Devine Scripture

Psalms 139:4

What does Psalms 139:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 139:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 139:4 means

This verse presents an astonishing aspect of God's omniscience: His knowledge of David's words before they are even uttered. Before a sound leaves David's tongue, God already knows the entire content and intent of his speech. This highlights an incredible level of intimate understanding, demonstrating that God's knowledge is not reactive but preemptive and complete. It underscores the impossibility of concealing anything, even the nascent stirrings of communication, from the Almighty.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For there is not a word on my tongue which is not clear to you, O Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For there is not a word in my tongue, Lo, O Jehovah, Thou hast known it all!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: the venom of asps is under their lips.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For there is not yet a word on my tongue, [but] lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether.

Context

This verse reaches a pinnacle in David's description of God's omniscience, moving from knowledge of actions and thoughts to knowledge of unarticulated words. It serves as a powerful capstone to the initial section on God's understanding, setting the stage for the subsequent declaration of God's encompassing presence and the wonder David experiences because of this profound truth.

v.3Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways.

v.4This passage

v.5Thou hast beset me behind and before, And laid thy hand upon me.

Cross references

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

  • Zephaniah 1:12

    And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps; and I will punish the men that are settled on their lees, that say in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, neither will he do evil.

  • Malachi 3:13

    Your words have been stout against me, saith Jehovah. Yet ye say, What have we spoken against thee?

  • James 3:2

    For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.

  • Psalms 19:14

    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer.

  • Matthew 12:35

    The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

  • Job 38:2

    Who is this that darkeneth counsel By words without knowledge?

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