Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
NIV · New International Version
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.
WEB · World English Bible
Precious in the LORD’s sight is the death of his saints.
What does Psalms 116:15 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. The Lord has his saints or sanctified ones, who are sanctified or set apart by God the Father from all eternity; who are sanctified in Christ, their head and representative; who are sanctified by his blood, shed for the expiation of their sins; who are sanctified by his Spirit and grace, are called with an holy calling, and have principles of holiness wrought in them, and live holy lives and conversations. The word (o) used also signifies one that has received kindness and favour, and shows it: saints are such, who have received spiritual blessings from the Lord; to whom he has been kind and bountiful; and these are merciful and…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 116:10–19
(2.) He will always entertain good thoughts of God, as very tender of the lives and comforts of his people (Psa 116:15): Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints, so precious that he will not gratify Saul, nor Absalom, nor any of David's enemies, with his death, how earnestly soever they desire it. This truth David had comforted himself with in the depth of his distress and danger; and, the event having confirmed it, he comforts others with it who might be in like manner exposed. God has a people, even in this world, that are his saints, his merciful ones, or men of mercy, that have received mercy from him and show mercy for his sake.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 116:15–19
15. Precious in the eyes of Jehovah is the death of his meek ones. He goes on now to the general doctrine of God's providential care for the godly, in that he renders them assistance in time of need; their lives being precious in his sight. With this shield he desires to defend himself from the terrors of death, which often pressed upon him, by which he imagined he would instantly be swallowed up.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 116:12–18 (WEB)
12What will I give to the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the LORD’s name. 14I will pay my vows to the LORD, yes, in the presence of all his people. 15Precious in the LORD’s sight is the death of his saints. 16LORD, truly I am your servant. I am your servant, the son of your servant girl. You have freed me from my chains. 17I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on the LORD’s name. 18I will pay my vows to the LORD, yes, in the presence of all his people,
Cross references
- Psalms 72:14
- 1 Samuel 25:29
Though men may rise up to pursue you and to seek your soul, yet the soul of my lord will be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD your God. He will sling out the souls of your enemies as from a sling’s pocket.
- Luke 16:22
The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.
- Psalms 37:32–33
- Revelation 14:3
They sing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth.
- Revelation 1:18
and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
- Job 5:26
You will come to your grave in a full age, like a shock of grain comes in its season.