King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:16 Mean?

Psalms 69:16 in the King James Version says “Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.”

Psalms 69:16 · KJV

Context

14

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

15

Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

16

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

17

And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. hear: Heb. make haste to hear me

18

Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.

Read Psalms 69 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. After intense petitions (verses 14-15), David grounds his appeal in God's character. "Hear me" (עֲנֵנִי/aneni) literally means "answer me"—not merely listen but respond actively. "Lovingkindness" (חֶסֶד/chesed) is covenant faithfulness, loyal love, steadfast mercy—God's committed, unbreakable devotion to His people despite their unfaithfulness.

"Thy lovingkindness is good" (טוֹב חַסְדֶּךָ/tov chasdekha) declares divine mercy's inherent excellence and beneficence. It isn't merely available but actively beneficial, life-giving, transformative. "Turn unto me" (פְּנֵה אֵלַי/fenei elai) asks God to turn His face toward the sufferer—the opposite of hiding His face (verse 17).

"According to the multitude of thy tender mercies" (כְּרֹב רַחֲמֶיךָ/kerov rachamekha)—rachamim derives from rechem (womb), evoking maternal compassion. It's visceral, tender, deeply feeling mercy. The "multitude" emphasizes abundance—God's mercies aren't limited or rationed but overflow inexhaustibly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Attributes of God—especially chesed (covenant love) and rachamim (compassion)—are central to Israel's covenant theology, rooted in Exodus 34:6-7 where Yahweh proclaims Himself "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Every appeal for mercy references this foundational self-revelation.

The request for God to "turn His face" recalls the Aaronic benediction (Numbers 6:24-26): "The LORD make his face shine upon thee... The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Divine favor is depicted spatially—God's face turned toward brings blessing; His face hidden brings distress.

Christian theology recognizes Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's chesed and rachamim. In Christ, God not only turns His face toward humanity but assumes human flesh, entering our suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does basing prayer on God's character rather than our worthiness change our approach to Him in desperation?
  2. What does "turn unto me" reveal about the nature of divine presence and absence in believers' experience?
  3. How do you experience God's "tender mercies" as more than abstract doctrine but as lived reality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עֲנֵ֣נִי1 of 9

“Hear”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יְ֭הוָה2 of 9

“me O LORD”

H3068

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

כִּי3 of 9
H3588

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

ט֣וֹב4 of 9

“is good”

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

חַסְדֶּ֑ךָ5 of 9

“for thy lovingkindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

כְּרֹ֥ב6 of 9

“unto me according to the multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

רַ֝חֲמֶ֗יךָ7 of 9

“of thy tender mercies”

H7356

compassion (in the plural)

פְּנֵ֣ה8 of 9

“turn”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֵלָֽי׃9 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 69:16 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 69:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 109:21Psalms 25:16Psalms 63:3Psalms 26:11Psalms 69:13Psalms 51:1

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 69 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 69 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes