Psalm 116:15
New International Version
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.

New Living Translation
The LORD cares deeply when his loved ones die.

English Standard Version
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Berean Standard Bible
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.

King James Bible
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

New King James Version
Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.

New American Standard Bible
Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones.

NASB 1995
Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones.

NASB 1977
Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones.

Legacy Standard Bible
Precious in the sight of Yahweh Is the death of His holy ones.

Amplified Bible
Precious [and of great consequence] in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones [so He watches over them].

Christian Standard Bible
The death of his faithful ones is valuable in the LORD’s sight.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The death of His faithful ones is valuable in the LORD’s sight.

American Standard Version
Precious in the sight of Jehovah Is the death of his saints.

Contemporary English Version
You are deeply concerned when one of your loyal people faces death.

English Revised Version
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones.

Good News Translation
How painful it is to the LORD when one of his people dies!

International Standard Version
In the sight of the LORD, the death of his faithful ones is valued.

Majority Standard Bible
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.

NET Bible
The LORD values the lives of his faithful followers.

New Heart English Bible
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones.

Webster's Bible Translation
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

World English Bible
Precious in Yahweh’s sight is the death of his saints.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Precious in the eyes of YHWH [is] the death of His saints.

Young's Literal Translation
Precious in the eyes of Jehovah is the death for His saints.

Smith's Literal Translation
Precious in the eyes of Jehovah the death to his godly ones.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his holy ones.

New American Bible
Dear in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his devoted.

New Revised Standard Version
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Precious in the eyes of LORD JEHOVAH is the death of his righteous people!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD Has Heard My Voice
14I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people. 15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. 16Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds.…

Cross References
Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, “Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.”

Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. / I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. / For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Romans 14:8
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 20:36
In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God.

Acts 7:59-60
While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” / Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Genesis 50:24-26
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” / And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” / So Joseph died at the age of 110. And they embalmed his body and placed it in a coffin in Egypt.

Isaiah 57:1-2
The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil. / Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death.

1 Samuel 25:29
And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling.

Job 19:25-27
But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth. / Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. / I will see Him for myself; my eyes will behold Him, and not as a stranger. How my heart yearns within me!

Daniel 12:13
But as for you, go on your way until the end. You will rest, and then you will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”


Treasury of Scripture

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

precious

Psalm 37:32,33
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him…

Psalm 72:14
He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

1 Samuel 25:29
Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.

Jump to Previous
Dear Death Eyes Godly Ones Precious Saints Sight
Jump to Next
Dear Death Eyes Godly Ones Precious Saints Sight
Psalm 116
1. The psalmist professes his love and duty to God for his deliverance
12. He studies to be thankful














Precious in the sight of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the value God places on the lives and deaths of His faithful followers. In biblical context, the term "precious" often denotes something of great worth or significance. The Hebrew word used here can also mean "costly" or "rare," suggesting that God does not take the death of His saints lightly. This reflects God's intimate involvement and care for His people, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 72:14, where God is described as valuing the lives of the needy. The phrase underscores the personal relationship between God and His followers, highlighting His omniscience and compassion.

is the death of His saints.
The term "saints" refers to those who are set apart for God, often used in the Old Testament to describe the faithful among Israel. In the New Testament, it extends to all believers in Christ. The death of a saint is not seen as a loss but as a transition to eternal life with God. This perspective is consistent with the Christian belief in the resurrection and eternal life, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, where Paul comforts believers about those who have died in Christ. Theologically, this phrase can be connected to the concept of martyrdom, where the death of a believer is seen as a testimony to their faith and God's glory. Historically, the early church viewed martyrdom as a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel, and this verse would have provided comfort and assurance to those facing persecution.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

2. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to David, though the specific author of Psalm 116 is not definitively known. The psalmist expresses gratitude for deliverance from death.

3. Saints
Refers to the faithful followers of God, those set apart for His purposes. In Hebrew, the word is (chasidav), meaning His faithful or godly ones.
Teaching Points
The Value of Life and Death
God values both the lives and deaths of His saints. Our lives are precious to Him, and our deaths are not seen as a loss but as a transition to eternal life with Him.

God's Sovereignty and Care
The verse highlights God's sovereignty and intimate care for His people. He is deeply involved in the lives of His saints, and their passing is significant to Him.

Hope Beyond Death
For believers, death is not the end but a doorway to eternal life. This perspective should bring comfort and hope, especially in times of mourning.

Living as Saints
As God's saints, we are called to live lives that reflect His holiness and love. Our daily walk should be a testament to our faith and dedication to Him.

Encouragement in Grief
This verse can be a source of comfort for those grieving the loss of a loved one who was a believer, reminding them of the preciousness of their loved one's life and death in God's eyes.(15) Precious . . .--This is only another form of the statement in Psalm 72:14. But again we have to ask why the thought of death should intrude upon the psalmist at this moment. (See Note, Psalm 115:17.) The answer is that, as in Psalm 116:8, a recent deliverance from death is spoken of. It is natural to take this psalm as a thanksgiving song for the safety, perhaps victory, of the survivors in some battle, but then the grateful community naturally and dutifully remember the dead.

Verse 15. - Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (comp. Psalm 72:14). It is not a matter of indifference to God, when and under what circumstances each of his saints dies. Rather, it is a matter of deep concern to him. "In him are the issues of life and death" (Psalm 68:20), and he appoints to each man the day and attendant circumstances of his demise.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Precious
יָ֭קָר (yā·qār)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3368: Precious, rare, splendid, weighty

in the sight
בְּעֵינֵ֣י (bə·‘ê·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of the LORD
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

[is] the death
הַ֝מָּ֗וְתָה (ham·mā·wə·ṯāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin

of His saints.
לַחֲסִידָֽיו׃ (la·ḥă·sî·ḏāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2623: Kind, pious


Links
Psalm 116:15 NIV
Psalm 116:15 NLT
Psalm 116:15 ESV
Psalm 116:15 NASB
Psalm 116:15 KJV

Psalm 116:15 BibleApps.com
Psalm 116:15 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 116:15 Chinese Bible
Psalm 116:15 French Bible
Psalm 116:15 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 116:14
Top of Page
Top of Page