◄ Psalm 139 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
You Have Searched Me and Known Me For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. 3You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. 4Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD. 5You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? 8If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. 9If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, 10even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast. 11If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”— 12even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You. 13For You formed my inmost being;a You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. 15My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be. 17How precious to me are Your thoughts,b O God, how vast is their sum! 18If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You. 19O God, that You would slay the wicked— away from me, you bloodthirsty men— 20who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain.c 21Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You? 22I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies. 23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. 24See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. Footnotes: 13 a Hebrew my kidneys 17 b Or How amazing are Your thoughts concerning me 20 c Hebrew Your enemies take in vain or Your enemies bear up in vain; LXX Your enemies take Your cities in vain Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 139 Summary You Have Searched Me and Known Me Verses 1–6 – God Knows Everything About Me David opens with amazement that the LORD has already examined every corner of his life. Sitting, standing, walking, resting, speaking, even thinking—nothing escapes God’s attention. The psalmist feels surrounded and protected (“You hem me in behind and before”), yet the thought is so vast it almost leaves him breathless. Verses 7–12 – God Is Everywhere With Me There is no hiding place from the Lord. Whether in the heights of heaven, the depths of the grave, at dawn’s first light, or across the widest sea, God is present. Darkness cannot disguise or confuse Him; night illuminates like midday before His eyes. Wherever David might go, the same hand guides and steadies him. Verses 13–18 – God Formed Me Wonderfully The song turns inward to the womb. God personally “knit” the psalmist together, watching over each cell, writing down all his days before one of them began. David bursts into praise: he is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God’s countless thoughts toward him outnumber the sand, and waking or sleeping he rests in that care. Verses 19–22 – God’s Righteous Anger Guides My Allegiance Because God is perfectly good, those who love Him must resist the ways of violent, God-defying people. David distances himself from the wicked, aligning his heart with the Lord’s honor and refusing to cozy up to evil. Verses 23–24 – Inviting God’s Searchlight The psalm closes with a humble invitation: “Search me…test me…lead me.” David welcomes God to expose any hidden sin and to guide him onto the everlasting path. Psalm 139 is a rich and intimate portrayal of God's intimate knowledge and omnipresence, as expressed by King David. This Psalm invites us to contemplate the vastness of God's understanding, his unending presence, and the incredible value he places on each human life. It urges us to seek God's guidance, examine ourselves truthfully, and to live a life pleasing to Him. Authorship and Setting • Heading “For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.” places it with the king who shepherded Israel and wrote many songs (2 Samuel 23:1). • The mature, reflective tone suggests it may stem from later in David’s life, after he had tasted triumphs and failures and come to trust God’s intimate care. • Public worship use is implied by the choirmaster note, yet the language is intensely personal, giving worshipers a model for private devotion as well. Big Picture of the Psalm 1. God knows me completely (1–6). 2. God is with me everywhere (7–12). 3. God designed me purposefully (13–18). 4. I stand against those who oppose Him (19–22). 5. I open my heart for His cleansing leadership (23–24). Literary Highlights • Four balanced stanzas of six verses shape the poem, moving from wonder to devotion. • Hebrew parallelism repeats an idea with fresh wording: “You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar.” • Vivid images carry the truth: wings of dawn, the farthest sea, knitting needles of the womb, grains of sand. God Knows Everything (1–6) “Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD” (v. 4). Other Scriptures: 1 Samuel 16:7—the LORD looks at the heart; Hebrews 4:13—“Nothing in all creation is hidden.” Encouragement: because God already knows, confession is safe and honest prayer becomes natural. God Is Everywhere (7–12) “Where can I go to escape Your Spirit?” (v. 7). Echoes: Jeremiah 23:23-24—God fills heaven and earth; Matthew 28:20—Jesus promises, “I am with you always.” Application: His presence on the hospital bed, in the boardroom, and on