul from despair and secures hope of eternal life. |
| Richard Sibbes (Pembroke College, Cambridge, 1577–1635) | The Bruised Reed | Sibbes reads the Psalm as celebrating joy and contentment found in God’s presence rather than worldly pursuits. |
| John Lightfoot (Jesus College, Cambridge, 1602–1675) | Commentarius Hebraicus in Psalmos | Lightfoot emphasizes the Psalm as a model of spiritual security in God, contrasted with the instability of worldly trust. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| Friedrich Delitzsch – Early Psalm Notes (distinct from father Franz) | Delitzsch sees this psalm as expressing deep trust in God as portion and inheritance. The lines falling in pleasant places represent spiritual contentment under divine guidance. The final hope of not seeing corruption anticipates resurrection. |
| Eduard Reuss – La Bible (Old Testament Notes) | Reuss interprets this song as a confession of loyalty to Yahweh amid surrounding idolatry. The psalmist’s joy comes from recognizing God as his only good. The closing confidence in life beyond death makes the psalm uniquely hopeful. |
| John Pulsford – Devotional Readings in the Psalms | Pulsford portrays the psalm as the believer’s declaration of union with God. God as portion means that spiritual riches surpass earthly gain. The assurance of divine presence shields from the fear of death. |
| Thomas Binney – Sermons and Expositions | Binney argues that the psalmist finds both identity and destiny in God. The “pleasant places” speak to the believer’s satisfaction in divine will. The anticipation of immortality lifts the psalm above temporal concerns. |
| Robert Street – Nineteenth-Century Psalm Essays | Street notes the psalmist’s rejection of pagan rites as a sign of exclusive devotion. The Lord’s counsel, even at night, signifies constant divine instruction. The hope of resurrection anchors the psalm in eternal security. |
| George H. Wilkinson – Spiritual Commentary on the Psalms | Wilkinson sees this psalm as a pilgrim’s testimony to God’s guidance. The lot cast by God is embraced with gratitude and faith. The final verse stands as a beacon of resurrection faith. |
| Daniel Wilson – 19th-Century Anglican Psalm Expositions | Wilson views God as the believer’s supreme possession. The psalmist’s heart is made glad by divine fellowship. The assurance of God not abandoning His holy one is both Messianic and personal. |
| Frederick W. Farrar – Additional Psalm Sermons | Farrar highlights the joy that springs from surrender to God. The night-time counsel suggests a continual inner dialogue with God’s Spirit. The confidence in life beyond death elevates the whole piece. |
| Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg – Early Essay (distinct from earlier) | Hengstenberg recognizes the psalm as both personal and prophetical. God as portion expresses a profound spiritual monotheism. The expectation of deliverance from Sheol anticipates Messianic fulfillment. |
| W. Kay – Additional Commentary Notes | Kay sees this psalm as a thanksgiving for divine guardianship. The inheritance language signals spiritual satisfaction. Victory over death forms its climactic theme. |
Prayer: Thank you King of glory for your righteous right hand. Thank You, Lord that you see my goings and arrivals and that in You O Lord I have a good heritage of prosperity and protection. Glorify Your Name O God and let the knowledge of the glory of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. We bless You and thank You in Jesus' Name. Amen!
We hope that you enjoyed the King James Version of Psalms 16 we provided here. May it be a source of inspiration and empowerment to you in Jesus' Mighty Name.
