16 The precise meaning of the Hebrew term מִכְתָּם (mikhtam) is uncertain. defines it as “inscription.”
1 The Hebrew perfect verbal form probably refers here to a completed action with continuing results (see 7:1; 11:1). Taken shelter. “Taking shelter” in the Lord is an idiom for seeking his protection. Seeking his protection presupposes and even demonstrates the subject’s loyalty to the Lord. In the psalms those who “take shelter” in the Lord are contrasted with the wicked and equated with those who love, fear and serve the Lord (Pss 5:11–12; 31:17–20; 34:21–22).
2 Heb “my good [is] not beyond you.” For the use of the preposition עַל (’al) in the sense of “beyond,” see 755 2.
3 Heb “regarding the holy ones who [are] in the land, they; and the mighty [ones] in [whom is/was] all my desire.” The difficult syntax makes the meaning of the verse uncertain. The phrase “holy ones” sometimes refers to God’s angelic assembly (see Ps 89:5, 7), but the qualifying clause “who are in the land” suggests that here it refers to God’s people (Ps 34:9) or to their priestly leaders (2 Chr 35:3).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

A Miktam of David.

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

I have no good apart from you.”

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,

in whom is all my delight.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

A miktam of David.

Keep me safe, my God,

for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

apart from you I have no good thing.”

I say of the holy people who are in the land,

“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

CSBChristian Standard Bible

A Miktam of David.

Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

I have nothing good besides you.”

As for the holy people who are in the land,

they are the noble ones.

All my delight is in them.

NLTNew Living Translation

A psalm of David.

Keep me safe, O God,

for I have come to you for refuge.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!

Every good thing I have comes from you.”

The godly people in the land

are my true heroes!

I take pleasure in them!

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

A miktam of David.

Protect me, O God,

for I take refuge in you.

Oh my soul you have said to Yahweh, “You are my Lord.

I have no good apart from you.”

With regard to the saints who are in the land,

they are the noble ones in whom is all my desire.

KJV 1900King James Version

Michtam of David.

Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord:

My goodness extendeth not to thee;

But to the saints that are in the earth,

And to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

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