Psalms 86:2
Psalms 86:2 in Multiple Translations
Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.
Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
Preserve my soul; for I am godly: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
Keep my soul, for I am true to you; O my God, give salvation to your servant, whose hope is in you.
Don't let me die, for I am faithful to you. Save me, for I am your servant and I trust in you. You are my God.
Preserue thou my soule, for I am mercifull: my God, saue thou thy seruant, that trusteth in thee.
Keep my soul, for I [am] pious, Save Thy servant — who is trusting to Thee, O Thou, my God.
Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you.
Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
The Lord loveth the gates of Sion above all the tabernacles of Jacob.
Prevent me from dying now, because I ◄am loyal to/continue to believe in► you; save/rescue me, because I serve you and I trust in you, my God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 86:2
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 86:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָֽׁמְרָ֣/ה
נַפְשִׁ/י֮
כִּֽי
חָסִ֪יד
אָ֥נִי
הוֹשַׁ֣ע
עַ֭בְדְּ/ךָ
אַתָּ֣ה
אֱלֹהַ֑/י
הַ/בּוֹטֵ֥חַ
אֵלֶֽי/ךָ
שָֽׁמְרָ֣/ה
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
נַפְשִׁ/י֮
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
חָסִ֪יד
châçîyd
H2623
pious
Adj
אָ֥נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
הוֹשַׁ֣ע
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
עַ֭בְדְּ/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֱלֹהַ֑/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
הַ/בּוֹטֵ֥חַ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
Art | V-Qal
אֵלֶֽי/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 86:2
שָֽׁמְרָ֣/ה
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
נַפְשִׁ/י֮
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חָסִ֪יד
châçîyd
H2623
"pious"
Adj
A pious person is someone who is kind and faithful to God, like a saint. In the Bible, it describes people who are holy and merciful, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) faithful, kind, godly, holy one, saint, pious 1a) kind 1b) pious, godly 1c) faithful ones (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: godly (man), good, holy (one), merciful, saint, (un-) godly. See also: Deuteronomy 33:8; Psalms 85:9; Psalms 4:4.
אָ֥נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
הוֹשַׁ֣ע
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
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.
עַ֭בְדְּ/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
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.
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אֱלֹהַ֑/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הַ/בּוֹטֵ֥חַ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
Art | V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
אֵלֶֽי/ךָ
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 86:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 86:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 86:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 86:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 86:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 86:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
- Sermons on Psalms 86:2
Context — Tried but Trusting
1Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
2Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.
3Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long. 4Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 4:3 | Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him. |
| 2 | Psalms 25:2 | in You, my God, I trust. Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. |
| 3 | Psalms 16:1 | Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge. |
| 4 | Isaiah 26:3–4 | You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal. |
| 5 | Psalms 31:1 | In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness. |
| 6 | John 17:11 | I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one. |
| 7 | Psalms 18:19 | He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me. |
| 8 | Psalms 13:5 | But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:94 | I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts. |
| 10 | Romans 15:12–13 | And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. |
Psalms 86:2 Summary
[This verse is a prayer where the psalmist asks God to preserve and save him because he is trying to live a godly life. He trusts in God and knows that God is his Savior, as mentioned in Psalms 25:2 and Psalms 55:23. By trusting in God, we can have confidence that He will take care of us and save us, just like the psalmist. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 100:5 and Lamentations 3:22-23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'godly' as mentioned in Psalms 86:2?
To be godly means to live a life that is pleasing to God, following His commands and principles as outlined in the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Micah 6:8.
How can we trust in God like the psalmist does in this verse?
We can trust in God by having faith in His character and promises, as seen in Psalms 23:1-4 and Romans 8:28, and by surrendering our lives to Him, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What is the relationship between being a servant of God and trusting in Him?
Being a servant of God means surrendering our will to His and obeying His commands, as seen in Isaiah 49:3 and John 12:26, and trusting in Him is a key aspect of this relationship, as mentioned in Psalms 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 17:7-8.
How does God's mercy and salvation relate to our trust in Him?
God's mercy and salvation are closely tied to our trust in Him, as seen in Psalms 28:7 and Acts 16:31, where we are saved by grace through faith, and God's mercy is extended to those who trust in Him, as mentioned in Psalms 32:10 and Lamentations 3:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God's preservation and salvation, and how can I trust Him more in those areas?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God, like the psalmist, and what are some practical ways to apply this trust in my daily life?
