Psalms 86:2
Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
Original Language Analysis
שָֽׁמְרָ֣ה
Preserve
H8104
שָֽׁמְרָ֣ה
Preserve
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
נַפְשִׁי֮
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁי֮
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
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
חָסִ֪יד
for I am holy
H2623
חָסִ֪יד
for I am holy
Strong's:
H2623
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)
הוֹשַׁ֣ע
save
H3467
הוֹשַׁ֣ע
save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
אֱלֹהַ֑י
O thou my God
H430
אֱלֹהַ֑י
O thou my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Psalms 4:3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.Psalms 25:2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.John 17:11And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Historical Context
The concept of holiness as covenant relationship rather than sinless perfection pervades Old Testament theology. Israel was holy (set apart) because chosen by God, called to reflect His character. David, as anointed king, had special covenant status, but his holiness depended on maintaining faithful relationship with God, not on performance perfection. His confidence rested on God's promise to David's house (2 Samuel 7:8-16).
Questions for Reflection
- How can believers claim holiness before God without denying ongoing struggle with sin?
- What's the relationship between trusting God and experiencing His preservation in your life?
- How does understanding holiness as covenant relationship rather than performance change your prayer life?
Analysis & Commentary
Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. David requests preservation (shomrah, שָׁמְרָה, guard/keep) of his nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ, soul/life), asking God to protect his entire being from threats. The plea combines physical safety and spiritual preservation, recognizing that both dimensions of existence depend on divine guardianship.
The bold claim I am holy (ani chasid, אֲנִי חָסִיד) doesn't assert sinless perfection but covenant faithfulness. Chasid denotes one who practices chesed (steadfast covenant love), who maintains loyalty to God's covenant. David appeals to his relationship status—he belongs to God's holy people and should therefore receive covenant protection. This parallels Israel's corporate claim: "You shall be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 19:2).
The verse balances confidence in covenant standing with humble dependence: thy servant that trusteth in thee. David's trust (boteach, בּוֹטֵחַ) grounds his appeal, not presumption but faith in God's covenant promises. This faith-based petition models Christian prayer that approaches God's throne boldly (Hebrews 4:16) through Christ's righteousness, not personal merit.