Psalms 116:6

KJV

The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} preserveth {H8104} the simple {H6612}: I was brought low {H1809}, and he helped {H3467} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI preserves the thoughtless; when I was brought low, he saved me.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD preserves the simplehearted; I was helpless, and He saved me.

American Standard Version

Jehovah preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he saved me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 116:6 stands as a profound testament to God's compassionate nature and His unwavering commitment to those who are vulnerable and humble. It encapsulates the psalmist's personal experience of divine intervention, moving from a state of profound distress and helplessness to one of miraculous deliverance. This verse beautifully articulates the paradox of God's strength being perfected in human weakness, highlighting His particular attentiveness to the unassuming and His readiness to extend timely aid to those brought low by life's trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 116 is a deeply personal psalm of thanksgiving, falling within the collection known as the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), traditionally recited during Passover and other major Jewish festivals. This psalm immediately follows the psalmist's declaration of love for the Lord because He heard his cry for help in [Psalms 116:1-2](/psalms/116-1 "Psalms 116:1-2 - A Cry for Help"). The preceding verses describe the "snares of death" and "pains of hell" that encompassed the psalmist, leading to a desperate plea for deliverance. Verse 6 serves as a pivotal point, offering a concise summary of God's character ("The LORD preserveth the simple") and the psalmist's personal testimony ("I was brought low, and he helped me"), which then sets the stage for the vows of praise and acts of thanksgiving that follow in the remainder of the psalm, such as the commitment to walk before the Lord in [the land of the living](/psalms/116-9 "Psalms 116:9 - Walking in the Land of the Living").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalms, including Psalm 116, emerged from a rich tradition of Israelite worship and personal piety, reflecting the lived experiences of individuals within the covenant community. In ancient Israel, life was often precarious, marked by vulnerability to illness, famine, warfare, and injustice. The concept of "the simple" (פְּתִי, *pĕthî*) in the ancient Near East, particularly in wisdom literature, often referred to those who were inexperienced, naive, or easily led, lacking the worldly shrewdness or cunning to navigate life's complexities. This made them particularly susceptible to exploitation or hardship. The psalmist's confession of being "brought low" (דָּלַל, *dalal*) would have resonated deeply with a people who frequently faced physical weakness, social marginalization, or existential despair. In such a context, the divine preservation and help described in the verse would have been understood not merely as abstract theological concepts but as tangible, life-saving interventions by a God who actively cares for His people, particularly the most vulnerable among them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Preservation of the Vulnerable**, emphasizing God's special care for those who are not self-sufficient or worldly-wise but who humbly depend on Him. This reflects a consistent biblical motif of God siding with the weak and the oppressed, as seen in [His care for the fatherless and widow](/psalms/68-5 "Psalms 68:5 - God, Defender of the Vulnerable"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Active Help in Distress**. The psalmist's personal testimony, "I was brought low, and he helped me," is a direct affirmation of God's readiness to intervene when His people are at their lowest point, providing tangible rescue and restoration. This theme echoes the declaration that [God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Humility and Dependence**. The state of being "brought low" signifies a necessary posture of humility, where human weakness creates the space for divine strength to be manifest. It teaches that true help comes not from self-reliance but from acknowledging one's limitations and casting oneself entirely upon God's mercy and power, a principle echoed in [the exaltation of the humble](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humbling Ourselves Before the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Simple (Hebrew, _pĕthî'_):** This term (פְּתִי) carries various shades of meaning, including "naive," "inexperienced," "open," or "unwise." In this context, it does not denote intellectual deficiency but rather a lack of worldly cunning, guile, or self-sufficient shrewdness. It describes one who is straightforward, trusting, and perhaps vulnerable to the complexities or deceptions of the world. God's preservation of the *pĕthî* highlights His special concern for those who, through their innocence or lack of worldly defenses, are particularly reliant on His divine protection.
* **Preserveth (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** The verb (שָׁמַר) means "to guard," "to watch over," "to keep," or "to protect." It implies an active, diligent, and continuous safeguarding. It's not a passive observation but an engaged, powerful act of keeping safe. This emphasizes God's active involvement and faithful commitment to His people, ensuring their security against harm.
* **Brought low (Hebrew, _dalal'_):** This verb (דָּלַל) means "to hang down," "to languish," "to be weak," "to be impoverished," or "to be brought low." It vividly describes a state of utter helplessness, despair, and often physical or emotional suffering. It signifies a condition of extreme vulnerability and a complete inability to help oneself, making the divine intervention all the more striking and necessary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD preserveth the simple":** This opening clause establishes a universal theological truth about God's character. It declares that Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, actively and consistently protects those who are humble, unassuming, and lacking in worldly defenses. This is a foundational statement of divine compassion and a promise of His special care for the vulnerable, demonstrating that His power is often directed towards those whom the world might overlook or exploit.
* **"I was brought low, and he helped me":** This second clause shifts from a general theological statement to a deeply personal testimony. The psalmist recounts his own experience of profound distress and helplessness, a state of being utterly "brought low" by life's circumstances. Crucially, this low point was met not with abandonment but with divine intervention: "and he helped me." This personal confession validates the preceding theological truth, demonstrating God's preserving power in the psalmist's own life and providing concrete evidence of His faithful assistance in times of dire need.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 116:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **synthetic parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "The LORD preserveth the simple" sets forth a general principle of divine care, which is then personally affirmed and illustrated by "I was brought low, and he helped me." This structure moves from the universal to the particular, making the theological truth profoundly relatable. The verse also functions as a **Personal Testimony** or **Confession**, a hallmark of many psalms. The psalmist's direct declaration, "I was brought low, and he helped me," lends authenticity and emotional weight to the statement, inviting the reader to identify with his experience and trust in the same God. Furthermore, there is an element of **Anthropomorphism** in the idea of God "preserving" and "helping," attributing human-like actions of care and intervention to the divine, making God's active presence in human affairs more tangible and comprehensible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 116:6 profoundly reinforces the biblical understanding of God as sovereign, compassionate, and intimately involved in the lives of His people, particularly those who are humble and dependent. It highlights God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His character is one of active preservation and timely rescue for those who trust in Him, rather than relying on their own strength or wisdom. This verse underscores the divine preference for the weak and the lowly, challenging human notions of power and self-sufficiency. It teaches that true strength is found in acknowledging one's vulnerability and placing complete reliance on the Lord, who alone can deliver from the deepest despair.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")
* [Isaiah 57:15](/isaiah/57-15 "Isaiah 57:15 - God Dwells with the Humble")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 116:6 offers immense comfort and profound encouragement to believers navigating the complexities and trials of life. It serves as a powerful reminder that our vulnerability is not a barrier to God's care but often an invitation for His divine strength to be made perfect. In a world that often values shrewdness, self-reliance, and outward strength, this verse reassures us that God has a special, protective eye on those who are "simple"—those who are humble, trusting, and unpretentious in their faith. No matter how "low" circumstances may bring us—whether through physical illness, emotional despair, financial hardship, social marginalization, or spiritual struggle—this verse testifies that God is not distant but intimately present and ready to help. It calls us to abandon self-sufficiency and embrace a posture of humble dependence, trusting that the Lord will indeed preserve us and provide His timely aid, transforming our lowest points into testimonies of His unfailing grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "simple" or vulnerable, and how might this be an invitation for God's preservation?**
* **Can you recall a time when you were "brought low," and how did God "help" you in that specific situation?**
* **How does the truth of God's preservation of the simple challenge your reliance on your own wisdom or strength?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of humble dependence on God in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "the simple" truly mean in the context of Psalms 116:6, and why does the Lord preserve them?**

