King James Version

What Does Psalms 116:6 Mean?

Psalms 116:6 in the King James Version says “The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 116 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.”

Psalms 116:6 · KJV

Context

4

Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

5

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

6

The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

7

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

8

For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

Read Psalms 116 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. After crying out (v. 4), the psalmist testifies to deliverance. The LORD preserveth the simple (shomer petaim Yahweh, שֹׁמֵר פְּתָאיִים יְהוָה). Shomer (שֹׁמֵר) means to guard, keep, preserve. Petaim (פְּתָאיִים) means simple ones, open, naïve—those lacking sophistication or self-sufficiency.

This isn't praise for ignorance but recognition that God protects the vulnerable, those without resources to protect themselves. Proverbs uses petaim for the inexperienced who need wisdom (Proverbs 1:4). Here it describes those whose simplicity makes them dependent on God—the opposite of proud self-reliance. Jesus blessed the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) and revealed truth to 'babes' while hiding it from the wise and prudent (Matthew 11:25).

I was brought low, and he helped me (dalloti vehi yoshia, דַּלּוֹתִי וְלִי יְהוֹשִׁיעַ). Dalloti (דַּלּוֹתִי) means brought low, made weak, impoverished. Yoshia (יְהוֹשִׁיעַ) means to save, deliver—the root of Joshua/Jesus (Yeshua), 'Yahweh saves.' Personal testimony validates general principle: God preserves the simple, and I am living proof.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history demonstrated this principle repeatedly. A small, militarily weak nation surrounded by empires, Israel survived through divine preservation, not human strength. God chose the weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). The post-exilic community, numerically and politically diminished, depended entirely on God's protection. This psalm was sung at Passover, remembering how God delivered slave-people from mighty Egypt—paradigmatic preservation of the simple and weak by the mighty and faithful God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your self-sufficiency or sophistication potentially block the divine help available to 'the simple'?
  2. What does it mean practically to depend on God as your keeper in daily life?
  3. How has being 'brought low' positioned you to experience God's saving help in ways prosperity never could?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
שֹׁמֵ֣ר1 of 6

“preserveth”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

פְּתָאיִ֣ם2 of 6

“the simple”

H6612

silly (i.e., seducible)

יְהוָֹ֑ה3 of 6

“The LORD”

H3068

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

דַּ֝לֹּתִ֗י4 of 6

“I was brought low”

H1809

to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed

וְלִ֣י5 of 6
H0
יְהוֹשִֽׁיעַ׃6 of 6

“and he helped”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

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 116:6 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 116:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 142:6Psalms 19:7Matthew 11:25Psalms 79:8Psalms 25:21Isaiah 35:8

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