Devine Scripture

Psalms 139:14

What does Psalms 139:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 139:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 139:14 means

David responds to this profound truth of God's creation with thanksgiving. He marvels at being "fearfully and wonderfully made," acknowledging both the awe-inspiring complexity and the astonishing beauty of human design. This isn't a statement of self-admiration but rather a worshipful declaration that God's works, especially the human body, are miraculous. David's soul itself testifies to the incredible handiwork of God, recognizing His wisdom in every detail.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I will give you praise, for I am strangely and delicately formed; your works are great wonders, and of this my soul is fully conscious.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I confess Thee, because that <FI>with<Fi> wonders I have been distinguished. Wonderful <FI>are<Fi> Thy works, And my soul is knowing <FI>it<Fi> well.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But as for the just, they shall give glory to thy name: and the upright shall dwell with thy countenance.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I will praise thee, for I am fearfully, wonderfully made. Marvellous are thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.

Context

Following the declaration of God's role in his formation in verse 13, David now offers a personal response of praise and gratitude. This verse articulates his wonder at the intricate design of the human body, reinforcing the idea of divine creation. It explicitly connects his existence to God's "wonderful works," leading into further details about his formation and God's sovereign plan for his life before birth.

v.13For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother’s womb.

v.14This passage

v.15My frame was not hidden from thee, When I was made in secret, And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 104:24

    O Jehovah, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: The earth is full of thy riches.

  • Psalms 40:5

    Many, O Jehovah my God, are the wonderful works which thou hast done, And thy thoughts which are to us-ward: They cannot be set in order unto thee; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.

  • Genesis 1:26

    And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

  • Revelation 15:3

    And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the ages.

  • Psalms 92:4

    For thou, Jehovah, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

  • Job 5:9

    Who doeth great things and unsearchable, Marvellous things without number:

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