Answer: In Psalms 116:6, "the simple" (Hebrew: פְּתִי, *pĕthî*) refers not to intellectual deficiency but to those who are straightforward, unassuming, and lacking in worldly cunning or guile. They are often innocent, inexperienced, and therefore vulnerable to the complexities, deceptions, and hardships of life. The Lord preserves them precisely because of this vulnerability and their inherent dependence. Unlike those who might rely on their own shrewdness, power, or connections, the "simple" are more inclined to trust in God alone. God's preservation of the simple highlights His character as a compassionate Father who defends the defenseless and cares for those who humbly acknowledge their need for Him. This aligns with a consistent biblical theme that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as seen in [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "Proverbs 3:34 - God's Grace to the Humble") and [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Humility and God's Grace"). It demonstrates that God's power is often manifested in protecting those who have no other recourse but Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 116:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "Simple One," not in intellect, but in His perfect humility, absolute dependence on the Father, and lack of worldly ambition or guile. Though fully God, Jesus willingly "was brought low" through His incarnation, emptying Himself and taking on the form of a servant, as described in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience"). His entire earthly ministry was marked by vulnerability, from His birth in a manger to His suffering and death on the cross, where He was utterly "brought low" for the sins of humanity. Yet, in this ultimate low point, God "helped Him" by raising Him from the dead, demonstrating divine preservation and triumph over death, as seen in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead"). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ perfectly embodies God's preservation of the simple and His help for those brought low. Moreover, Jesus identifies with the "simple" and the vulnerable, declaring blessings upon the poor in spirit and those who mourn in [Matthew 5:3-4](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3-4 - Beatitudes: Poor in Spirit and Mourners"). As the Good Shepherd, He continually preserves His flock, offering help and salvation to all who, in their simplicity and need, turn to Him, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 142:6

Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

Psalms 19:7

¶ The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

Matthew 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Psalms 79:8

O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.

Psalms 25:21

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

Isaiah 35:8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

Psalms 106:43

Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked [him] with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.