Devine Scripture

Psalms 139:15

What does Psalms 139:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 139:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 139:15 means

David continues to reflect on his formation, emphasizing that his development was not hidden from God, even while he was being "made in secret" and "curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." The phrase "lowest parts of the earth" is a poetic expression referring to the hidden, mysterious environment of the mother's womb, not literal subterranean creation. Despite the hidden nature of embryonic development, God's vision pierced through, overseeing every intricate detail of his physical structure.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

My frame was not unseen by you when I was made secretly, and strangely formed in the lowest parts of the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

My substance was not hid from Thee, When I was made in secret, Curiously wrought in the lower part of earth.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

My bones were not hidden from thee when I was made in secret, curiously wrought in the lower parts of the earth.

Context

Building upon the general statement of being wonderfully made in verse 14, this verse provides more specific imagery of God's oversight during development. It elaborates on the hidden nature of life in the womb, further emphasizing God's unique ability to see and intricately craft even in what seems to be complete secrecy. This sets the stage for the ultimate revelation of God's foreknowledge of his entire life plan.

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.

v.15This passage

v.16Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance; And in thy book they were all written, Eventhe days that were ordainedfor me, When as yet there was none of them.

Cross references

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

  • Job 10:8

    Thy hands have framed me and fashioned me Together round about; yet thou dost destroy me.

  • Psalms 63:9

    But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:5

    As thou knowest not what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the work of God who doeth all.

  • Psalms 139:13

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

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 139

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 139.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Psalms 139:15.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary