Bible Strands
Psalms 16:3
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the LORD directly, declaring exclusive devotion immediately after stating that apart from God he has no good thing. This declaration occurs within a broader context of rejecting the practices of those who pursue other gods.
The words — The Hebrew phrase לִ֭/קְדוֹשִׁים (Li/k.do.shim) translates literally to "to the holy ones," while חֶפְצִ/י (chef.tz/i) means "my delight." The text identifies these individuals as the majestic ones in the land who embody the speaker's supreme satisfaction.
The thread — The theme of choosing wise and righteous companions over foolish or wicked associations appears in Proverbs 13:20 and Proverbs 12:26. The New Testament echoes this pattern in Hebrews 6:10 by noting God's remembrance of love shown to His name through ministering to others.
Why it lands — The verse demands a reader to examine where their ultimate satisfaction rests and to align their associations accordingly. It establishes that devotion to God necessarily shapes whom one values and how one avoids the sorrows of idolatry.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
- Proverbs 12:26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
- Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- 2 Chronicles 6:41 Now therefore, arise, O LORD God, and enter Your resting place, You and the ark of Your might. May Your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and may Your godly ones rejoice in goodness.
- Malachi 3:17 “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.
- Acts 9:13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
- Psalms 30:4 Sing to the LORD, O you His saints, and praise His holy name.
- Psalms 101:6 My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me.
- Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.
- Psalms 119:63 I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts.