Psalm 139:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me.

Traditional

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

Literal

For the one directing. A Psalm of David. O YHWH, You have searched me and know me.

Latin

In finem, psalmus David. Domine, probasti me, et cognovisti me;

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me.

Notes

Psalms 139:1–6

The Lord knows the psalmist well. God has examined him closely, in a thorough examination that can be painful at times (Job 7:17–19).

Psalms 139:1–24

In this wisdom psalm, the psalmist opens every part of his life to God. He invites God to examine his thoughts, actions, and words. Even though life is difficult, he wants to grow in wisdom so that he does not share in the judgment of the wicked (Psalm 141:5; 142:3; 143:8, 10; 144:3–4).

The psalmist also knows that he cannot escape from the Lord. His stress fades as he remembers that God has cared for him with love, even before he was born (Psalm 139:13–18). He ends by asking God to keep examining him and to guide him on the path of wisdom (Psalm 139:23–24).

Psalms 138:1–145:21

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

Theme notes and profiles

David God’s Uniqueness The Cloud and Fire The Heart in the Psalms Wisdom Psalms

Related verses

Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Jeremiah 12:3
But You know me, O LORD; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage.
Jeremiah 17:9–10
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Psalm 44:21
…would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?
Psalm 17:3
You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.
Psalm 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.
1 Chronicles 28:9
As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
1 Kings 8:39
…be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men—
Revelation 2:23
Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Psalm 11:4–5
The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.
John 21:17
Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
Revelation 2:18
To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like a blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze.

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Glossary

Foreknowledge God, Being and Attributes of God, Names of Imprecatory Psalms Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

God is Declared to Be: Omniscient God: Knowledge of Heart: Known to God Praise for God's Attributes Psalms: Praise for God's Attributes Select Readings: The Omnipresence of God The Providence of God is all Pervading

Psalm 139:1

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