King James Version

What Does Psalms 16:2 Mean?

Psalms 16:2 in the King James Version says “O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; — study this verse from Psalms chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

Psalms 16:2 · KJV


Context

1

Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. Michtam: or, A golden Psalm

2

O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

3

But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

4

Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. hasten: or, give gifts to another


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David declares 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.' This is comprehensive God-dependence. The Hebrew 'towb' (good) encompasses all blessing and welfare. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that 'no one is good except God alone' (Mark 10:18) and Paul's affirmation that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). Reformed theology's doctrine of total depravity teaches that apart from God's grace, humanity possesses no spiritual good.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

A Michtam of David, possibly composed during exile or flight, when stripped of earthly supports and forced to rely solely on God.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you practically acknowledge that all your good comes from God?
  2. What areas of life do you still try to claim as 'self-made' rather than God-given?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אָמַ֣רְתְּ1 of 7

O my soul thou hast said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַֽ֭יהוָה2 of 7

unto the LORD

H3068

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

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 7

Thou art my Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

אָ֑תָּה4 of 7
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

ט֝וֹבָתִ֗י5 of 7

my goodness

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בַּל6 of 7
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

עָלֶֽיךָ׃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 16:2 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 16:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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