Devine Scripture

Psalms 139:13

What does Psalms 139:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 139:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 139:13 means

Transitioning from God's omniscience and omnipresence, David now marvels at God's omnipotence, specifically in creation. He declares that God is the one who "didst form my inward parts" and "didst cover me in my mother’s womb." This is a profound recognition of God as his personal Creator, intricately designing his most vital organs and superintending his development from conception. It highlights that God's knowledge and presence extend even to the earliest, most hidden moments of life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother’s womb.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother’s womb.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

My flesh was made by you, and my parts joined together in my mother's body.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For Thou--Thou hast possessed my reins, Thou dost cover me in my mother's belly.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I know that the Lord will do justice to the needy, and will revenge the poor.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For thou hast possessed my reins; thou didst cover me in my mother's womb.

Context

This verse marks a significant shift in the psalm, moving from God's knowledge and presence to His creative power, especially in the formation of human life. It introduces the theme of God as the personal Creator, laying the groundwork for the detailed description of human development that follows. This section naturally flows from the realization that such an all-knowing and ever-present God must also be the source of life itself.

v.12Even the darkness hideth not from thee, But the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both aliketo thee.

v.13This passage

v.14I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 1:5

    Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations.

  • Job 10:9

    Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast fashioned me as clay; And wilt thou bring me into dust again?

  • Psalms 22:9

    But thou art he that took me out of the womb; Thou didst make me trust when I was upon my mother’s breasts.

  • Psalms 71:6

    By thee have I been holden up from the womb; Thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: My praise shall be continually of thee.

  • Psalms 119:73

    Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

  • Isaiah 44:2

    Thus saith Jehovah that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, who will help thee: Fear not, O Jacob my servant; and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

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