Psalm 116 8

Psalm 116:8 kjv

For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

Psalm 116:8 nkjv

For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling.

Psalm 116:8 niv

For you, LORD, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,

Psalm 116:8 esv

For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;

Psalm 116:8 nlt

He has saved me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.

Psalm 116 verses

Psalm 116 8 Meaning

Psalm 116:8 is a profound declaration of thanksgiving to God for His complete and personal deliverance. The psalmist expresses gratitude for being rescued from death, freed from deep sorrow and tears, and kept from falling or faltering in life's journey. It highlights God's holistic salvation, encompassing the vital essence (soul), emotional state (eyes/tears), and life's practical walk (feet). This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's active intervention and preservation in times of extreme distress.

Psalm 116 8 Context

Psalm 116 is a personal psalm of thanksgiving (a Toda Psalm). The psalmist recounts a desperate time when they faced immense suffering and even the threat of death, referred to as "the snares of death" and "the terrors of Sheol" (v. 3). In that dire situation, the psalmist "called upon the name of the Lord" (v. 4). This verse (v. 8) then expresses the direct, grateful acknowledgment of God's intervention and rescue, which prompted the psalmist to respond with renewed commitment to live faithfully and make offerings of thanksgiving (v. 17). Historically, it is part of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Passover and other Jewish festivals, giving it both personal and communal significance in celebrating God's great deliverance. The "deliverance" theme resonated deeply with both individual experience and Israel's national history of redemption from bondage.

Psalm 116 8 Word analysis

• For you have delivered: The Hebrew word for "delivered" is chilatzta (חִלַּצְתָּ), from the root chalatz. This verb implies drawing something out of a tight place, setting free, or rescuing from danger. It speaks of a very active and effective intervention by God. The particle "For" (ki) introduces the reason for the psalmist's vows and gratitude expressed in preceding verses.
• my soul from death: "Soul" is nafshi (נַפְשִׁי), from nephesh. In Hebrew thought, nephesh signifies the entire living being, the self, the life-principle, rather than merely the spiritual part distinct from the body. It emphasizes the wholeness of the individual. "Death" (mavet) here signifies not just biological cessation but the state of utter peril, deep distress, or the very brink of Sheol (the grave/realm of the dead). It's an existential deliverance.
• my eyes from tears: "Eyes" (einay) are associated with emotional expression. "Tears" (dim'ah) denote deep sorrow, distress, and anguish. Deliverance from tears means God removed the cause of intense grief and suffering, replacing it with comfort and joy. This reflects emotional restoration and peace.
• my feet from stumbling: "Feet" (raglay) symbolize one's path, walk of life, or progress. "Stumbling" (dechi - דֶּחִי) refers to a push, an overthrow, a fall, or being cast down. This can be interpreted both literally as protection from physical harm and metaphorically as preservation from moral failure, falling into sin, or faltering in one's commitment to God. It highlights God's guidance and support in the daily journey.
• my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling: This tripartite declaration emphasizes the comprehensive and holistic nature of God's deliverance. It addresses the totality of human existence – one's life force/essence, one's emotional state, and one's practical daily walk and moral standing. It means God saved the whole person – spirit, mind, and body – from the gravest dangers and distress.

Psalm 116 8 Bonus section

The poetic parallelism found in Psalm 116:8 is a classic example of synthetic parallelism, where the second and third clauses expand upon or complete the thought of the first. The three clauses cumulatively present a full picture of God's comprehensive rescue. Furthermore, this Psalm, as part of the Hallel, foreshadows ultimate deliverance found in the New Covenant. The "wiping away of tears" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Revelation's vision of a new heaven and earth, where all pain and sorrow cease, mirroring God's promised perfect redemption. The phrase "delivered my soul from death" holds particular significance, especially when viewed through the lens of Christ's resurrection, which represents the definitive triumph over death for all who believe.

Psalm 116 8 Commentary

Psalm 116:8 stands as a vibrant testimony to the faithfulness and comprehensive salvation of the Lord. The psalmist experienced a multi-faceted deliverance, acknowledging God's hand not only in preserving physical life but also in restoring emotional well-being and maintaining moral and spiritual stability. This verse beautifully captures the depth of God's mercy: He reaches into the darkest places of fear and despair, dries the bitterest tears, and secures the uncertain steps. It serves as a reminder that God's rescue is not superficial; it permeates every aspect of our being, assuring us that His care is complete. This past deliverance becomes the foundation for continued trust and obedience, empowering the believer to "walk before the Lord in the land of the living" (Ps 116:9) with confidence and gratitude.Examples: A person battling a chronic illness experiences remission (soul from death); one enduring a season of deep grief finds inexplicable peace and comfort (eyes from tears); someone facing intense temptation or making significant life choices feels divinely guided away from error (feet from stumbling).