The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 16
In brief
Psalm 16 is a miktam of David that begins with a prayer: preserve me, God, for I take refuge in you. David declares that God is his highest good, his portion and his inheritance, and he refuses to follow idols. Because he keeps Yahweh always before him, he is not shaken. The psalm closes with joy and the path of life. Peter and Paul both recognized in it the announcement of the resurrection of Jesus.
The chapter in 4 parts
1Preserve me, God, for I take refuge in you.
2My soul, you have said to Yahweh, “You are my Lord. Apart from you I have no good thing.”
3As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
4Their sorrows shall be multiplied who give gifts to another god. Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take their names on my lips.
5Yahweh assigned my portion and my cup. You made my lot secure.
6The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7I will bless Yahweh, who has given me counsel. Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
8I have set Yahweh always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety.
10For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.
11You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.
Key verses
My soul, you have said to Yahweh, “You are my Lord. Apart from you I have no good thing.”
David calls God his highest good: nothing he owns is worth more than him.
Yahweh assigned my portion and my cup. You made my lot secure. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a good inheritance.
The portion recalls the share of land given to each family in Israel. David says his true portion is Yahweh himself, and he finds a pleasant inheritance there.
I have set Yahweh always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Keeping God before our eyes and at our right hand is a way of life, and it is what keeps us from being shaken.
For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption. You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.
These verses go beyond David's own situation. In Acts, Peter applies them to the resurrection of Jesus, who opens the path of life.
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 16
What does Psalm 16 mean?
Psalm 16 is the confession of someone who chose God as refuge and as the highest good. David gives up idols, finds his joy and security in God, and catches a glimpse of the path of life. New Testament authors also read in it an announcement of the resurrection of Jesus.
Who wrote Psalm 16?
The title attributes it to David and calls it a miktam. In the book of Acts, Peter quotes verses 8 to 11 and says David was speaking of the resurrection of the Christ, since David died and his tomb is still there, while Jesus rose again.
How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 16?
Start with the first verse, telling God that you take refuge in him. Then reread verses 2 and 5, replacing the things you cling to with God as your portion. End with verse 11, thanking him for the joy he sets before you.
Articles quoting Psalm 16
- 20 Bible Verses for a Farewell in Japan: Transfers, Retirement and Moving Away
- 20 Bible Verses for Starting a New Life in April: Kept by God in an Unfamiliar Place
- Luke 24: Do Not Look for the Living Among the Dead
- Joshua 24: Choose Today Whom You Will Serve
- Romans 8: Taking Christ Means Receiving All Things
- Exodus 33: God's Presence Is Your True Rest
World English Bible translation — public domain.