Psalm 16:8 kjv
I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalm 16:8 nkjv
I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Psalm 16:8 niv
I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8 esv
I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8 nlt
I know the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Psalm 16 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Psa 21:7 | For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved. | Trust in God brings stability. |
| Psa 55:22 | Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. | God's sustaining power ensures no fall. |
| Psa 112:6 | For he will never be shaken... | Righteous unmovable through God's support. |
| Psa 121:5 | The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. | God's protecting presence. |
| Psa 125:1 | Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. | Trust in God equates to ultimate stability. |
| Pro 10:30 | The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land. | Contrast: Righteous endure, wicked fall. |
| Acts 2:25 | For David says concerning him: 'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken... | Messianic application by Peter. |
| Heb 12:28 | Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken... | A lasting kingdom due to God's reign. |
| 1 Cor 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord... | Call to steadfastness in service. |
| Eph 6:13 | Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. | Standing firm in spiritual warfare. |
| Phil 4:6-7 | ...do not be anxious about anything... And the peace of God... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. | God's presence brings inner peace, guarding. |
| Isa 41:10 | Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. | God's active, strong help. |
| Deu 33:27 | The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms... | God as a constant refuge and support. |
| Psa 73:23 | Nevertheless, I am always with you; you hold my right hand. | God's continual closeness and support. |
| Psa 62:6 | He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. | God as the ultimate source of stability. |
| Psa 91:1-2 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty... my God, in whom I trust. | Dwelling in God brings security. |
| Jas 1:5-8 | ...let him ask God... But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. | Contrast: Doubting causes instability, faith brings stability. |
| 1 Pet 5:7 | casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. | God's care prevents anxiety and instability. |
| Rom 8:31 | What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? | God's ultimate protective stance. |
| Col 1:17 | And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. | Christ as the ultimate sustainer and cohesive force. |
| Psa 46:5 | God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. | God's indwelling presence guarantees immovability. |
| Matt 7:24-25 | Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock... it did not fall... | Building on Christ's teachings provides a firm foundation. |
Psalm 16 verses
Psalm 16 8 Meaning
Psalm 16:8 articulates the psalmist's conscious and unwavering dedication to maintaining a continuous awareness of God's presence. This deliberate act of keeping the Lord at the forefront of his life is presented as the foundational reason for his absolute confidence and stability. The verse declares that because the Almighty God stands as his immediate helper and protector ("at my right hand"), the psalmist remains secure and will not be overwhelmed or destabilized by life's adversities. It highlights that true steadfastness flows from a profound and active reliance on God's omnipresent power and support.
Psalm 16 8 Context
Psalm 16 is a "Michtam of David," often translated as a "golden psalm" or a psalm of instruction. It expresses deep confidence, personal refuge, and delight in the Lord alone, contrasting the folly of worshiping other gods (Ps 16:4). The psalmist affirms that God is his "chosen portion and his cup" and his "sure inheritance" (Ps 16:5-6). He praises God for counsel (Ps 16:7), leading into the verse 8. The psalm culminates in a prophetic vision of future glory, hope in resurrection, and eternal life in God's presence (Ps 16:9-11). Verse 8, therefore, grounds the psalmist's present steadfastness in a continual awareness of God's presence, which in turn leads to the ultimate hope described at the psalm's conclusion. In the ancient Near East, stability was a cherished state, contrasted with being "shaken," which could mean defeat in battle, social upheaval, or personal collapse. The reference to the "right hand" denoted the place of honor, power, or aid—a powerful ally standing by.
Psalm 16 8 Word analysis
- I have set (שָׁוִיתִי, shawiti): This is from the Hebrew verb שָׁוָה (shavah), meaning "to place, set, put, or arrange." It is in the Qal perfect form, indicating a completed action with ongoing results, but it also carries the sense of a deliberate, conscious, and continuous mental act. It is not passive; it is an active discipline of bringing God into one's constant awareness.
- the Lord (יְהוָה, YHWH or Yahweh): This is the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant faithfulness to His people. The use of YHWH highlights that it is the one true, living God of Israel who is set before the psalmist, not merely a generic deity.
- always (תָּמִיד, tamid): Signifies "continually, perpetually, regularly, without interruption." This stresses the unceasing nature of the psalmist's mental posture. It is a sustained discipline, not an occasional thought.
- before me (לְנֶגְדִּי, l'negdi): From נֶגֶד (neged) meaning "opposite, in front of." This denotes God being within one's sight, attention, and consciousness. It implies living in awareness of God's scrutiny, guidance, and presence, orienting one's thoughts, words, and deeds in His light.
- because (כִּי, ki): This conjunction indicates the reason, basis, or ground for the preceding statement. The steadfastness is a direct result of God's supportive presence.
- he is at my right hand (מִימִינִי, mimini):
- right hand: In ancient cultures, the right hand symbolized strength, power, assistance, honor, and protection. For someone to be "at your right hand" means they are an immediate, powerful ally, defender, or supporter in a position of ready assistance, often depicted in a legal context (a righteous advocate) or battle (a powerful shield-bearer). It indicates active and effective help.
- I shall not be shaken (בַּל אֶמּוֹט, bal emmot):
- not (בַּל, bal): A strong negation, meaning "never" or "surely not."
- be shaken (אֶמּוֹט, emmot): From מוּט (mut), meaning "to totter, sway, stumble, be moved, be dislodged." It signifies losing one's footing, stability, or foundation. This refers not just to physical security but profound inner, spiritual, and moral steadfastness, especially in times of trouble or opposition. The psalmist expresses an assured immovability.
- "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand": This phrase group beautifully illustrates the spiritual causality. The volitional act of keeping God foremost in one's life ("setting Him always before me") leads to God's responsive, active, and immediate support ("He is at my right hand"). It depicts a dynamic relationship where human intention toward God is met with divine presence and power.
- "I shall not be shaken": This is the certain outcome and declaration of faith, directly flowing from the active divine support. The phrase guarantees inner composure and steadfastness regardless of external circumstances, signifying a foundation so secure it cannot be overthrown.
Psalm 16 8 Bonus section
This verse carries significant Messianic weight. As quoted by Peter in Acts 2:25, applying Psalm 16 directly to Jesus' resurrection, it signifies Christ's absolute trust in the Father even through death and His subsequent victory, ultimately fulfilling the promise of "not being shaken" by death itself, for His "soul was not abandoned to Hades" (Ps 16:10, Acts 2:27). Thus, what was a powerful truth for David, became the ultimate truth about Jesus, demonstrating the perfection of setting the Lord always before one. It underscores that this posture of absolute reliance not only sustains through life but conquers death and leads to eternal joy in God's presence, echoing Psalm 16:11. It's an encouragement to every believer to emulate this foundational reliance for ultimate security and hope.
Psalm 16 8 Commentary
Psalm 16:8 unveils a profound principle of spiritual stability: active, continuous awareness of God's presence secures one against instability. It's a statement of dependent courage, where the psalmist doesn't merely hope for strength but exercises a spiritual discipline of consciously placing God at the center of his attention. This mindful posture, in turn, invites God's powerful and protective proximity—symbolized by being "at my right hand." The result is an unshakable core, immune to the tottering effects of life's challenges. It teaches that our security doesn't lie in our own resilience, but in a living, engaged relationship with the Almighty God, who, when sought, provides constant, active defense, preventing any lasting downfall or spiritual displacement. This verse encourages a proactive spiritual walk that leads to unwavering confidence in divine support.