Skip to main content

    Psalms 16 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 16 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 16

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 16:11

    "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulne…"

    Psalm 16:8

    "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my ri…"

    Psalm 16:1

    "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.…"

    Psalm 16:5-6

    "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: t…"

    Psalm 16:5

    "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: t…"

    Psalm 16:10

    "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou s…"

    Psalm 16:9

    "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh…"

    Popular Verses in Psalms 16

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Psalm 16:11 KJV

    Major Psalms

    Explore Topics Related to Psalms 16

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Commentary

    Psalm 16:1 Commentary

    In-depth study • Trust in God's Preservation

    Commentary

    Psalm 139:7 Commentary

    In-depth study • God's Inescapable Presence

    Devotional

    Psalm 139:7-8 — Meaning & Devotional

    God's Omnipresence

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About God's Presence

    10 curated KJV verses

    Devotional

    Psalm 16:11 — Meaning & Devotional

    Joy

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About God's Presence in Nature

    10 curated KJV verses

    Psalms 16 Summary

    Psalm 16, titled 'Michtam of David,' is a psalm of confident trust and joyful contentment in God. David declares, 'Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.' He confesses that his goodness extends not to God but to the 'saints that are in the earth.' He renounces any association with false gods and affirms that the LORD is his 'portion and cup.'

    The psalm's most significant section is prophetically messianic: 'Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.' Peter quotes this passage at Pentecost (Acts 2:25-28) as fulfilled in Christ's resurrection — David died and was buried, but Jesus rose without decay. David concludes with enduring joy: 'In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.'

    Key Themes

    Confident TrustMessianic ProphecyJoy in God's PresenceGod as Portion

    Key Verses in Psalms 16

    "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."

    — Psalms 16:8

    The practice of keeping God constantly in view — when He is first, stability follows.

    "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption."

    — Psalms 16:10

    A direct messianic prophecy of Christ's resurrection — His body did not decay in the tomb.

    "In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

    — Psalms 16:11

    Ultimate joy and eternal pleasure are found in God's presence — not in the world's offerings.

    Life Application

    Psalm 16 teaches that God Himself — not His gifts — is your true inheritance. 'In thy presence is fullness of joy' means that the deepest pleasure you can experience is intimacy with God. Set the Lord always before you, and you'll discover an unshakable life.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How does Psalm 16 point to Jesus?

    Peter explicitly identifies Psalm 16:10 as a prophecy of Christ's resurrection in Acts 2:25-31. David died and his body decayed, so the promise 'thou wilt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption' could not apply to David — it was fulfilled in Jesus, who rose from the grave without bodily decay.

    What does 'the LORD is my portion' mean?

    In Israel, each tribe received a 'portion' (inheritance) of the Promised Land — except the Levites, whose 'portion' was God Himself. David claims this priestly privilege: God is his inheritance, his share, his reward. Everything else is secondary to possessing God.

    Psalm 16 Commentary & Reflection

    Trust
    Peaceful, hopeful

    Best read for: Seeking direction, finding joy

    Overview of Psalm 16: The Path of Life

    Psalm 16 is David's prayer of trust and contentment in God alone. He declares that his goodness is nothing apart from the Lord and that God is his chosen inheritance. The psalm culminates in one of the most quoted messianic prophecies: that God will not abandon His Holy One to the grave, but will show him the path of life.

    Key Themes

    Trust
    Contentment
    Resurrection Hope
    Joy

    Key Verses to Remember

    “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
    — Psalm 16:8 (KJV)
    “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
    — Psalm 16:11 (KJV)

    Reflection

    True satisfaction doesn't come from circumstances but from God's presence. David found fullness of joy not in his throne but at God's right hand. What would change if you truly believed that God is your inheritance?

    Historical Context

    Peter quoted this psalm at Pentecost (Acts 2:25-28) to prove Jesus' resurrection—'You will not leave my soul in hell, nor allow Your Holy One to see corruption.' David wrote from personal trust, but the Holy Spirit intended a prophetic meaning that would only be fully revealed a thousand years later in an empty tomb outside Jerusalem.

    How to Apply Psalm 16 Today

    Practice the 'Miktam' (golden psalm) mindset: 'I have set the Lord always before me.' Whatever task you face today—commute, meeting, parenting, studying—consciously place God at your right hand. This isn't mystical; it's simply remembering His presence in every ordinary moment until it becomes your default orientation.

    A Prayer from Psalm 16

    Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. You are my Lord; my goodness extends not to You. The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup. You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel. You will show me the path of life. Amen.

    Read the full Psalm 16 devotional →
    Read the full summary of Psalms

    Free Bible widgets and more ways to read