· Translation: KJV

Psalms 16:8I have set Yahweh always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

The setting

Ancient Israel, ~1000 BC. David declaring his spiritual discipline amid political chaos. Modern location: Jerusalem, Israel

The emotion here: determined to trust despite external chaos

The original word

shavith (שִׁוִּיתִי) — to place deliberately, like positioning a guard at your door

Why it matters

The right hand position was where a king's most trusted bodyguard stood, ready to defend instantly

Read with care

What most readers miss in Psalms 16:8

This is a daily discipline David practices — 'I HAVE SET' implies ongoing intentional choice

Common misconceptionPeople think this means nothing bad will happen to you. David is saying that with God's presence, you won't be ultimately destroyed — you can handle whatever comes.

Bible Genome reading

Psalms 16:8 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerDavid
EraUnited Kingdom
Primary emotionresting
Literary typepsalm

Emotional genome

Comfort power80%
Quotability85%
Memorability80%
Crisis relevance60%
Standalone80%
Themes:truststabilitydivine presence

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Psalms 16

Psalms 16:8 comes from the book of Psalms, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to David. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 80% and a tone that is reverent. It belongs to the psalm genre of biblical literature. Key themes include trust, stability, divine presence. Notable phrases: I have set Yahweh always before me; at my right hand; shall not be moved.

Your reflection

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