Old Testament
Psalms 16:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Preserve me, O God, for in you I put my trust.
Compare translations
Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
What Psalms 16:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is calling out to God for protection and safety. The phrase "Preserve me, O God" indicates a deep reliance on God for security in life. The psalmist expresses trust in God, recognizing that true safety comes from Him alone. This trust is not just a casual belief but a firm conviction that God is capable of providing refuge and support in times of trouble. The psalmist acknowledges that placing trust in God is essential for spiritual well-being. This verse reflects a relationship where the believer seeks God's help and guidance, emphasizing the importance of faith in overcoming life's challenges. It serves as a reminder that in moments of uncertainty or fear, turning to God for preservation and support is vital. The psalmist's plea is both a declaration of faith and a request for divine intervention, highlighting the intimate connection between trust and reliance on God.
How to apply Psalms 16:1 to your life
In our daily lives, we can apply this verse by actively placing our trust in God during difficult times. When facing challenges, we should pray for His protection and guidance, reminding ourselves that He is our refuge. Trusting God can bring peace and assurance.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 16:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 16:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 16:1 mean?
Psalms 16:1 expresses a plea for God's protection and safety. The psalmist shows deep trust in God, believing that true security comes from Him.
What is the meaning of 'Preserve me, O God' in Psalms 16:1?
'Preserve me, O God' signifies a request for divine protection and care. It reflects the psalmist's reliance on God for safety in life.
How can I apply Psalms 16:1 in my life?
You can apply this verse by trusting God during challenges, praying for His guidance, and remembering that He is your refuge.
What themes are present in Psalms 16:1?
The themes in Psalms 16:1 include trust in God, divine protection, faith, reliance on God, and the importance of spiritual well-being.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.