Psalms 116:8

KJV

For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, [and] my feet from falling.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thou hast delivered {H2502} my soul {H5315} from death {H4194}, mine eyes {H5869} from tears {H1832}, and my feet {H7272} from falling {H1762}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, you have rescued me from death, my eyes from tears and my feet from falling.

Berean Standard Bible

For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.

American Standard Version

For thou hast delivered my soul from death, Mine eyes from tears, Andmy feet from falling.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 116:8 stands as a profound declaration of the psalmist's gratitude for God's comprehensive deliverance from the brink of death. It articulates a rescue that is holistic, encompassing preservation from mortal danger, alleviation of deep sorrow, and restoration of personal stability, serving as a concise yet powerful testimony to divine faithfulness and a testament to God's active, compassionate intervention in a time of overwhelming distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 116 is a deeply personal psalm of thanksgiving, traditionally categorized within the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), which was sung during significant Jewish festivals like Passover. The psalmist's declaration in [Psalms 116:8](/psalms/116-8 "Psalms 116:8 - The Psalmist's Deliverance") is the climactic response to a desperate plea for help, vividly described in the preceding verses. He recounts being "encompassed by the cords of death" and experiencing "the pains of Sheol" in [Psalms 116:3](/psalms/116-3 "Psalms 116:3 - The Snares of Death"), followed by an urgent cry, "O LORD, save my life!" in [Psalms 116:4](/psalms/116-4 "Psalms 116:4 - A Plea for Deliverance"). This immediate narrative flow establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between heartfelt prayer and divine intervention. Following this pivotal verse, the psalm transitions into fervent vows of thanksgiving and renewed commitment to the Lord, particularly evident in [Psalms 116:12-14](/psalms/116-12-14 "Psalms 116:12-14 - Vows of Thanksgiving"), underscoring that the experience of deliverance is not merely an isolated event but a catalyst for deeper devotion, public worship, and a life lived in grateful service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 116 is not explicitly stated, the language strongly suggests a personal crisis of immense magnitude, potentially a life-threatening illness, a narrow escape from powerful enemies, or a period of intense spiritual anguish that brought the psalmist to the verge of despair. The imagery of "cords of death" and "pains of Sheol" reflects a common ancient Near Eastern understanding of the underworld as a formidable realm from which there was typically no return, making divine intervention all the more miraculous and awe-inspiring. The cultural practice of "vowing" (as mentioned in [Psalms 116:14](/psalms/116-14 "Psalms 116:14 - Fulfilling Vows")) was a significant aspect of ancient Israelite piety, where individuals would promise offerings, acts of devotion, or public testimonies in exchange for or in response to divine favor. These vows were often fulfilled publicly in the temple courts, reinforcing communal faith. The psalmist's profound experience would have resonated deeply with a community familiar with both the inherent fragility of human life and the steadfast expectation of God's active and personal presence in human affairs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 116 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the ultimate rescuer who hears the cries of the afflicted and intervenes decisively to save, as beautifully articulated in [Psalms 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalms 34:17 - The Lord Hears the Righteous"). Secondly, it highlights **Profound Gratitude and Thanksgiving**, as the psalmist's immediate and heartfelt response to deliverance is not merely relief but a deep appreciation that naturally leads to renewed commitment and worship, echoing the sentiments found throughout [Psalms 107](/psalms/107 "Psalms 107 - God's Enduring Love"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to **God's Compassion and Righteousness**, demonstrating His character as one who is "gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion" ([Psalms 116:5](/psalms/116-5 "Psalms 116:5 - God's Compassion")), particularly towards the "helpless" or "simple" who cry out to Him. Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Trust and Steadfastness**, as the psalmist's experience reinforces his unwavering reliance on God's unfailing support, which prevents him from "falling" or faltering in his faith and spiritual walk, a concept also explored in [Psalms 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalms 37:23-24 - The Steps of a Good Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Hebrew, _châlats'_):** This verb (H2502) signifies "to pull off" or "to draw out," and by implication, "to deliver" or "to rescue." It suggests a forceful and decisive act of intervention, where God actively extracts the psalmist from a perilous situation. It implies that the psalmist was trapped or entangled, unable to extricate himself, and God's action was potent and complete, securing his safety and freedom.
* **tears (Hebrew, _dimʻâh'_):** This feminine noun (H1832) directly means "weeping" or "tears." It universally symbolizes profound sorrow, grief, and emotional distress. The cessation of tears, therefore, signifies not merely a temporary relief but a fundamental alleviation of the source of affliction, bringing comfort, peace, and joy in place of despair. It points to God's compassionate care that dries the eyes of the suffering.
