King James Version

What Does Psalms 116:7 Mean?

Psalms 116:7 in the King James Version says “Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 116 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 116:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

Read Psalms 116 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. The psalmist addresses his own soul, commanding return to peace. Return unto thy rest (shuvi nafshi limnuchayikhi, שׁוּבִי נַפְשִׁי לִמְנוּחָיְכִי) uses shuv (שׁוּב, return), the great Hebrew word for repentance and restoration. Menuchah (מְנוּחָה) means rest, quiet, peaceful settlement.

The soul had been disturbed by death's threat (v. 3), turbulent with fear and anguish. Now, having experienced deliverance (v. 6), the soul is commanded to rest again. This is self-exhortation, talking to oneself to reinforce faith. David similarly questioned his downcast soul: 'Why art thou cast down, O my soul?' (Psalm 42:5), then commanded, 'Hope thou in God.'

For the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee (ki-Yahweh gamal alayikhi, כִּי־יְהוָה גָּמַל עָלָיְכִי). Gamal (גָּמַל) means to deal out, recompense, reward abundantly. The basis for soul-rest is divine bounty—not circumstances' improvement but God's faithful character and proven care. This anticipates Jesus's invitation: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical anthropology recognizes internal dialogue and self-command as spiritual discipline. The 'soul' (nephesh) encompasses emotions, will, and desires. Believers must preach to themselves, reminding their turbulent emotions of theological truth. Puritan Thomas Watson wrote, 'A Christian must not only act, but be acted upon.' We must actively command our passive emotions based on divine truth. This psalm models cognitive-behavioral-spiritual therapy: rehearsing truth to calm anxiety, recalling past deliverance to trust future provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you practice healthy self-exhortation, commanding your soul to rest based on God's faithful character?
  2. What is the relationship between remembering past blessings ('the LORD hath dealt bountifully') and finding present peace?
  3. In what ways is true rest ultimately found not in changed circumstances but in God's proven bounty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
שׁוּבִ֣י1 of 7

“Return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

נַ֭פְשִׁי2 of 7

“O my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לִמְנוּחָ֑יְכִי3 of 7

“unto thy rest”

H4494

quiet, i.e., (concretely) a settled spot, or (figuratively) a home

כִּֽי4 of 7
H3588

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

יְ֝הוָ֗ה5 of 7

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

גָּמַ֥ל6 of 7

“hath dealt bountifully”

H1580

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

עָלָֽיְכִי׃7 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 116:7 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 116:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 13:6Matthew 11:28-29Jeremiah 6:16Jeremiah 30:10Psalms 119:17Psalms 95:11

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