Today’s Verse of the Day – Psalm 16:11 (NET)

^16:11 You lead me in²² the path of life;²³

I experience absolute joy in your presence;²⁴

you always give me sheer delight.²⁵

Notations

²² Heb “cause me to know”; or “cause me to experience.”

²³ tn This is a metaphorical way of saying, “you preserve my life.” The phrase “path of life” stands in contrast to death/Sheol in Prov 2:18–19; 5:5–6; 15:24.

²⁴ tn Heb “abundance of joy [is] with your face.” The plural form of the noun שִׂמְחָה (simkhah, “joy”) occurs only here and in Ps 45:15. It may emphasize the degree of joy experienced.

²⁵ tn Heb “delight [is] in your right hand forever.” The plural form of the adjective נָעִים (na’im, “pleasant, delightful”) may here emphasize the degree of delight experienced (see Job 36:11).

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16:title–11 This is a psalm of confidence as the psalmist shows his trust in Yahweh. While it opens with a petition normally found in individual lament psalms, there is no mention of enemies or suffering. Instead, the psalmist shows his contentment and praises Yahweh for His blessing.

After the opening petition (v. 1), the psalmist expresses contentment in Yahweh and contrasts the saints (or holy people) with those who follow another god (vv. 2–4). He confidently blesses Yahweh (vv. 5–6) and praises Him for the safety and security He provides (vv. 7–11).

16:11 the path of life The person who takes refuge in Yahweh knows life and joy. By finding satisfaction in Yahweh and not pursuing other gods (Ps 16:4–6), the psalmist is blessed by Yahweh’s protection and instruction (vv. 7–8).

Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ps 16:title–11). Lexham Press.