Psalm 139:18

Translations

Modern

If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.

Traditional

If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Literal

If I could count them, they would number more than the sand! I awaken, and I am still with You.

Latin

Dinumerabo eos, et super arenam multiplicabuntur. Exsurrexi, et adhuc sum tecum.

Original

Hebrew

English

If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.

Notes

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

Psalm 3:5
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
Psalm 139:3
You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways.
Psalm 40:5
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us—none can compare to You—if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.
1 Thessalonians 5:10
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.
Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.
Psalm 63:6–7
When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night.
Psalm 16:8–11
I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Daniel 12:2
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.
Isaiah 26:19
Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead.
Psalm 40:12
For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me.

Glossary

Foreknowledge Imprecatory Psalms Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Feeling Alone God: Goodness of God: Knowledge of Meditation: General Scriptures Concerning Sand

Psalm 139:18

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