- What does it mean for me to be a 'servant' of God, and how can I live out this role in my relationships and responsibilities?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God, like the psalmist, by lifting up my soul to Him and calling out to Him throughout the day?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 86:2
Preserve my soul,.... Or life, which Saul sought after; and this prayer was heard: David was often remarkably preserved by the Lord from his attempts upon him; and so was the soul or life of Christ
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 86:2
Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Preserve my soul, for I am holy - (cf. Psalms 86:16, end.) "Holy" - rather, 'pious' [ chaaciyd (H2623).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
I am holy; sanctified in some measure by thy grace, and sincerely devoted to thy service. This David speaks, not in a way of vain ostentation, but partly as a powerful argument to move God to hear his prayers, because he was one of that sort of men to whom God had engaged himself by his promise and covenant; and partly by way of just and necessary vindication of himself from the censures of his enemies, who represented him to the world as a gross dissembler, and secretly a very wicked man; concerning which he here makes a solemn appeal to God, desiring audience and help from God upon no other terms than upon this supposition, that he was a holy man; which, by the way, savoureth of no more arrogancy than when he elsewhere professeth his great love to and longing after God, his sincere obedience to all God’ s commands, and his hatred of every false way, and the like. My God, by thy covenant and my own choice. That trusteth in thee; whereby thou seemest obliged in honour and by promise to help me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
Psalms 86:2 Preserve my soul; for I [am] holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.Ver. 2. Preserve my soul, for I am holy] Or, a favourite, a saint, merciful, such a one as upon whose heart the tender mercies of the Almighty, shed forth abundantly, do leave a compassionate frame. David had the Divine nature transfused into him; he was holy as God is holy; and merciful as God is merciful (in quality though not in equality), but all of free grace; and this he pleadeth for his own safety. Save thy servant] Serva servum tuum, thy devoted servant, and not thy beneficiary only.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
(2) For I am holy.—Rather, in order to reproduce the feeling, for I am one of the chosen ones; one of Thy saints, &c. He pleads the covenant relation as a claim to the blessing. (See, on chasid, Note, Psalms 1:5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
Verse 2. Preserve my soul] Keep it as in a strong place. For I am holy] כי חשיד אני ki chasid ani, for I am merciful. The spirit of this prayer is, "The mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me!" Save thy servant] I have long taken thee as my Master and Lord; I receive the word from thy mouth, and obey thee.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 86:2
2. Preserve my soul] = Psalms 25:20. for I am holy] R.V. godly fails to bring out the connexion of the word with chesed, ‘lovingkindness’ (Psalms 86:5; Psalms 86:13; Psalms 86:15). Cheyne gives duteous in love. But the passive sense beloved, ‘the object of thy loving-kindness,’ is far more suitable. He pleads not his own merits, but the covenant relation into which God has brought him as an Israelite. See on Psalms 50:5; Psalms 85:8.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 86:2
Preserve my soul - Preserve, or keep, my life; for so the word rendered soul means in this place, as it does commonly in the Scriptures.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 86:2
2. Preserve—David’s prayer for protection points to his danger. (Psalms 86:14; Psalms 86:17.) For I am holy—Dedicated to God, a God-worshipper. But the word ηριγis as often used in the sense of merciful.
Sermons on Psalms 86:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Miracle-Working God of Mercy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their convictions about God. He suggests that they circle three titles for God mentioned by David in the psalm. Th |
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Matthew 5:8 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of purity in heart as a central tenet of Christianity, explaining that true blessedness comes from a sincere and undivided heart that seeks |
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Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl |
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Severe Temptations by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basil E. Shlink addresses the times of severe temptations and doubts that we may face in our faith. He emphasizes the importance of relying on verses from the Bible |
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Sunday Night Meditations 23 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spreading the light of the gospel in various occupations and places of business. He shares that many people have found Chri |
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Separated From Lot by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of separation from worldly influences, using the story of Abraham and Lot to illustrate how God can transform unworthy materials into vessels of |
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Our Daily Homily - Psalms by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of rooting ourselves in God's Word to maintain spiritual vitality and resilience against life's challenges. He draws parallels between the flou |