Psalms 16:3
Psalms 16:3 in Multiple Translations
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides.
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
As for the saints that are in the earth, They are the excellent in whom is all my delight.
As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the noble in whom is all my delight.
As for the holy people in the land, they are the ones who are truly great. I appreciate them.
But to the Saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent: all my delite is in them.
For the holy ones who [are] in the land, And the honourable, all my delight [is] in them.
As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Thou hast proved my heart, and visited it by night, thou hast tried me by fire: and iniquity hath not been found in me.
Your people who live in this land are wonderful; I delight to be with them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 16:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 16:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִ֭/קְדוֹשִׁים
אֲשֶׁר
בָּ/אָ֣רֶץ
הֵ֑מָּה
וְ֝/אַדִּירֵ֗י
כָּל
חֶפְצִ/י
בָֽ/ם
לִ֭/קְדוֹשִׁים
qâdôwsh
H6918
holy
Prep | Adj
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
הֵ֑מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
וְ֝/אַדִּירֵ֗י
ʼaddîyr
H117
great
Conj | Adj
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
חֶפְצִ/י
chêphets
H2656
pleasure
N-ms | Suff
בָֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 16:3
לִ֭/קְדוֹשִׁים
qâdôwsh
H6918
"holy"
Prep | Adj
Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.
Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הֵ֑מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
וְ֝/אַדִּירֵ֗י
ʼaddîyr
H117
"great"
Conj | Adj
Describes something or someone as great or powerful, such as the mighty waters of the sea in Psalm 107.
Definition: 1) great, majestic 1a) of waters of sea 1b) of a tree 1c) of kings, nations, gods 2) great one, majestic one 2a) of nobles, chieftains, servants
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, lordly, mighty(-ier one), noble, principal, worthy. See also: Exodus 15:10; Psalms 136:18; Psalms 8:2.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חֶפְצִ/י
chêphets
H2656
"pleasure"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to pleasure or delight, often describing something that brings joy or happiness. In the Bible, it can also mean a valuable thing or a desire, like in Psalm 1.
Definition: 1) delight, pleasure 1a) delight 1b) desire, longing 1c) the good pleasure 1d) that in which one takes delight
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalms 1:2.
בָֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 16:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 16:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 16:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 16:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 16:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 16:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 16:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 16:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 16:3
- Sermons on Psalms 16:3
Context — The Presence of the LORD
1Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.
2I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.”
3As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides.
4Sorrows will multiply to those who chase other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood, or speak their names with my lips. 5The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:26 | A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. |
| 2 | Hebrews 6:10 | For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. |
| 3 | Proverbs 13:20 | He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 6:41 | Now therefore, arise, O LORD God, and enter Your resting place, You and the ark of Your might. May Your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and may Your godly ones rejoice in goodness. |
| 5 | Acts 9:13 | But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. |
| 6 | Malachi 3:17 | “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. |
| 7 | Psalms 101:6 | My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me. |
| 8 | Isaiah 62:4 | No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride. |
| 9 | Psalms 116:15 | Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:63 | I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts. |
Psalms 16:3 Summary
This verse, Psalms 16:3, tells us that the people of God are very special to Him and to us. They are the best part of our lives, and we can find great joy in being with them and learning from them, just like it says in Hebrews 10:24-25. When we focus on the good things about other believers, we can see God's excellence in them, and this brings us happiness, as seen in Philippians 2:1-2. By valuing our relationships with other believers, we can experience the delight that comes from being part of God's family, and this is a treasure that God gives us, as stated in Psalms 16:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a saint in the land?
In Psalms 16:3, the term 'saints' refers to believers who are set apart for God's purposes, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6 and 1 Peter 2:9. These are people who have dedicated their lives to following God and His ways.
How can we experience delight in the saints?
Delight in the saints comes from recognizing the excellence of God's work in their lives, as stated in Psalms 16:3. This can be achieved by focusing on their godly character, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, and by cultivating meaningful relationships with them, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25.
Is it possible to have delight in God's people even when they are imperfect?
Yes, it is possible to have delight in God's people despite their imperfections, as they are still considered 'excellent' in God's eyes due to their faith in Him, as seen in Romans 5:8 and Psalms 138:8. This perspective allows us to look beyond their flaws and appreciate the work of God in their lives.
How does this verse relate to our relationships with other believers?
Psalms 16:3 highlights the importance of valuing and appreciating our relationships with other believers, as they are a source of delight and a reflection of God's excellence in our lives, similar to the concept in Ephesians 2:10 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate delight in the saints, and how can I prioritize these relationships in my life?
- How can I recognize and appreciate the excellence of God's work in the lives of other believers, even when they are different from me?
- In what ways can I reflect God's excellence in my own life, and how can I be a source of delight for others?
