Psalms 116:16
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֮
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֮
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בֶּן
and the son
H1121
בֶּן
and the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Psalms 86:16O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.Psalms 143:12And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.Psalms 119:125I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.James 1:1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, permanent servanthood was chosen by servants who loved their masters (Exodus 21:5-6; Deuteronomy 15:16-17). A servant could go free after six years but might choose permanent service, declaring, 'I love my master...I will not go out free.' This voluntary, love-motivated servanthood pictures covenant relationship. God delivers believers from sin and death, and grateful believers voluntarily commit to permanent service. Paul calls himself 'servant of Jesus Christ' (Romans 1:1), Mary declares herself 'the handmaid of the Lord' (Luke 1:38).
Questions for Reflection
- How does being 'loosed from bonds' paradoxically lead to voluntary servanthood rather than autonomous freedom?
- What does it mean to be 'son of thine handmaid'—inheriting faith from previous generations?
- In what practical ways can you demonstrate that you are God's servant by choice, not coercion?
Analysis & Commentary
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. This confession of servanthood acknowledges covenant relationship and divine deliverance. The double declaration truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant (ani avdekha ani avdekha, אֲנִי־עַבְדֶּךָ אֲנִי־עַבְדְּךָ) emphasizes wholehearted commitment through repetition. Eved (עֶבֶד) means servant, slave, one bound in service.
And the son of thine handmaid (ben-amatekha, בֶּן־אֲמָתֶךָ) adds generational dimension. Born into a believing household, the psalmist inherited covenant relationship. This echoes the household servant concept—those born in the master's house possessed permanent status (Genesis 15:3, 17:12-13). It suggests both heritage (raised in faith) and permanence (lifelong commitment).
Thou hast loosed my bonds (pittachta lemoserai, פִּתַּחְתָּ לְמוֹסֵרָי). Patach (פָּתַח) means to open, loose, free. Moserot (מוֹסֵרוֹת) means bonds, fetters, restraints. God broke the death-cords that bound the psalmist (v. 3). Liberation from death produces voluntary servanthood to God—the paradox of Christian freedom: freed from sin's slavery to become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:17-18).