Psalms 16:2

KJV

[O my soul], thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my Lord: my goodness [extendeth] not to thee;

KJV (with Strong's)

O my soul, thou hast said {H559} unto the LORD {H3068}, Thou art my Lord {H136}: my goodness {H2896} extendeth not to thee;

Complete Jewish Bible

I said to ADONAI, "You are my Lord; I have nothing good outside of you."

Berean Standard Bible

I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.”

American Standard Version

O my soul, thou hast said unto Jehovah, Thou art my Lord: I have no good beyond thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 16:2 captures a profound declaration from David, articulating both his absolute submission to the LORD as his sovereign Master and a deep theological insight into God's inherent self-sufficiency. This verse encapsulates the essence of true worship, where the worshiper acknowledges that no human goodness, merit, or action can add to God's infinite perfection or benefit Him, for He is eternally complete in Himself and the ultimate source of all good.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 16 is uniquely titled a "Michtam of David," a term often interpreted as a "golden psalm" or a psalm of enduring significance, suggesting a deeply personal and profound reflection. It immediately follows David's declaration of taking refuge in the LORD in [Psalms 16:1](/psalms/16-1 "Psalms 16:1 - David's Plea for Preservation"), establishing a foundational posture of trust and dependence. Verse 2, with its dual address of God as "the LORD" (YHWH, God's covenant name) and "my Lord" (Adonai, signifying mastership), serves as a pivotal affirmation of David's allegiance and understanding of God's nature. This affirmation sets the theological bedrock before David expresses his delight in God's people ([Psalms 16:3](/psalms/16-3 "Psalms 16:3 - Delight in the Saints")) and articulates his unwavering confidence in God's counsel, guidance, and the promise of eternal presence and joy ([Psalms 16:7-11](/psalms/16-7-11 "Psalms 16:7-11 - God's Counsel and Fullness of Joy")). The psalm culminates in a powerful prophetic anticipation of resurrection, famously quoted by Peter in [Acts 2:25-28](/acts/2-25-28 "Acts 2:25-28 - Peter's Sermon on David's Prophecy") concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As the king of Israel, David possessed a unique understanding of sovereignty, authority, and submission. His life, though marked by both triumphs and profound failures, consistently demonstrated a return to a posture of absolute dependence on God. In the broader ancient Near East, the prevailing pagan cultures often conceived of their gods as needing appeasement, sacrifices, or human actions to maintain their power or favor, sometimes even being "fed" by cultic offerings. In stark contrast, David's declaration in [Psalms 16:2](/psalms/16-2 "Psalms 16:2 - David's Declaration of God's Self-Sufficiency") powerfully underscores a distinctly Israelite understanding of God. This God is utterly transcendent, self-sufficient, and requires nothing from humanity. This was a radical theological departure from pagan notions, emphasizing a covenant relationship where God's blessings flow *to* humanity, not *from* humanity to God as a means of sustenance or enhancement for the divine.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several core themes within Psalm 16 and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully highlights the **Sovereignty of God**, as David acknowledges YHWH (the covenant God) as his personal "Lord" (Adonai), signifying absolute ownership and authority over his life. This leads directly to the theme of **Human Humility and Dependence**, recognizing that no human effort, virtue, or accomplishment can add to God's infinite perfection or glory. This profound insight undergirds the theological truth of **God's Aseity and Self-Sufficiency**, a fundamental doctrine asserting that God is complete in Himself, existing independently of all creation, and needing nothing from humanity, as articulated by Paul in [Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God Needs Nothing from Human Hands"). Furthermore, the verse implicitly establishes God as the **Source of All Good**, meaning any "goodness" David possesses or experiences originates from God's own being and grace, reinforcing the theme of divine provision and overflowing goodness found throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalms 23:6](/psalms/23-6 "Psalms 23:6 - Goodness and Mercy Follow Me").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenant name of God, the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - The Name YHWH")). It emphasizes God's eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His personal, relational presence with His people. David's use of "unto the LORD" signifies his address to the one true, living God of Israel, the God of covenant.
