Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
NIV · New International Version
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
WEB · World English Bible
You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.
What does Psalms 16:11 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt show me the path of life,.... Not the way of life and salvation for lost sinners, which is Christ himself; but the resurrection of the dead, which is a passing from death to life; and was shown to Christ, not doctrinally, or by illuminating his mind, and leading him into the doctrine of it, for so he himself has brought it to light by the Gospel; practically and experimentally, by raising him the dead, or by causing him to pass from death to life; and he was the first to whom the path of life was shown in this sense, or the that who ever trod in it, and so has led the way for others: hence he is called the that fruits of them that slept, the firstborn and first begotten from the…
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 16:8–11
he was well assured, (1.) That he should not miss of his glory: "Thou wilt show me the path of life, and lead me to that life through this darksome valley." In confidence of this, when he gave up the ghost, he said, Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit; and, a little before, Father, glorify me with thy own self. (2.)
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 16:11
11. Thou wilt make me to know the path of life; fullness of joy is in thy countenance, pleasures are at thy right hand for evermore. The Psalmist confirms the statement made in the preceding verse, and explains the way in which God will exempt him from the bondage of death, namely, by conducting and bringing him at length safely to the possession of eternal life. Whence we again learn what I have already observed, that this passage touches upon the difference which there is between true believers and aliens, or reprobates, with respect to their everlasting state.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 16:8–11 (WEB)
8I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety. 10For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption. 11You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.
Cross references
- Acts 2:28
You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
- Jude 1:24
Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy,
- Psalms 36:7–8
- Revelation 7:15–17
Therefore they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tabernacle over them.
- Ephesians 3:19
and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
- Psalms 21:4–6
- Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light that shines more and more until the perfect day.
- Psalms 17:15