Old Testament
Psalms 116:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the psalmist expresses a deep commitment to God, identifying himself as a servant of the Lord.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, and the son of your handmaid. You have loosed my bonds.
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses a deep commitment to God, identifying himself as a servant of the Lord. By stating he is the son of God's handmaid, he acknowledges his humble position and the legacy of faith passed down to him. The phrase 'you have loosed my bonds' signifies liberation from troubles or sin, highlighting God's role in granting freedom and relief. This acknowledgment of servitude and gratitude reflects a relationship built on trust and dependence on God. The psalmist recognizes that his freedom comes from God’s intervention, emphasizing the importance of divine help in overcoming life's challenges. This verse serves as a reminder of the joy and relief that comes from being in a right relationship with God, who actively works to free us from our burdens and constraints. It encourages believers to embrace their identity as servants of God, trusting in His power to deliver and support them in their lives. Explore related servanthood.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 116:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize our identity as servants of God and to trust Him for our freedom from life's burdens. We can reflect on how God has helped us in the past and express our gratitude through service and obedience in our daily lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 116:16 mean?
Psalms 116:16 expresses the psalmist's commitment to God as His servant, acknowledging his humble position and the freedom God has provided from troubles or sin.
What is the meaning of 'loosed my bonds' in Psalms 116:16?
The phrase 'loosed my bonds' signifies liberation from difficulties or sin, highlighting God's role in granting freedom and relief to those who trust in Him.
How can I apply Psalms 116:16 in my life?
You can apply this verse by embracing your identity as a servant of God, trusting Him for freedom from burdens, and expressing gratitude through acts of service and obedience.
What themes are present in Psalms 116:16?
The themes in Psalms 116:16 include servanthood, divine liberation, gratitude, faith heritage, and trust in God, emphasizing the relationship between believers and their Creator.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
Unlock the full Psalms summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.