Psalms 86:16 Meaning and Explanation
“O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to turn to him, show mercy, give him strength, and save him.
The Context of Psalms 86:16
A final, intimate petition based on family covenant and God's turning face.
What Does Psalms 86:16 Mean?
Turn unto me recalls the earlier image of God bending His ear—now it is a request that God turn His full face toward the speaker. The reference to 'thy handmaid' (the speaker's mother) grounds the petition in family relationship and covenant inheritance, suggesting the supplicant belongs to a line devoted to God.
Save the son of thine handmaid is an appeal to God's relationship not just with the speaker but with the speaker's family line. This is a claim based on covenant history: if God's people have served Him, He has obligation and inclination to preserve their descendants. The request for strength implies empowerment to endure and resist, not merely external rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 86:16
What does Psalms 86:16 mean?
The psalmist asks God to turn to him, show mercy, give him strength, and save him.
What is the context of Psalms 86:16?
A final, intimate petition based on family covenant and God's turning face.