Psalms 16:3
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Original Language Analysis
לִ֭קְדוֹשִׁים
But to the saints
H6918
לִ֭קְדוֹשִׁים
But to the saints
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
1 of 8
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּאָ֣רֶץ
are in the earth
H776
בָּאָ֣רֶץ
are in the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
3 of 8
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וְ֝אַדִּירֵ֗י
and to the excellent
H117
וְ֝אַדִּירֵ֗י
and to the excellent
Strong's:
H117
Word #:
5 of 8
wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.Proverbs 12:26The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.Proverbs 13:20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.2 Chronicles 6:41Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.Acts 9:13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:Malachi 3:17And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.Isaiah 62:4Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.Psalms 119:63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.Psalms 101:6Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.Psalms 30:4Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Historical Context
Written when David found support among faithful Israelites during persecution, demonstrating the practical importance of godly community in trials.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you find genuine delight in fellowship with other believers?
- How does your life demonstrate prioritizing community with God's people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David delights in 'the saints in the land' and 'the excellent ones.' The Hebrew 'qadosh' (saints/holy ones) and 'addir' (excellent/noble) describe those set apart for God. This anticipates the communion of saints—believers find fellowship and delight in God's people. Reformed theology emphasizes the vital importance of the church as Christ's body where believers edify one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).