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** (H136) This term signifies "master," "sovereign," or "owner." When David declares "Thou art my Lord," he is not merely using a generic title for a deity but is making a deeply personal declaration of allegiance and submission to YHWH as his absolute master. This acknowledges God's rightful authority and David's willing servitude, moving beyond mere theological recognition to a profound, personal commitment to God's lordship over his life.
* **Goodness (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** (H2896) While _ṭôwb_ broadly means "good" in the widest sense (morally, aesthetically, functionally), in the context of "my goodness extendeth not to thee," it carries the sense of benefit, advantage, prosperity, or well-being. The phrase implies that nothing David possesses, achieves, or performs—no act of righteousness, no material success, no personal virtue—can add to God's inherent perfection, glory, or completeness. God does not gain or benefit from human actions in a way that would make Him "better" or more glorious than He already is; rather, all good originates from Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD":** This opening phrase reveals a deeply personal and internal declaration, indicating a profound self-address. David is not merely reciting a creed or offering a formal prayer, but engaging in an intimate conversation with his innermost being, affirming a truth he has consciously embraced and declared to God. It signifies a settled conviction, a deliberate act of faith, and a commitment arising from the very core of his existence.
* **"Thou art my Lord":** This is the core affirmation of allegiance and submission. By declaring YHWH (the covenant God) as "my Adonai" (my sovereign Master), David expresses his willing submission to God's authority and acknowledges God's absolute ownership over his life. It is a recognition of God's supreme position and David's dependent status within their covenant relationship, a personal vow of fealty.
* **"my goodness extendeth not to thee;":** This is the profound statement of humility and theological insight. The KJV phrase "extendeth not to thee" translates the Hebrew "אֵין טוֹבָתִי עָלֶיךָ" (_ein tovati alekha_), literally "my goodness is not upon you" or "there is no good for me upon you." It conveys that God does not derive any benefit, advantage, or addition to His perfection from human goodness or actions. God is utterly self-sufficient (aseity); He is not dependent on humanity for His well-being, glory, or existence. Any good that David possesses or performs originates from God, and therefore cannot be given back to Him as if He lacked it, but is rather a reflection of His own character.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 16:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Apostrophe** is clearly evident as David addresses his own soul ("O my soul"), prompting an internal dialogue and emphasizing the deeply personal and reflective nature of this spiritual declaration. There is a strong **Contrast** established between the infinite, self-sufficient, and independent nature of God and the finite, dependent, and created nature of humanity. This contrast highlights God's transcendence and humanity's proper posture of humility and reliance. The declaration itself functions as a powerful **Confession** and **Affirmation**, a statement of faith that shapes the psalmist's entire worldview and defines his relationship with God. Implicitly, there is also a form of **Merism** in the dual address of "the LORD" (YHWH) and "my Lord" (Adonai), encompassing both God's universal, covenantal identity and His specific, personal sovereignty over David, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of God's character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 16:2 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the fundamental nature of God and humanity's proper relationship with Him. It asserts God's absolute aseity – His self-existence, His inherent completeness, and His independence from all creation. This profound truth means that God does not need us, our worship, our good deeds, or our sacrifices to be complete, more powerful, or more glorious. His glory is intrinsic, infinite, and inexhaustible. Therefore, our acts of worship and obedience are not transactional attempts to "give" to God what He lacks, but rather grateful, loving responses to His existing perfection, boundless grace, and supreme worth. This perspective radically dismantles any notion of human merit, pride, or self-sufficiency, fostering true humility and a proper understanding of our place in the divine order. We are not benefactors to God, but rather beneficiaries of His inexhaustible goodness, from whom all good things flow.

* [Job 22:2-3](/job/22-2-3 "Job 22:2-3 - Can a Man Be Profitable to God?")
* [Acts 17:24-25](/acts/17-24-25 "Acts 17:24-25 - God Who Made the World Needs Nothing")
* [Romans 11:35-36](/romans/11-35-36 "Romans 11:35-36 - Who Has Given to God That He Might Be Repaid?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 16:2 calls believers to a radical reorientation of their understanding of God and their place before Him. It challenges the subtle human tendency to believe that our efforts, piety, or achievements can somehow earn God's favor, obligate Him, or add to His glory. Instead, it invites us to cultivate profound humility, recognizing that all true goodness originates from God and flows to us as a gift. Our worship, service, and obedience are not contributions to a needy deity, but rather grateful, loving responses to the God who is already infinitely complete and glorious. This perspective frees us from the burden of performance-based religion and fosters genuine dependence, deep gratitude, and joyful submission to the One who is truly our Lord—the source of all good, who needs nothing from us, yet graciously gives us everything. Embracing this truth leads to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, characterized by awe, reverence, and unburdened devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's self-sufficiency (His not needing our "goodness") impact your motivation for serving Him or performing good deeds?**
* **In what ways might you subtly believe your "goodness" or religious efforts add to God's glory or earn His favor, and how can this verse correct that misconception?**
* **What does it mean practically to declare the LORD as "my Lord" in your daily life, acknowledging His complete sovereignty and your willing submission?**
* **How does the truth that "my goodness extendeth not to thee" deepen your appreciation for God's grace and His role as the ultimate giver?**

### FAQ
**What does "my goodness extendeth not to thee" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase, "my goodness extendeth not to thee," means that no human action, virtue, or accomplishment can add to God's inherent perfection, glory, or completeness. God is utterly self-sufficient and independent; He lacks nothing and needs nothing from His creation. Our "goodness" (whether moral acts, talents, or material offerings) does not benefit God in the sense of making Him better or more complete. Instead, any good we possess or perform originates from Him, and our actions are simply responses of gratitude and obedience to His existing glory and grace. It's a declaration of profound humility, acknowledging that God is the source of all good, not the recipient of anything that would truly enhance His being. This concept is echoed in [Job 35:7](/job/35-7 "Job 35:7 - Can You Benefit God?"), where Elihu asks, "If you are righteous, what do you give to him? Or what does he receive from your hand?"

**How does this verse relate to the idea of glorifying God?**

Answer: This verse clarifies that glorifying God is not about *adding* to His glory, but about *reflecting*, *proclaiming*, and *acknowledging* His inherent, infinite glory. Since God's goodness and glory are boundless and complete in Himself, our acts of worship and obedience do not make Him more glorious. Rather, they are expressions of our recognition of His existing glory. When we glorify God, we are aligning ourselves with the truth of His supreme worth and beauty, making His glory visible to the world and delighting in His perfections. Our purpose is to live in a way that points to His greatness, not to contribute to it as if He were lacking. This is consistent with the biblical understanding that God created humanity for His glory ([Isaiah 43:7](/isaiah/43-7 "Isaiah 43:7 - Created for God's Glory")), meaning for us to display and enjoy His magnificent attributes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 16:2 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied both the declaration of God's sovereignty and the profound humility of one whose "goodness" was entirely from God, yet who, as God, needed nothing. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, perfectly declared the Father as "my Lord" through His absolute obedience and submission to the divine will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His entire life was a perfect reflection of God's inherent goodness and glory, not an addition to it. The "goodness" that God truly received, which perfectly satisfied divine justice and perfectly glorified the Father in a way no human goodness ever could, was the spotless, willing sacrifice of Christ Himself ([Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5-7 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Willing Sacrifice")). Furthermore, for believers, our "goodness" or righteousness does not extend to God from ourselves; rather, it is the perfect righteousness of Christ imputed to us by grace through faith ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Our Righteousness in Christ")). Thus, through Christ, we are enabled to truly declare God as our Lord, not based on our own merit, but on the perfect merit of the One who perfectly needed nothing from God, yet gave everything for us, becoming the source of all true good in us.

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 73:25

Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.

Psalms 31:14

But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my God.

Psalms 89:26

He shall cry unto me, Thou [art] my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Job 22:2

Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

Job 22:3

[Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or [is it] gain [to him], that thou makest thy ways perfect?

Psalms 91:2

I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psalms 27:8

[When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.