Psalms 139:10

What does Psalms 139:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 139:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 139:10 means

Even in the most remote and distant places imagined in the previous verse, David affirms that God's presence isn't just passive observation; it's active leadership and support. "Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me." This speaks of divine guidance and strength, assuring David that no matter how far he might go, God's protective and directing hand would still be upon him. This brings great comfort in God's inescapable care.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even there will I be guided by your hand, and your right hand will keep me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Also there Thy hand doth lead me, And Thy right hand doth hold me.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The head of them compassing me about: the labour of their lips shall overwhelm them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Context

This verse provides the comforting resolution to the expansive hypothetical journeys described in verses 7-9. After considering the farthest reaches of heaven, Sheol, and the global expanse, David concludes that God's intimate presence entails not merely being there, but actively leading and holding him. This assurance of divine guidance sets the stage for contemplating God's power even over darkness.

v.9If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

v.10This passage

v.11If I say, Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me, And the light about me shall be night;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 23:3

    He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

  • Isaiah 41:13

    For I, Jehovah thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

  • Psalms 143:9

    Deliver me, O Jehovah, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

  • Psalms 63:8

    My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.

  • Psalms 73:23

    Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou hast holden my right hand.

Related questions readers ask

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Psalms 139:10.