King James Version

What Does Psalms 116:16 Mean?

Psalms 116:16 in the King James Version says “O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 116 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.”

Psalms 116:16 · KJV

Context

14

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

15

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

16

O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

17

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

18

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,

Read Psalms 116 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. This confession of servanthood acknowledges covenant relationship and divine deliverance. The double declaration truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant (ani avdekha ani avdekha, אֲנִי־עַבְדֶּךָ אֲנִי־עַבְדְּךָ) emphasizes wholehearted commitment through repetition. Eved (עֶבֶד) means servant, slave, one bound in service.

And the son of thine handmaid (ben-amatekha, בֶּן־אֲמָתֶךָ) adds generational dimension. Born into a believing household, the psalmist inherited covenant relationship. This echoes the household servant concept—those born in the master's house possessed permanent status (Genesis 15:3, 17:12-13). It suggests both heritage (raised in faith) and permanence (lifelong commitment).

Thou hast loosed my bonds (pittachta lemoserai, פִּתַּחְתָּ לְמוֹסֵרָי). Patach (פָּתַח) means to open, loose, free. Moserot (מוֹסֵרוֹת) means bonds, fetters, restraints. God broke the death-cords that bound the psalmist (v. 3). Liberation from death produces voluntary servanthood to God—the paradox of Christian freedom: freed from sin's slavery to become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:17-18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, permanent servanthood was chosen by servants who loved their masters (Exodus 21:5-6; Deuteronomy 15:16-17). A servant could go free after six years but might choose permanent service, declaring, 'I love my master...I will not go out free.' This voluntary, love-motivated servanthood pictures covenant relationship. God delivers believers from sin and death, and grateful believers voluntarily commit to permanent service. Paul calls himself 'servant of Jesus Christ' (Romans 1:1), Mary declares herself 'the handmaid of the Lord' (Luke 1:38).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does being 'loosed from bonds' paradoxically lead to voluntary servanthood rather than autonomous freedom?
  2. What does it mean to be 'son of thine handmaid'—inheriting faith from previous generations?
  3. In what practical ways can you demonstrate that you are God's servant by choice, not coercion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אָֽנָּ֣ה1 of 11

“truly”

H577

oh now!

יְהוָה֮2 of 11

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּֽי3 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֪י4 of 11
H589

i

עַ֭בְדְּךָ5 of 11

“I am thy servant”

H5650

a servant

אֲֽנִי6 of 11
H589

i

עַ֭בְדְּךָ7 of 11

“I am thy servant”

H5650

a servant

בֶּן8 of 11

“and the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲמָתֶ֑ךָ9 of 11

“of thine handmaid”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

פִּ֝תַּ֗חְתָּ10 of 11

“thou hast loosed”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

לְמוֹסֵרָֽי׃11 of 11

“my bonds”

H4147

properly, chastisement, i.e., (by implication) a halter; figuratively, restraint

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 116:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 116:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 86:16Psalms 143:12Psalms 119:125James 1:1John 12:26Acts 27:23

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Psalms 116 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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