* **falling (Hebrew, _dᵉchîy'_):** This noun (H1762) means "a push" or, by implication, "a fall." It refers to a stumbling, tottering, or losing one's balance that could lead to a complete collapse or downfall. In a metaphorical sense, it can refer to moral or spiritual failure, or a loss of one's standing or integrity. God's preservation of the psalmist's feet from "falling" signifies divine support that maintains his physical well-being, his moral integrity, and his steadfastness in faith and life's journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou hast delivered my soul from death":** This clause proclaims a profound rescue from mortal peril, which could be literal physical death, a life-threatening illness, or a spiritual state akin to death, such as overwhelming despair or hopelessness. The Hebrew word for "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh_) here encompasses the whole person—their life, vitality, and inner being—emphasizing a comprehensive preservation of existence. It powerfully highlights God's ultimate power over the forces of destruction and His direct, personal intervention to preserve the psalmist's very life.
* **"mine eyes from tears":** This phrase speaks to the cessation of deep sorrow, grief, and suffering. Tears are a universal and potent symbol of profound distress, pain, and anguish. Their removal signifies not merely a temporary respite but a fundamental alleviation of the source of affliction, bringing comfort, peace, and joy in place of despair. It beautifully points to God's compassionate care that personally attends to the suffering and brings an end to their weeping.
* **"[and] my feet from falling":** This final clause denotes the restoration of stability, security, and steadfastness. "Falling" can imply physical stumbling, a moral lapse, or a complete collapse in one's life or faith journey. God's intervention ensures that the psalmist remains upright, firm in his chosen path, and protected from any spiritual or physical downfall. It speaks to divine guidance and unwavering support that keeps one from straying, succumbing to the pressures of life, or losing one's footing in faith.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist masterfully employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse to amplify its message of divine deliverance. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the tripartite structure, where each clause—"delivered my soul from death," "mine eyes from tears," and "my feet from falling"—presents a distinct yet complementary aspect of God's comprehensive rescue. This creates a rhythmic, emphatic, and memorable declaration of divine intervention. A subtle form of **merism** is also present, as the three elements (soul, eyes, feet) represent the totality of the human experience—life, emotion, and action—suggesting that God's salvation is holistic, touching and preserving every facet of the psalmist's being. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **metonymy**: "eyes from tears" employs the physical organ to represent the emotional state of profound sorrow and its alleviation, and "feet from falling" uses the physical action to represent overall stability, moral steadfastness, and spiritual perseverance. These devices combine to create a powerful, deeply personal, and universally resonant testimony to God's complete and compassionate preservation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 116:8 stands as a profound testament to God's active, personal, and compassionate involvement in the lives of His people, particularly in times of profound distress. It underscores the foundational biblical truth that God is not a distant or indifferent deity but one who intimately hears the cries of the afflicted and intervenes decisively to rescue, comfort, and sustain. This verse powerfully affirms God's sovereignty over life and death, sorrow and joy, stability and collapse, demonstrating His character as both a mighty deliverer and a tender comforter. It invites believers to cultivate a posture of profound gratitude and unwavering trust, recognizing that every aspect of their well-being and preservation is ultimately sustained by divine grace and faithfulness.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous")
* [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - He Will Swallow Up Death Forever")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Will Wipe Away Every Tear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful verse offers profound encouragement and a rich framework for spiritual reflection in our own lives. It serves as a vital reminder that God's deliverance is often multifaceted, encompassing not only rescue from immediate physical danger but also the healing of deep emotional wounds and the restoration of spiritual and moral stability. When we face overwhelming circumstances—be they physical illness, emotional despair, spiritual struggle, or the threat of moral compromise—Psalms 116:8 calls us to remember God's past faithfulness and to trust implicitly in His ongoing power to deliver. It encourages us to cultivate a heart of profound thanksgiving, not just for grand, miraculous interventions, but also for the quiet, consistent, and often unseen ways God sustains us, gently wipes away our tears, and steadfastly keeps our feet from stumbling on life's often treacherous and uncertain path. This verse is a compelling call to acknowledge God's sovereign hand in every aspect of our preservation and to respond with renewed commitment, worship, and unwavering trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific, tangible ways have you personally experienced God's deliverance from "death" (despair, overwhelming circumstances), "tears" (grief, sorrow), or "falling" (spiritual or moral stumble) in your own life?**
* **How does intentionally remembering God's past deliverances strengthen your faith and trust in Him for present challenges and future uncertainties?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's constant protection, comfort, and steadfast guidance?**
* **How might the message of this verse provide encouragement, hope, or comfort to someone you know who is currently facing deep sorrow, instability, or a life-threatening situation?**

### FAQ
**What does "delivered my soul from death" mean beyond physical death?**

Answer: While it certainly includes literal physical preservation from fatal danger, "delivered my soul from death" (using the Hebrew word _nephesh_ for "soul") encompasses a much broader spiritual and existential rescue. _Nephesh_ refers to the whole person, including one's vitality, inner being, and very life force. Thus, deliverance from "death" can mean rescue from overwhelming despair, profound hopelessness, spiritual deadness, or circumstances so dire they feel like a living death. It signifies God's power to restore life, hope, and purpose even when one feels utterly consumed by affliction, as the psalmist describes in [Psalms 116:3](/psalms/116-3 "Psalms 116:3 - The Snares of Death") where "the sorrows of death encompassed me." It's a comprehensive salvation of the person from the grip of destructive forces, bringing them back to a state of vibrant life and hope.

**How does "mine eyes from tears" relate to God's character?**

Answer: This phrase beautifully illustrates God's profoundly compassionate and comforting character. Tears are a universal and deeply personal expression of profound sorrow, pain, and grief. For God to deliver one's eyes from tears means He actively intervenes to remove the source of suffering, bringing comfort, peace, and joy in its place. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to human suffering, but one who is intimately involved, tenderly wiping away the tears of His children. This aspect of God's character finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the promise of a new heaven and new earth where God Himself will "wipe away every tear from their eyes" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Will Wipe Away Every Tear")), signifying an eternal end to all sorrow and pain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 116:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who truly "delivered our souls from death," not merely from physical demise, but decisively from the spiritual death of sin and eternal separation from God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave, offering eternal life and spiritual vitality to all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). He is also the divine comforter who "wipes away every tear," not just from temporary sorrows, but from the deepest anguish caused by a fallen world and the sting of sin ([Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - He Will Swallow Up Death Forever") powerfully foreshadows this, and [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears") explicitly states its ultimate realization). Furthermore, Jesus keeps our "feet from falling" by upholding us through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, guiding us in righteousness, and preserving us from stumbling in our faith and daily walk ([Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - To Him Who Is Able to Keep You from Stumbling")). In Christ, the psalmist's personal testimony of deliverance expands to a universal and eternal promise of salvation, comfort, and steadfastness for all who put their trust in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/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 56:13

For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Psalms 86:13

For great [is] thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

Psalms 49:15

¶ But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

Psalms 37:24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.