Psalms 16:11
What does Psalms 16:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 16:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 16:11 means
This verse expresses profound confidence in God’s guidance and the ultimate satisfaction found in His presence. The "path of life" refers to God’s divine direction, leading to a life not only of duration but also of quality and spiritual vitality. "Fullness of joy" signifies a complete, overflowing happiness that is found exclusively in communion with God, contrasting with fleeting worldly pleasures. The imagery of God’s "right hand" symbolizes His power and favor, indicating that the "pleasures forevermore" are enduring, secure, and eternally satisfying blessings bestowed by Him, promising everlasting delight and fulfillment for those who follow His way.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You will make clear to me the way of life; where you are joy is complete; in your right hand there are pleasures for ever and ever.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Thou causest me to know the path of life; Fulness of joys <FI>is<Fi> with Thy presence, Pleasant things by Thy right hand for ever!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They have cast me forth, and now they have surrounded me: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thou wilt make known to me the path of life: thy countenance is fulness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Context
Psalm 16 is a Miktam of David, a type of psalm often associated with deep personal meditation and trust. In the verses immediately preceding Psalm 16:11, David declares his refuge in the Lord (v. 1) and affirms that God alone is his good (v. 2). He speaks of his delight in the saints (v. 3) and his refusal to worship other gods (v. 4). David then expresses his contentment with God as his inheritance (v. 5-6) and praises God for His counsel (v. 7). He proclaims his unwavering focus on the Lord (v. 8) and his hope that his body will rest secure, knowing God will not abandon him to the grave (v. 9-10). This climactic verse, therefore, serves as a confident conclusion to David’s declaration of faith and his expectation of eternal life and joy in God’s presence, building on his established trust and hope in the Lord as his ultimate good and guide.
v.10For thou wilt not leave my soul to Sheol; Neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption.
v.11This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
- Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
- Jude 1:24
Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy,
- 1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.
- Mark 16:19
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
- 1 John 3:2
Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.
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