Definition: Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy merciesâ sake.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 31:16. It’s a really beautiful and poignant verse from the Bible! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying, “Please look after me, and save me for your kindness.” It expresses deep worry and hope about being cared for. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant” : This means to turn your attention to God, to focus on Him, and to show Him your need. It's like saying, "Please notice me, and be kind to me." “Save me for thy merciesâ sake” : This is the core of the verse. “Mercy” means compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and understanding. “Thine” (your) makes it incredibly personal – it’s your kindness that you're asking for. "For thy sake" means “for your benefit,” or “because of your goodness.” So, you’re asking God to protect you, to be kind to you, and to keep you safe. Overall Meaning: This is a plea from David to God – a time when he was struggling with deep sadness and fear. He's expressing that he desperately needs God's protection and kindness in his life. It’s a heartfelt request for comfort and safety. Why is it important? Psalm 31:16 is one of the most famous verses in the Bible because it captures a very human experience – feeling vulnerable, anxious, and worried about our well-being. It's a reminder that we’re not alone and that God cares deeply for us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail (when was it written, what was happening at the time)?