Psalms 86:16
Psalms 86:16 in Multiple Translations
Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant.
O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
Oh turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; Give thy strength unto thy servant, And save the son of thy handmaid.
O be turned to me and have mercy on me: give your strength to your servant, and your salvation to the son of her who is your servant.
Turn to me, have mercy on me. Give me your strength, your servant; save the son of your servant-girl.
Turne vnto me, and haue mercy vpon me: giue thy strength vnto thy seruant, and saue the sonne of thine handmayd.
Look unto me, and favour me, Give Thy strength to Thy servant, And give salvation to a son of Thine handmaid.
Turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give your strength to your servant. Save the son of your servant.
O turn to me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength to thy servant, and save the son of thy handmaid.
Look down toward me and be merciful to me; cause me to be strong and save/rescue me who serves you faithfully like my mother did.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 86:16
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 86:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פְּנֵ֥ה
אֵלַ֗/י
וְ/חָ֫נֵּ֥/נִי
תְּנָֽ/ה
עֻזְּ/ךָ֥
לְ/עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ
וְ֝/הוֹשִׁ֗יעָ/ה
לְ/בֶן
אֲמָתֶֽ/ךָ
פְּנֵ֥ה
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֵלַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/חָ֫נֵּ֥/נִי
chânan
H2603
be gracious
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
תְּנָֽ/ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עֻזְּ/ךָ֥
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms | Suff
לְ/עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/הוֹשִׁ֗יעָ/ה
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
לְ/בֶן
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms
אֲמָתֶֽ/ךָ
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 86:16
פְּנֵ֥ה
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אֵלַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/חָ֫נֵּ֥/נִי
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
תְּנָֽ/ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עֻזְּ/ךָ֥
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms | Suff
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
לְ/עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וְ֝/הוֹשִׁ֗יעָ/ה
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
לְ/בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲמָתֶֽ/ךָ
ʼâmâh
H519
"maidservant"
N-fs | Suff
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 86:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 86:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 86:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 86:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 86:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 86:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
- Sermons on Psalms 86:16
Context — Tried but Trusting
14The arrogant rise against me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life; they have no regard for You.
15But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.
16Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant.
17Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed; for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 6:10 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. |
| 2 | Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. |
| 3 | Isaiah 40:29–31 | He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. |
| 4 | Psalms 25:16 | Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted. |
| 5 | Psalms 116:16 | Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds. |
| 6 | Ephesians 3:16 | I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, |
| 7 | Psalms 138:3 | On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul. |
| 8 | Colossians 1:11 | being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully |
| 9 | Psalms 69:16 | Answer me, O LORD, for Your loving devotion is good; turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion. |
| 10 | Psalms 90:13 | Return, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on Your servants. |
Psalms 86:16 Summary
[Psalms 86:16 is a heartfelt prayer where the psalmist asks God to turn to him, have mercy on him, and give him strength. He recognizes his own weakness and dependence on God, calling himself 'the son of Your maidservant'. This verse reminds us that we can come to God in our times of need, just like the psalmist, and trust in His loving devotion and faithfulness (Psalms 86:15). As we pray and seek God's face, we can have confidence that He will help us and comfort us, just as He did for the psalmist (Psalms 86:17).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'turn to me' in Psalms 86:16?
This phrase is a plea for God's attention and intervention, similar to what we see in Psalms 25:16, where the psalmist asks God to 'turn to him' in his time of need.
Why does the psalmist ask for God's strength in Psalms 86:16?
The psalmist recognizes his own weakness and inability to overcome his enemies, so he asks for God's strength, just as we see in Ephesians 6:10, where believers are encouraged to 'be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power'.
What is the significance of the phrase 'son of Your maidservant' in Psalms 86:16?
This phrase is a humble expression of the psalmist's dependence on God and his recognition of his place before Him, similar to what we see in Psalms 116:16, where the psalmist calls himself 'the son of Your maidservant'.
How can I apply the principles of Psalms 86:16 to my own life?
Just like the psalmist, we can come to God in our times of need, asking for His mercy, strength, and salvation, trusting in His loving devotion and faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 86:15 and Lamentations 3:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I need God's mercy and strength, and how can I humbly come to Him in prayer?
- How does my understanding of God's character, as seen in Psalms 86:15, impact my ability to trust Him in difficult circumstances?
- In what ways can I, like the psalmist, acknowledge my dependence on God and recognize my place before Him?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God's goodness, even in the face of adversity, as seen in Psalms 86:17?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 86:16
O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me,.... For it seems the Lord had turned away from him, and had hid his face, and withheld the manifestation of his grace and mercy from him, and had not yielded
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 86:16
O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. Give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
Give thy strength, to assist, support, and save me. Me, who by thy gracious providence was born not of heathen, but of Israelitish parents, and therefore was in covenant with thee from my birth, and whose mother was thy faithful servant, and did entirely devote me to thy service.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
Psalms 86:16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.Ver. 16. O turn unto me] Or, look toward me; the life of a believer consisteth in the light of God’ s countenance. Give thy strength unto thy servant] Master, pray lend me your hand, saith the servant to his master when he wants help. And save the son of thine handmaid] q.d. I was born in thy house, came of religious parents, &c., therefore do me good for their sakes at least, as Ishmael was blessed for Abraham’ s.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
(16) Servant . . . son of thine handmaid.—Comp. Psalms 116:16. The combined expressions imply a homeborn slave. (Comp. Genesis 14:14; Jeremiah 2:14)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
Verse 16. O turn unto me] He represents himself as following after God; but he cannot overtake him; and then he plays that he would turn and meet him through pity; or give him strength that he might be able to hold on his race. Give thy strength unto thy servant] The Vulgate renders, Da imperium tuum puero tuo, "Give thy empire to thy child." The old Psalter. Gyf empyre to thi barne, and make safe the son of thi hand mayden. Thi barne - thy tender child. [A. S.] or [A. S.], Anglo-Saxon; thy knave; signifying either a serving man or a male child. As many servants were found to be purloiners of their masters' property, hence the word [A. S.], and [A. S.], and knave, became the title of an unprincipled servant.
The term fur, which signifies a thief in Latin, for the same reason became the appellative of a dishonest servant. Quid domini facient, audent cum talia FURES? When servants (thieves) do such things, what may not be expected from the masters? VIRG. Ecl. iii. 16. So PLAUTUS, speaking of a servant, Aulul. ii. 46, says: Homo es trium literarum, "Thou art a man of three letters," i.e., FUR, a thief. The word knave is still in use, but is always taken in a bad sense. The paraphrase in the old Psalter states the handmaid to be the kirk, and the son of this handmaid to be a true believer.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 86:16
16. O turn &c.] From Psalms 25:16. have mercy upon me] Render, be gracious unto me, to shew the connexion with the attribute ‘gracious’ in Psalms 86:15. thy servant … the son of thine handmaid] Cp. Psalms 116:16. ‘The son of thine handmaid’ is a synonym for ‘thy servant,’ denoting a closer relationship, for servants ‘born in the house’ (Genesis 14:14) were the most trusted dependents. Cp. “of the household of God,” Ephesians 2:19. It has been conjectured that the Psalmist, like Samuel, was early dedicated to the service of God; but the words do not necessarily convey this meaning.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 86:16
O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me - Look upon me; as if God were now turned away, and were unmindful of his danger, his needs, and his pleading.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 86:16
16. The son of thine handmaid—A servant born in the house. See Genesis 17:12; Genesis 17:27, and compare Exodus 23:12; Exodus 20:10. The psalmist takes the lowest place.
Sermons on Psalms 86:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Warning to American Christianity by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher passionately emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's word. He condemns liberal theologians who shy away from preaching about hell and |
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Power Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their experience of watching a movie about the United Nations and reflecting on the horrors of the world. They then share a childhood dream th |
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A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous |
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A Warning to America by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's intervention and righteousness in a land plagued by defilement and darkness. It highlights the power of prayer and the need f |
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The Whole Armour of God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of putting on the whole armor of God to withstand the spiritual battles we face against unseen forces. He reflects on the current state o |
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America's Only Hope by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the need for God's people to humble themselves, pray, confess sins, and turn from wicked ways to bring about revival. It shares power |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 18:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He encourages young adults to abstain from the immorality of the cu |