Psalms 139:18
What does Psalms 139:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 139:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 139:18 means
David further emphasizes the immense quantity of God's thoughts toward him, stating that they are "more in number than the sand." This hyperbolic expression underscores the infinite nature of God's care and planning, far surpassing any human ability to count or comprehend. His concluding thought, "When I awake, I am still with thee," suggests a continuous, unbroken communion with God, implying that God's watchful care and presence are constant, from the moment of conception through every waking moment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If I made up their number, it would be more than the grains of sand; when I am awake, I am still with you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I recount them! than the sand they are more, I have waked, and I am still with Thee.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[If] I would count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee.
Context
Building on the idea of God's precious thoughts in verse 17, this verse expands on their sheer, immeasurable quantity. It reinforces the boundless nature of God's care and planning, providing a sense of comfort in His unceasing presence. This profound sense of divine encompassment then sets the stage for David's sharp shift in focus towards the wicked and his desire for justice.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 40:12
For innumerable evils have compassed me about; Mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; And my heart hath failed me.
- 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.
- Psalms 63:6
When I remember thee upon my bed, And meditate on thee in the night-watches.
- Psalms 139:3
Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways.
- Psalms 16:8
I have set Jehovah always before me: Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:10
who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
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