Psalms 116:8

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Psalm 116 is a profound psalm of thanksgiving, where the psalmist recounts a period of extreme distress and expresses immense gratitude for God's intervention. Verse 8 serves as a concise summary of the psalmist's experience, reflecting on the specific ways God rescued him. The preceding verses, especially Psalm 116:3, vividly describe the "sorrows of death" and "pains of hell" that had encompassed him, making the deliverance in verse 8 even more poignant and a testament to God's responsive love.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance from Death: "For thou hast delivered my soul from death" signifies not only rescue from imminent physical danger but also profound spiritual salvation. It speaks to God's ultimate power to preserve life and soul, even when facing overwhelming odds. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God as a mighty rescuer, saving His people from destruction and despair.
  • Cessation of Sorrow: "mine eyes from tears" highlights the end of deep grief, pain, and suffering. Tears are often a primal symbol of profound distress and sorrow, and their cessation represents God's comforting presence and the removal of the source of affliction. This finds its ultimate fulfillment in the promise of no more tears in the new heaven and new earth.
  • Stability and Preservation: "and my feet from falling" refers to protection from stumbling, both literally and figuratively. It implies God's role in maintaining one's stability, preventing moral lapses, and keeping one on a righteous path. This aspect of God's protection is vital for daily living, assuring that believers are not utterly cast down even in trials, as seen in Psalm 37:24.
  • Gratitude and Vows: The verse is part of a larger expression of profound thanks and a commitment to live in accordance with God's will, a theme further developed in the psalmist's vows in Psalm 116:12-14. It underscores the appropriate response to God's gracious acts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "delivered" (`natsal`) often carries the strong sense of being "snatched away" or "rescued" from danger, emphasizing a powerful, swift act of divine intervention. The term for "falling" (related to `môṭ`) refers to tottering, slipping, or stumbling, indicating a loss of balance or stability. The psalmist acknowledges God's direct hand in preventing such a collapse, whether physical or spiritual.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense hope and comfort for those facing overwhelming difficulties, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives and capable of delivering us from the deepest troubles. It encourages believers to reflect on past deliverances and cultivate a heart of thanksgiving for God's constant protection and comfort. Just as the psalmist remembered, we too should recall God's faithfulness in our own lives, fostering trust in His ability to keep us stable and prevent us from stumbling, both in our walk and our faith.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 56:13 (18 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

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

  • Revelation 7:17 (8 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Psalms 37:24 (5 votes)

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