Psalm 59 16

Psalm 59:16 kjv

But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Psalm 59:16 nkjv

But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.

Psalm 59:16 niv

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

Psalm 59:16 esv

But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.

Psalm 59:16 nlt

But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.

Psalm 59 verses

Psalm 59 16 Meaning

Psalm 59:16 expresses a profound declaration of praise and trust amidst personal distress. David resolves to passionately extol God's strength and steadfast love, not as a desperate plea, but as an assured response born from his past experience of God consistently being his protective stronghold and secure refuge during times of affliction. It signifies a transition from lament to firm hope and anticipatory thanksgiving.

Psalm 59 16 Context

Psalm 59 is a Miktam of David, specifically linked to the historical event when King Saul sent men to surround David's house to kill him (1 Sam 19:11). The preceding verses (Ps 59:1-15) vividly portray David's desperate plea for deliverance from his violent and unjust enemies, who prowl like dogs, uttering threats. Amidst this life-threatening peril and the darkness of night symbolizing the prevailing danger, verse 16 marks a powerful pivot. Despite the present and perceived future threats, David expresses an unwavering determination to praise God based on God's consistent past faithfulness. It highlights a confidence in God's protective character that transcends the immediate circumstances of distress.

Psalm 59 16 Word analysis

• But: This conjunction signifies a strong contrast. While his enemies act wickedly (v. 6-7, 14-15) and his circumstances are dire, David's response will be fundamentally different, marked by faith and praise.
• I will sing: ('ašûr, from shir - to sing) Expresses a deliberate, volitional act of worship. It's a commitment, not merely an emotional reaction.
• of your strength: (עֹז, oz) Refers to God's inherent power, might, and ability to overcome any opposition. It's His raw, active might that crushes foes and upholds His people.
• I will sing aloud: (אֲרַנֵּן, arannen, from ranan - to give a ringing cry, shout for joy) Denotes open, joyful, and fervent praise, not a private murmur. It implies a public declaration of God's greatness, contrasting with the hushed threats of his enemies.
• of your steadfast love: (חֶסֶד, hesed) This is a foundational covenant term, signifying God's loyal, unfailing love, mercy, and faithfulness. It's not just affection but a committed, active benevolence that endures despite human failings and outward circumstances. It underscores God's unwavering character.
• in the morning: (בֹּקֶר, boker) Often symbolizes new beginnings, divine intervention, or the dawning of deliverance after a night of distress (like Ps 30:5; 46:5). It suggests an expectation of God's timely and visible rescue.
• For: Introduces the reason or foundation for his resolve to praise. His praise is not baseless optimism but grounded in experience.
• you have been: Implies a continuous, past-to-present reality. It's a testimony from lived experience.
• to me: Personalizes God's care and protection; it's a direct, individual relationship.
• a fortress: (מִשְׂגָּב, misgav) A high place, a secure refuge, a stronghold. It suggests inaccessibility to enemies and impenetrable safety, emphasizing God's role as a protective bulwark.
• and a refuge: (מָנוֹס, manos) A place of escape, a safe haven or asylum. It conveys the idea of finding safety by fleeing to God, indicating a swift, accessible escape from danger.
• in the day of my distress: (בְּיוֹם צָרָתִי, beyom tsarati) Literally "in the day of my narrowness." Tsarah implies being pressed, restricted, or in trouble. This phrase explicitly ties God's protection to moments of extreme hardship and peril, making His help all the more significant.

Words-group analysis:

• "But I will sing... I will sing aloud": The repetition underscores David's determined choice to praise. It is an intentional act, countering the negative environment and the urge to despair. It demonstrates unwavering faith.
• "Your strength; Your steadfast love": These are two pivotal attributes of God that form the basis of David's praise. God's strength provides the power for deliverance, while His steadfast love provides the motive and constancy for His actions. They reveal God as both omnipotent and benevolent.
• "in the morning": This phrase casts the anticipation of praise not in the immediate moment of distress (night), but upon the assured dawn of God's deliverance and vindication. It represents a hope-filled orientation towards future manifestation of God's intervention.
• "a fortress and a refuge": These parallel terms reinforce the multifaceted nature of God's protection. A fortress denotes strong, enduring defense, while a refuge suggests immediate, accessible safety from attack, highlighting both resilience and responsiveness in God's deliverance.

Psalm 59 16 Bonus section

The "But" that begins the verse is critically important. It sets a defiant tone, pivoting sharply from the previous lament and description of enemies' malice (vv. 1-15) to a resolute declaration of praise. It signifies a spiritual discipline – a conscious choice to redirect one's thoughts and affections toward God despite overwhelming circumstances. This pivot is foundational to enduring faith, transforming an experience of trial into an occasion for testimony. The specific attributes highlighted – strength and steadfast love – are distinct yet complementary, portraying a God who is both mighty to save and unfailingly faithful in His saving acts.

Psalm 59 16 Commentary

Psalm 59:16 is a powerful testament to David's unwavering faith forged in the crucible of adversity. It transcends mere sentiment, being a deliberate commitment to praise God for who He is and what He has proven to be. Even as threats loom ("the day of my distress"), David's focus shifts from the terrifying circumstances to God's inherent power (strength) and unwavering covenant faithfulness (steadfast love). This is not blind optimism but a deep confidence rooted in historical experience: God has consistently acted as his impenetrable fortress and secure refuge. The specific timing "in the morning" signifies a hopeful anticipation of deliverance and renewed joy after a "night" of trial. This verse offers a model for believers: even when surrounded by adversaries or overcome by tribulation, our experiential knowledge of God's protective character should anchor our souls and propel us into declarations of praise and trust, affirming His consistent nature.