- What are some practical steps I can take to build meaningful relationships with other believers, and how can I ensure that these relationships are centered on God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 16:3
[But] to the saints that [are] in the earth,.... Who are sanctified or set apart by God the Father in election; whose sins are expiated by the blood of Christ in redemption, and who are sanctified or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 16:3
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. But to the saints are in the earth - in contrast to the Most High, who is in the heaven of heavens.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 16:3
But, i.e. but my goodness extendeth, which is easily understood out of the former verse; from which also there may be fetched another supplement; O my soul, thou hast said, to the saints, &c. To the saints that are in the earth, i.e. to those holy and righteous persons that live upon earth with me; to these only or principally my goodness is extended. Because I cannot reach thee, I endeavour to pay a singular respect, and love, and kindness to all saints for thy sake, whose friends and servants they are, and whose image they bear. This may seem more properly to agree to David than to Christ, whose goodness was principally designed for and imparted to sinners, and did not find men saints, but make them so; nor was it confined to them that lived with him upon the earth, but extended to all the believers of all ages before and after him. To the excellent, or, the magnificent, or mighty, or honourable, to wit, the saints, as he now called them, whom, because they were mean and despicable in the eyes of the world, he honours with their just titles; and by appropriating them to the saints, he sufficiently intimates that all other men, how great soever, are but ignoble and vile persons, as he had called them, . In whom is all my delight, i.e. whose company and conversation is most pleasant and desirable to me. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 16:3
Psalms 16:3 [But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.Ver. 3. But to the saints] The family of faith were, by a specialty, the object of David’ s bounty. Socrates, seeing a certain man giving alms to all he met, whether they were good or bad, said, male pereas qui ex gratiis cure sint virgines, facias scorta. David, the better to persuade with God to preserve him safe to the kingdom, promiseth two things: first, that he will cherish and countenance the godly party; secondly, that he will cashier and cast out all kinds of idolatry, and maintain to his utmost the sincere service of God, Psalms 16:4. And to the excellent] Or, noble, glorious, wonderful, magnificent. The saints are princes in all lands, Psalms 45:16; of an excellent spirit, Proverbs 17:27; more excellent than their neighbours, dwell they wheresover, Proverbs 12:26. They are styled the glory, Isaiah 4:5, a crown of glory, Isaiah 62:3, a royal diadem, ibid., a kingdom of priests, Exodus 19:6, higher than the kings of the earth, Psalms 89:27, greater than the four famous monarchies, Daniel 7:18, worthies of whom the world is not worthy, Hebrews 11:38, fitter to be set as stars in heaven. And surely as stars, though seen sometimes in a puddle or stinking ditch, though they reflect there, yet have they their situation in heaven; so the saints, though here in a low condition, yet are they fixed in the region of happiness. In whom is all my delight] Heb. Cheptsibam.
So the Church is called God’ s Hephzibah, Isaiah 62:4. Next to communion with God the communion of saints is most delectable. It is the very being bound up in the bundle of life, which was the blessing of Abigail upon David. Ipse aspectus viri boni delectat, saith Seneca, the very sight of a good man (morally good) delighted; what, then, of a saint? Ezra 10:3. This the heathen persecutors knew, and, therefore, banished and confined the Christians to isles and mines, where they could not one come at another, as Cyprian observeth.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 16:3
3, 4. The Psalmist’s society.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 16:3
But to the saints that are in the earth - This verse also has been very variously rendered.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 16:3
3. To the saints—Taking the preposition “to” in the sense of belonging to, joining to, the meaning would be, “I have no good beyond thee, belonging as I do to the fellowship of the saints, and the
Sermons on Psalms 16:3
| Sermon | Description | |
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Gospel of Luke Ii by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Robert Stephen Kahl discusses the different aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He explains that the gospel according to Matthew presents Christ as the King, emp |
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Life of Wililam Jay by Ian Murray | In this sermon transcript, the speaker emphasizes the importance of structuring sermons with clear divisions to aid in the retention and understanding of the message. He argues tha |
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Studies in Psalm 16:-07 by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel and not just hearing it repeatedly. He urges Christians to be proactive in sharing the message of God |
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God's People Are Saints by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the significance of being saints, set apart for God's own possession. It highlights the distinction between true sainthood and the world's perception, focusi |
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A Day of Delighting by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe preaches on the importance of delighting in the Lord, His people, providence, and pleasures as seen in Psalm 16. David's delight in God's people and providence stems |
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Exposition on Psalm 17 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches a prayer of David, emphasizing the importance of seeking righteousness and truth from God, being tested and found righteous through tribulations, and keeping |
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A Plea for the Godly by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the characteristics of a righteous man, emphasizing the importance of humility, holiness, justice, love, and perseverance in one's faith. He highlights |