Psalms 16:11

Authorized King James Version

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תּֽוֹדִיעֵנִי֮
H3045
Thou wilt shew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
אֹ֤רַח
H734
me the path
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
#3
חַ֫יִּ֥ים
H2416
of life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#4
שֹׂ֣בַע
H7648
is fulness
satisfaction (of food or [figuratively] joy)
#5
שְׂ֭מָחוֹת
H8057
of joy
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
#6
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
פָּנֶ֑יךָ
H6440
in thy presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
נְעִמ֖וֹת
H5273
there are pleasures
delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)
#9
בִּימִינְךָ֣
H3225
at thy right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#10
נֶֽצַח׃
H5331
for evermore
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection