Devine Scripture

Psalms 139:5

What does Psalms 139:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 139:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 139:5 means

David describes God's constant presence and protective care using the vivid imagery of being "beset me behind and before." This means God surrounds him entirely, guarding his past and directing his future. The phrase "laid thy hand upon me" suggests both God's sovereign control and His supportive, guiding presence. It's a comforting yet powerful image, indicating that David is continually within God's grasp, unable to move outside of His divine sphere of influence and protection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I am shut in by you on every side, and you have put your hand on me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Behind and before Thou hast besieged me, And Thou dost place on me Thy hand.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the wicked: and from unjust men deliver me. Who have proposed to supplant my steps:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Having established God's profound knowledge of his inner and outer life, David now shifts to the experience of God's encompassing presence. This verse marks a transition from omniscience to omnipresence, naturally flowing from the realization that such a knowing God must also be ever-present. It leads into his contemplation of the impossibility of escaping God's Spirit.

v.4For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether.

v.5This passage

v.6Suchknowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 24:11

    And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: and they beheld God, and did eat and drink.

  • Psalms 34:7

    The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.

  • Job 9:33

    There is no umpire betwixt us, That might lay his hand upon us both.

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,

  • Deuteronomy 33:27

    The eternal God isthy dwelling-place, And underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy from before thee, And said, Destroy.

  • Job 23:8

    Behold, I go forward, but he is notthere; And backward, but I cannot perceive him;

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