the lonely road brings courage and corrects the illusion of secrecy. God Formed Life in the Womb (13–18) Key lines: “You formed my inmost being…You knit me together in my mother’s womb” (v. 13). • The unborn child is a person under God’s watchful artistry. • “All my days were written in Your book” (v. 16) anchors the belief that life has meaning before birth. • Support texts: Job 10:8-12; Isaiah 44:24; Luke 1:41-44 (John the Baptist leaping in the womb). • Practical outflow: care for the unborn, the disabled, the elderly—each bears the imprint of the Maker. Turning From Evil (19–22) David’s strong words express loyalty to God’s honor. He will not partner with those who shed innocent blood or twist God’s name. Balance from Proverbs 24:17—“Do not gloat when your enemy falls.” We oppose evil yet leave final judgment to the Lord (Romans 12:19). Search Me, Shape Me (23–24) Openness to God’s inspection is the antidote to self-deception. Compare Psalm 26:2 and Lamentations 3:40—“Let us examine our ways.” “Lead me in the way everlasting” shifts focus from guilt to growth. God not only exposes but also guides. Connections Across Scripture • God’s knowledge: John 2:24-25 (Jesus knew what was in man). • God’s presence: Psalm 23:4; Romans 8:38-39—nothing can separate us. • God’s creative care: Ephesians 2:10—“We are His workmanship.” • Invitation to be searched: Revelation 2:23—Christ “searches hearts and minds.” Archaeological and Historical Notes • A copy of Psalm 139 appears in the Dead Sea Scrolls (11Q5), confirming its early use before Christ. • Ancient Israel linked music and worship; bronze cymbals and stringed instruments found near Jerusalem match the temple choir setting noted in verse headings. • The Hebrew title uses “Mizmor,” a word appearing on royal inscriptions naming David as the author, aligning with internal claims. Hebrew Images and Word Pictures • “Searched” (ḥāqar) pictures digging or boring into rock—God’s investigation is thorough. • “Hem me in” (ṣûr) is military language for surrounding a city; here it speaks of loving protection. • “Knit” (sāḵâ) evokes weaving fabric on a loom, highlighting careful design. • “Way everlasting” (derek ʿôlām) paints a well-worn path that stretches beyond time. Worship and Music Use in Israel • Its address to the “choirmaster” suggests it was sung in the temple, possibly during festivals that celebrated God’s covenant care. • Early church fathers cite the psalm in baptismal liturgies, connecting God’s forming of a baby to the new life of faith. Faith and Life Application • Security: Because God knows every detail, believers can drop pretenses and live openly before Him. • Guidance: Walking into new seasons—a job change, a move, a diagnosis—we rest in the God already present there. • Dignity of life: These verses energize ministries that protect the unborn, comfort mothers, and uphold each person’s worth. • Holiness: Inviting God’s search keeps bitterness, lust, and pride from taking root. • Loyalty: Aligning with God means loving what He loves and rejecting what destroys. • Hope: The “way everlasting” points to Jesus, “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), assuring an unbroken future with Him. In One Sentence Psalm 139 celebrates a God who knows us completely, accompanies us everywhere, shaped us lovingly from the womb, calls us to stand with Him against evil, and leads us on the forever path of life. Connections to Additional Scriptures Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart. Matthew 10:30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Romans 8:38-39 Assurance of God's unending love and presence. Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Teaching Points God's Omniscience O LORD, You have searched me and known me. (Psalm 139:1) God knows our thoughts, actions, and words before they come to be (verses 2-4). His knowledge of us is complete and personal, encompassing every aspect of our lives. God's Omnipresence Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? (Psalm 139:7) God's presence is inescapable; He is with us in every place and situation (verses 8-10). His presence is a source of comfort and guidance, not fear. God's Omnipotence in Creation For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13) We are fearfully and wonderfully made, a testament to God's creative power (verse 14). Our lives are ordained by God, who has a purpose for each of us (verse 16). Response to God's Attributes David's response is one of awe and worship, acknowledging God's thoughts as precious and vast (verses 17-18). He invites God to search his heart and lead him in the way everlasting (verses 23-24). Practical Applications Embrace God's Intimate Knowledge Find comfort in the fact that God knows you completely and loves you unconditionally. Trust in His understanding of your struggles and joys. Seek God's Presence Cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your daily life through prayer and meditation. Allow His presence to guide your decisions and provide peace in difficult times. Celebrate Your Unique Creation Recognize your worth and purpose as God's handiwork. Use your gifts and talents to serve others and glorify God. Invite God's Examination Regularly ask God to search your heart and reveal areas needing growth or repentance. Be open to His leading and correction, trusting in His perfect plan for your life. People 1. The Psalmist (David) The author of the psalm, traditionally understood to be King David. He is the one expressing his thoughts and feelings about God's intimate knowledge and presence in his life. David reflects on how God has searched and known him, understanding his thoughts and actions completely. 2. God (Yahweh) The central figure in the psalm, depicted as all-knowing, ever-present, and the Creator. God is described as having an intimate knowledge of the psalmist, being present in every aspect of his life, and having formed him in the womb. The Hebrew name for God used here is often "Yahweh," emphasizing His covenant relationship with His people. Psalm 139 does not explicitly mention other persons, but it is a dialogue between David and God, highlighting the personal relationship between the believer and the divine. The focus is on God's attributes and His relationship with the individual, rather than on a broader cast of characters. Places 1. Heaven "If I ascend to heaven, You are there;" (Psalm 139:8a) This refers to the highest place, often seen as the dwelling place of God. The Hebrew word used here is "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim), indicating the sky or the abode of God. 2. Sheol "if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there." (Psalm 139:8b) Sheol is the Hebrew term "שְׁאוֹל" (sheol), often understood as the realm of the dead or the grave, indicating that God's presence extends even to the depths of the earth. 3. Wings of the Dawn "If I rise on the wings of the dawn," (Psalm 139:9a) This poetic expression suggests the farthest east, where the sun rises, symbolizing the speed and reach of God's presence. 4. Farthest Sea "if I settle by the farthest sea," (Psalm 139:9b) This phrase refers to the westernmost parts, possibly the Mediterranean Sea, indicating the vastness of God's reach. The Hebrew word for sea is "יָם" (yam). Events 1. God's Complete Knowledge of the Individual The psalm begins with the acknowledgment that God has "searched" and "known" the psalmist. The Hebrew word for "searched" (חָקַר, chaqar) implies a thorough investigation or examination. "O LORD, You have searched me and known me." (Psalm 139:1) 2. God's Understanding of Daily Activities and Thoughts God is aware of the psalmist's actions and thoughts, even before they are fully formed. "You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar." (Psalm 139:2) 3. God's Presence in Every Place The psalmist acknowledges that there is no place where one can escape God's presence. "Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?" (Psalm 139:7) 4. God's Guidance and Support God's hand is seen as guiding and holding the psalmist, indicating divine support and direction. "Even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:10) 5. God's Creation of the Individual The psalmist reflects on being fearfully and wonderfully made by God, emphasizing the intimate involvement of God in creation. The Hebrew word for "knit" (רָקַם, raqam) suggests intricate weaving. "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb." (Psalm 139:13) 6. God's Thoughts Toward the Individual The psalmist marvels at the precious and vast nature of God's thoughts toward him. "How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum!" (Psalm 139:17) 7. The Psalmist's Desire for Righteousness The psalmist expresses a desire for God to slay the wicked and distances himself from those who oppose God. "If only You would slay the wicked, O God—away from me, you bloodthirsty men!" (Psalm 139:19) 8. A Plea for Divine Examination and Guidance The psalm concludes with a request for God to search the psalmist's heart and lead him in the way everlasting. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns." (Psalm 139:23) Lessons from Psalm 139 1. God Knows You Intimately Psalm 139 begins with a profound truth: "O LORD, You have searched me and known me" (Psalm 139:1). This verse reminds us that God knows every detail about us, from our thoughts to our actions. Embrace the comfort that comes from knowing you are fully known and loved by your Creator. This intimate knowledge means you can approach God with confidence, knowing He understands your every need and desire. 2. You Are Never Alone The psalmist declares, "Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?" (Psalm 139:7). No matter where life takes you, God is always with you. This assurance can transform your daily routine, providing peace and courage in every situation. Remember, whether you're facing challenges or celebrating victories, God's presence is your constant companion. 3. God Guides Your Path Psalm 139:10 states, "Even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast." Trust in God's guidance as you navigate life's journey. His hand is always ready to lead you, offering direction and support. By seeking His wisdom through prayer and Scripture, you can make decisions with confidence, knowing He is steering you toward His perfect plan. 4. You Are Wonderfully Made The psalmist praises God, saying, "I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Embrace your unique design as a masterpiece of God's creation. This understanding can boost your self-esteem and encourage you to use your talents and abilities for His glory. Celebrate the gifts God has given you and seek ways to serve others with them. 5. God's Thoughts Are Precious "How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is their sum!" (Psalm 139:17). God's thoughts toward you are numerous and filled with love. Reflect on this truth to cultivate gratitude and awe in your heart. By meditating on His Word, you can align your thoughts with His, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. 6. God Sees Your Every Move "You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar" (Psalm 139:2). God's awareness of your actions and thoughts is a reminder to live with integrity and purpose. Let this knowledge inspire you to make choices that honor Him, knowing that your life is a testimony to His grace and truth. 7. God Protects You The psalmist acknowledges God's protection, saying, "You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me" (Psalm 139:5). Trust in God's protective embrace as you face life's uncertainties. His hand is upon you, providing security and peace. Lean on His strength and find refuge in His promises. 8. God's Knowledge Is Beyond Comprehension "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" (Psalm 139:6). God's wisdom and understanding surpass human comprehension. This realization should lead you to worship and reverence, acknowledging His greatness. Seek to grow in your knowledge of Him, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. 9. God Has a Purpose for You "All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be" (Psalm 139:16). Your life is not a series of random events; it is part of God's divine plan. Embrace your purpose with confidence, knowing that He has a specific role for you in His kingdom. Seek His guidance to fulfill the calling He has placed on your life. 10. Invite God to Search Your Heart The psalmist concludes with a prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns" (Psalm 139:23). Invite God to examine your heart and reveal any areas that need transformation. This openness to His refining work will lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him. Allow His Spirit to guide you toward holiness and righteousness. Topics 1. God’s Omniscience (Verses 1-6) Psalm 139 begins with a profound acknowledgment of God's complete knowledge of the psalmist. The Hebrew root "ידע" (yada) is used to convey the intimate and comprehensive understanding God has of every aspect of the psalmist's life. The psalmist marvels at how God knows his thoughts, actions, and words even before they are formed. 2. God’s Omnipresence (Verses 7-12) The psalmist reflects on the impossibility of escaping God's presence. The Hebrew word "רוח" (ruach), meaning spirit, is used to express the idea that God's presence is everywhere. Whether in heaven, Sheol, or the farthest reaches of the sea, God's presence is inescapable, providing comfort and assurance. 3. God’s Creative Power (Verses 13-16) These verses celebrate God's role as the Creator, emphasizing His involvement in the formation of life. The Hebrew word "קנה" (qanah), meaning to create or possess, highlights God's intimate involvement in the psalmist's development in the womb. The psalmist acknowledges that every day of his life was ordained by God before any of them came to be. 4. God’s Precious Thoughts (Verses 17-18) The psalmist expresses awe at the vastness and preciousness of God's thoughts towards him. The Hebrew root "יקר" (yaqar), meaning precious or valuable, is used to describe God's thoughts, which are more numerous than the grains of sand. This reflects the psalmist's deep appreciation for God's constant care and attention. 5. A Call for Justice (Verses 19-22) The psalmist shifts to a plea for God to deal with the wicked. He expresses a strong desire for justice against those who oppose God. The Hebrew word "שנא" (sane), meaning to hate, is used to describe the psalmist's stance against those who rise up against God, reflecting a zealous commitment to God's righteousness. 6. A Prayer for Guidance and Purity (Verses 23-24) The psalm concludes with a personal prayer for God to search the psalmist's heart and lead him in the way everlasting. The Hebrew root "בחן" (bachan), meaning to examine or test, is used as the psalmist invites God to scrutinize his innermost thoughts and intentions, seeking divine guidance and purity in his walk with God. Themes 1. God’s Omniscience Psalm 139 emphasizes God's all-knowing nature. The psalmist acknowledges that God has searched and known him, understanding his thoughts from afar (Psalm 139:1-2). The Hebrew root for "searched" (חָקַר, chaqar) implies a deep, thorough investigation, highlighting God's intimate knowledge of every aspect of our lives. 2. God’s Omnipresence The psalmist reflects on the impossibility of escaping God's presence, whether in heaven, Sheol, or the farthest sea (Psalm 139:7-10). The Hebrew word for "presence" (פָּנֶה, panim) suggests a face-to-face encounter, indicating that God is personally present everywhere. 3. God’s Omnipotence in Creation The psalmist marvels at God's power in creating life, acknowledging that he was fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14). The Hebrew word for "wonderfully" (פָּלָא, pala) conveys the idea of being set apart or distinguished, underscoring the uniqueness and intentionality of God's creative work. 4. God’s Intimate Involvement in Our Lives The psalmist describes how God has ordained all his days before any of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). The Hebrew term for "ordained" (יָצַר, yatsar) is often used in the context of forming or fashioning, suggesting God's active role in shaping the course of our lives. 5. The Inescapability of God’s Knowledge The psalmist acknowledges that God's knowledge is too wonderful and lofty to attain (Psalm 139:6). This theme highlights the transcendence of God's understanding, which surpasses human comprehension. 6. The Call for Righteousness and Justice The psalmist expresses a desire for God to slay the wicked and declares his own hatred for those who oppose God (Psalm 139:19-22). This reflects a theme of aligning oneself with God's righteousness and seeking justice against evil. 7. A Prayer for Divine Examination and Guidance The psalm concludes with a plea for God to search the psalmist's heart, test his thoughts, and lead him in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). The Hebrew word for "search" (חָקַר, chaqar) is repeated here, emphasizing a desire for God’s continual guidance and purification. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Knowledge and Presence Praise God for His intimate knowledge of you and His constant presence in your life. Guidance and Wisdom Ask for wisdom to discern His will and the courage to follow His leading. Heart Examination Pray for God to search your heart and reveal any areas that need transformation. Celebration of Creation Thank God for creating you with purpose and ask for opportunities to use your gifts for His glory. As we conclude this study, let us be encouraged by the profound truth that we are fully known and deeply loved by our Creator. May this knowledge inspire us to live lives that reflect His glory and love. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 139:1–4: How does God’s complete foreknowledge of every thought and word align with genuine human free will? 2. Psalm 139:7–10: If God is truly everywhere, how can He coexist with evil or suffering in remote or unknown places? 3. Psalm 139:8: Is there any historical or archaeological evidence for the biblical concept of “Sheol,” or is it purely metaphorical? 4. Psalm 139:13–16: How do claims of being “knit together” in the womb reconcile with scientific explanations of conception and development? 5. Psalm 139:19–22: How do these verses endorsing hatred for the wicked align with other passages in the Bible that command love for one’s enemies? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What emotions or thoughts does God's omniscience stir in you? 2. How does the omnipresence of God provide comfort in times of loneliness or hardship? 3. How do you respond to the concept of God knowing every detail of your life? 4. How does knowing you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" impact your sense of self-worth? 5. In what ways have you experienced God's presence in your own life? 6. How does understanding God's intimate knowledge of you influence your decisions and actions? 7. If God knows our every thought, why do you think prayer is important? 8. David invites God to search and test him. How comfortable are you with this idea and why? 9. What does it mean to be led in the 'everlasting way'? How does this apply to your life? 10. How can you apply the self-examination David exhibits in your own spiritual journey? 11. David speaks of darkness not being dark to God. How does this alter your perspective of 'dark' times in your life? 12. How can you better recognize and appreciate God's presence in all places and circumstances of your life? 13. How does acknowledging that God knew your unformed substance impact your view on the sanctity of life? 14. How does this Psalm encourage you to respond to those who are hostile towards God or His people? 15. How does understanding God's omniscience influence your understanding of sin and forgiveness? 16. What can you learn from David's attitude towards God in this Psalm? How can you adopt a similar mindset? 17. What steps can you take to ensure your words and thoughts are pleasing to God, knowing He is always aware of them? 18. How does the truth of God's constant presence influence your actions when you're alone or think no one is watching? 19. How can we apply the concept of being 'fearfully and wonderfully made' in our interactions with others? 20. In what ways does the truth of Psalm 139 shape your approach to life's challenges and opportunities? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions