Psalms 31:16
Psalms 31:16 in Multiple Translations
Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: Save me in thy lovingkindness.
Let your servant see the light of your face; in your mercy be my saviour.
May you look kindly on me, your servant. Save me because of your trustworthy love.
Make thy face to shine vpon thy seruant, and saue me through thy mercie.
Cause Thy face to shine on Thy servant, Save me in Thy kindness.
Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your loving kindness.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.
Be kind to me and rescue me because you always faithfully love me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 31:16
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 31:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/יָדְ/ךָ֥
עִתֹּתָ֑/י
הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤/נִי
מִ/יַּד
א֝וֹיְבַ֗/י
וּ/מֵ/רֹדְפָֽ/י
בְּ/יָדְ/ךָ֥
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
עִתֹּתָ֑/י
ʻêth
H6256
time
N-cp | Suff
הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤/נִי
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
מִ/יַּד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
א֝וֹיְבַ֗/י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
וּ/מֵ/רֹדְפָֽ/י
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | Prep | V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 31:16
בְּ/יָדְ/ךָ֥
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
עִתֹּתָ֑/י
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
N-cp | Suff
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤/נִי
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
מִ/יַּד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
א֝וֹיְבַ֗/י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
וּ/מֵ/רֹדְפָֽ/י
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal | Suff
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 31:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 31:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
- Sermons on Psalms 31:16
Context — Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
14But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
15My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
16Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion.
17O LORD, let me not be ashamed, for I have called on You. Let the wicked be put to shame; let them lie silent in Sheol. 18May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 4:6 | Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 6:4 | Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion. |
| 3 | Daniel 9:9 | To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him |
| 4 | Psalms 80:3 | Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved. |
| 5 | Romans 9:15 | For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” |
| 6 | Numbers 6:25–26 | may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ |
| 7 | Daniel 9:17–18 | So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. |
| 8 | Psalms 67:1 | May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah |
| 9 | Ephesians 2:4–7 | But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. |
| 10 | Ephesians 1:6–7 | to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace |
Psalms 31:16 Summary
[This verse is a beautiful prayer where David asks God to show him His love and favor, and to save him from his enemies. God's loving devotion is a powerful force that can deliver us from any trouble or fear, as seen in Psalms 34:17 and Isaiah 41:10. When we ask God to make His face shine on us, we are asking Him to show us His love and delight, and to give us the strength and courage we need to face whatever challenges come our way, just like He did for the Israelites in Exodus 33:14-17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God's face to shine on us?
When the Bible says 'Make Your face shine on Your servant', it means that God is showing us His favor and delight, much like a parent smiles on their child, as seen in Psalms 80:3 and Numbers 6:25-26.
How does God's loving devotion save us?
God's loving devotion, or lovingkindness, is a fundamental aspect of His nature, as expressed in Psalms 103:4, and it is through this love that He saves us from our enemies and from the consequences of sin, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 5:8.
Can we really ask God to save us by His loving devotion?
Yes, we can confidently ask God to save us by His loving devotion, just as David does in this verse, because the Bible encourages us to come boldly to the throne of grace, as seen in Hebrews 4:16, and to trust in God's love and faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 13:5 and Lamentations 3:22-23.
How can we be sure that God will hear our prayers and save us?
We can be sure that God will hear our prayers and save us because He has promised to be near to those who call on Him in truth, as seen in Psalms 145:18, and because He is a God of love and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9 and 1 John 4:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced God's face shining on me in the past, and how can I trust in His loving devotion today?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's loving devotion and ask for His salvation in times of trouble or fear?
- In what ways can I, as a servant of God, reflect His love and light to those around me, and how can I ask God to help me do so?
- What are some areas of my life where I need God's salvation and deliverance, and how can I pray specifically for His loving devotion to be shown to me in those areas?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:16
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant,.... In which he prays for the gracious presence of God, the manifestations of himself unto him, the discoveries of his love, the enjoyment of him in Christ,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:16
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Thy face ... shine ... servant - the Mosaic blessing (Numbers 6:25; cf. Psalms 4:6).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
Manifest thy love and favour to me, by answering my prayers, and saving me from all mine enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
Psalms 31:16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.Ver. 16. Make thy face to shine, &c.] Which by reason of the clouds of affliction clustering about me, I cannot for present perceive. Save me, &c.] i.e. Deliver me out of these dangers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
(16) Make thy face to shine.—As in Psalms 4:6, an echo of the priestly blessing. (Numbers 6:24-26.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
Verse 16. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant] Only let me know that thou art reconciled to and pleased with me, and then, come what will, all must be well. Save me for thy mercies' sake.] Literally, Save me in thy mercy.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:16
16. Comp. the paraphrase in P.B.V., Shew thy servant the light of thy countenance: and see note on Psalms 4:6. for thy mercy’s sake] R.V. in thy lovingkindness, as in Psalms 31:7; Psalms 31:21.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:16
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant - That is, show me thy favor, or be kind and merciful to me. See the notes at Psalms 4:6. Save me for thy mercies’ sake - On account of thy mercy; or that thy mercy may be manifested.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:16
16. Make thy face to shine—A part of the Levitical benediction.Numbers 6:25. See note on Psalms 4:7
Sermons on Psalms 31:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
In Relation to the Race as It Is by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the face of God throughout human history, illustrating how the expulsion from Eden marked a separation from God's presence. He conne |
|
Psalm 5 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and devotion to God. He shares personal experiences and insights from his 60 years of knowing the Lord. The speaker |
|
Talking to God and Men by David Guzik | In this sermon on Psalm 4, the speaker discusses the possible connection of the psalm to Absalom's rebellion, although there is no concrete evidence. The psalm begins with David ca |
|
We Would See Jesus by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the singular desire for Christ as the ultimate good, contrasting the worldly pursuit of earthly comforts with the awakened sinner's longing for Jesus. He i |
|
|
The Connection Between Present Holiness and Future Felicity by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the vital connection between present holiness and future felicity, emphasizing the innate human desire for happiness and the pursuit of earthly pleasur |
|
Psalms 4:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the deep-rooted restlessness within humanity, tracing its origin back to the Garden of Eden where sin disrupted the perfect harmony between man and God. He emp |
|
Of the Goodness of God. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the essential goodness of God, explaining that all divine attributes such as love, grace, and mercy stem from His inherent goodness. He asserts that God's good |