Psalm 91 16

Psalm 91:16 kjv

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Psalm 91:16 nkjv

With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation."

Psalm 91:16 niv

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Psalm 91:16 esv

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Psalm 91:16 nlt

I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation."

Psalm 91 verses

Psalm 91 16 Meaning

Psalm 91:16 states a twofold divine promise: "With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation." This verse climaxes the preceding promises of protection and deliverance, assuring the one who dwells in God's secret place (Psalm 91:1) not only security but also ultimate satisfaction and revelation of God's saving power. "Long life" speaks to a full, rich, and divinely extended temporal existence, free from premature ending. "Satisfy him" implies a life of complete contentment and abundance, fulfilled by God Himself. Finally, "show him my salvation" refers to God revealing His deliverance, which in its broadest sense includes rescue from dangers, ultimate victory over adversaries, and supremely, spiritual deliverance.

Psalm 91 16 Context

Psalm 91 is a profound declaration of God's protection and provision for those who place their trust in Him. It portrays God as a refuge and fortress, offering shelter from various dangers including pestilence, terror, arrows, and destruction (vv. 3-8). The psalm's promises are contingent on "dwelling in the secret place of the Most High" and "abiding under the shadow of the Almighty" (v. 1), which speaks to a close, intimate, and continuous relationship of trust and faith.

Verse 16 specifically appears in the concluding section of the psalm (vv. 14-16), where God Himself speaks. This divine declaration elevates the promises from the psalmist's affirmations (vv. 1-13) to God's direct covenantal commitment. The conditions are explicit in verse 14: "Because he has loved Me," "he has known My name," "he will call upon Me," and "I will answer him." These acts of love, knowledge, and communion with God are what unlock the grand promises of deliverance, honor, and ultimately, satisfaction with a long life and the full revelation of God's salvation. This comprehensive promise brings to completion the theme of divine care, assuring believers not just safety from harm but a complete, rich, and eternal life in God.

Psalm 91 16 Word analysis

• With long life: אֹ֣רֶךְ יָ֭מִים (orech yamim)

  • אֹרֶךְ (orech): Transliteration of "orech." Meaning "length, duration." This word conveys the idea of an extended period, not merely short survival, but a full measure of years.
  • יָמִים (yamim): Transliteration of "yamim." Meaning "days," plural of "yom" (day). Together, "orech yamim" signifies a full duration of days, emphasizing longevity and completion of one's intended life span, rather than a premature end. This blessing speaks to a life reaching its full potential as designed by God, uncurtailed by malice or disease.

• will I satisfy him: אַשְׂבִּיעֵ֑הוּ (asbi'ehu)

  • אַשְׂבִּיעֵהוּ (asbi'ehu): From the root שָׂבַע (sava'). Meaning "to be full, to be satisfied, satiated." The Hiphil conjugation ("I will cause him to be satisfied") shows that God is the active agent who provides this profound satisfaction. It suggests more than mere provision; it points to a deep contentment of soul and spirit, a complete fulfillment that only God can offer. This satisfaction transcends physical needs, extending to spiritual well-being and purpose.

• and show him: וְֽאַ֝רְאֵ֗הוּ (ve'ar'ehu)

  • וְֽ (ve): "And." A conjunction linking this promise directly to the previous one, indicating that God will grant both longevity/satisfaction and revelation.
  • אַ֝רְאֵ֗הוּ (ar'ehu): From the root רָאָה (ra'ah), meaning "to see, perceive." In the Hiphil conjugation ("I will cause him to see, I will show him"), it emphasizes God's active disclosure and revelation. It is God Himself making His salvation visible and tangible to the believer, implying direct experience and understanding of His saving power.

• my salvation: בִּישׁוּעָתֽי׃ (bishu'ati)

  • בִּ (bi): "In, with, by means of." A preposition indicating the sphere or means through which the showing occurs.
  • יְשׁוּעָה (yeshu'ah): Transliteration of "yeshu'ah." Meaning "salvation, deliverance, help, victory, welfare." This word carries a broad spectrum of meaning in the Hebrew Bible, encompassing rescue from danger, physical healing, victory over enemies, and ultimate spiritual liberation. It implies comprehensive well-being and deliverance.
  • תִי (-ati): The suffix "my," indicating possession. This emphasizes that it is God's unique salvation, originating from Him and reflecting His mighty character. This salvation is personal, powerful, and guaranteed by the Lord Himself. In the fullness of time, "Yeshua" came to embody this very concept as Jesus (Yehoshua), the ultimate expression of God's saving power.

Psalm 91 16 Bonus section

The "long life" promised in Psalm 91:16 should be understood not only chronologically but also qualitatively. It's a life free from being cut short unjustly or prematurely, allowing one to complete God's designed purposes. In biblical theology, a "fullness of days" signifies a blessed death in old age, surrounded by descendants (Job 5:26). However, in a New Covenant understanding, this "long life" is transcendently fulfilled in eternal life with Christ (John 3:16, 1 John 5:11-12). While God may grant physical longevity as a blessing, the ultimate "satisfaction" and "salvation" point towards spiritual realities: complete peace in Christ and the eternal deliverance He provides from sin and death. This promise therefore carries both a present, earthly dimension and a future, eschatological hope.

Psalm 91 16 Commentary

Psalm 91:16 encapsulates the apex of God's benevolent promises to those who truly abide in Him. It extends beyond mere physical preservation (as covered in previous verses) to a promise of qualitative and quantitative fulfillment of life. "With long life will I satisfy him" does not merely mean reaching an advanced age, but experiencing life's duration in a state of profound contentment and divine completion. It is a life not just survived, but savored, brimming with satisfaction that flows directly from God's presence and provision. This implies spiritual contentment and deep purpose, far exceeding temporary comforts or worldly achievements.

Furthermore, God promises to "show him My salvation." This is a profound revelation, not just a distant concept. "Salvation" (Yeshua) is holistic, covering all forms of deliverance—from danger, illness, spiritual bondage, and ultimately from death. It speaks to God making His powerful saving acts undeniably clear in the life of the believer. For the ancient Israelite, this meant visible victory over enemies and restoration. For the New Testament believer, it culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the living embodiment of God's salvation (Luke 2:30; John 3:16). Thus, this verse encompasses both temporal blessings (a long, satisfying life) and eternal assurance (the personal revelation of God's ultimate deliverance). It offers a holistic blessing of abundant life, both in quantity of years and quality of spiritual experience.

• Examples:
  • A faithful individual spared from an unforeseen disaster, experiencing a prolonged life of purpose.
  • Someone battling long-term illness finds divine peace and contentment regardless of physical limitations, demonstrating a life satisfied by God.
  • A person who dedicates their life to God's service and later looks back on a life filled with meaning and deep joy, knowing God's salvation has guided and delivered them.