Psalms 139:10

KJV

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even there shall thy hand {H3027} lead {H5148} me, and thy right hand {H3225} shall hold {H270} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

even there your hand would lead me, your right hand would hold me fast.

Berean Standard Bible

even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.

American Standard Version

Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 139:10 serves as a profound declaration of God's unwavering presence and active care, even in the most remote or challenging circumstances. Following the psalmist's meditation on the inescapable nature of God's Spirit and presence, this verse offers immense comfort by affirming that wherever one might go, divine guidance and steadfast support are assured. It portrays God not merely as an observer, but as an intimately involved Father who actively leads and upholds His beloved children with strength and tenderness, transforming the concept of omnipresence from potentially daunting to deeply reassuring.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 139:10 stands as the climactic affirmation of God's omnipresence and intimate knowledge, building directly upon the preceding verses. Psalms 139:1-6 establishes God's omniscience, detailing His complete understanding of the psalmist's thoughts, words, and ways. This transitions into Psalms 139:7-9, which explores God's omnipresence, posing rhetorical questions about escaping His Spirit or presence, whether by ascending to heaven, descending to Sheol, or dwelling at the "uttermost parts of the sea." Verse 10 provides the comforting answer: even in these seemingly inaccessible or desolate places, God's hand actively leads and His right hand firmly holds. It concludes this section of the psalm with a powerful statement of divine care that is as pervasive as God's presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, a king and shepherd, Psalm 139 reflects a deep personal relationship with Yahweh. In ancient Israelite culture, the "hand" (Hebrew: *yad*) was a powerful symbol of strength, authority, action, and presence. The "right hand" (Hebrew: *yâmîyn*) carried even greater significance, representing superior strength, skill, honor, and decisive action. Kings extended their right hand in blessing or power, and warriors wielded their primary weapon with it. Thus, the imagery of God's "hand" leading and His "right hand" holding would have conveyed an immediate and profound sense of personal, powerful, and protective involvement. The concept of God's inescapable presence was not unique to Israel, but the *nature* of that presence—as one of loving guidance and steadfast support rather than mere surveillance or judgment—was a distinctive and comforting aspect of the covenant relationship with Yahweh, contrasting with the often capricious deities of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes woven throughout Psalm 139 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Omnipresence and Immanence of God**, affirming that no place exists outside of His reach or care, a truth echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 23:24](/jeremiah/23-24 "Jeremiah 23:24 - God Fills Heaven and Earth"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Guidance and Providence**, portraying God as an active leader who directs the path of His people, a theme central to the shepherd imagery found in [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes **God's Unfailing Support and Protection**, assuring the believer that God's mighty strength is always available to uphold and secure them, a promise frequently reiterated, as seen in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Upholding Hand"). These themes transform the concept of God's inescapable presence from a potentially daunting idea into a source of profound comfort and security.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) This primitive word refers to "the open hand," distinct from the closed fist, and is used in a vast array of literal and figurative applications. Here, it signifies God's active power, means, direction, and personal involvement. It denotes the instrument through which God acts, guides, and expresses His presence.
* **lead (Hebrew, _nâchâh'_):** (H5148) A primitive root meaning "to guide." It implies a careful, purposeful direction, often in the sense of leading a journey or guiding someone through a difficult path. It can also suggest bringing or transporting, emphasizing God's active role in bringing the psalmist to a desired destination or through a challenging experience.
* **hold (Hebrew, _ʼâchaz'_):** (H270) A primitive root meaning "to seize," often with the accessory idea of "holding in possession." This word conveys a firm, secure grip, indicating a powerful and protective grasp. It assures the psalmist that God's hold is not tentative but resolute, preventing him from falling or being lost.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even there shall thy hand lead me":** This clause directly responds to the preceding verses (Psalms 139:7-9), which describe the psalmist's inability to escape God's presence in the heavens, Sheol, or the uttermost sea. The phrase "Even there" emphasizes that no matter how remote, dark, or overwhelming the circumstances, God's active presence is not merely observational but operational. His "hand" signifies His power, authority, and personal engagement, gently yet firmly guiding the psalmist through any path, no matter how unfamiliar or daunting. This speaks to God's active providence and direction in every facet of life.
* **"and thy right hand shall hold me":** This parallel clause reinforces and intensifies the promise of divine care. The "right hand" in ancient Near Eastern culture symbolized superior strength, skill, and decisive action. Therefore, God's "right hand" holding the psalmist conveys an image of unwavering support, powerful protection, and secure possession. It assures the believer that God's grip is unshakeable, providing stability and security even amidst life's storms, preventing them from slipping away or being overcome. This highlights God's steadfast loyalty and protective power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 139:10 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, is evident in the two clauses: "Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." Both clauses express a similar idea of divine care, but the second intensifies the first, with "right hand" emphasizing greater strength and "hold" emphasizing a more secure grasp than "lead." This repetition with variation deepens the impact of God's unwavering support. The verse also uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human body parts (hand, right hand) and actions (lead, hold) to God. This makes the abstract concept of God's omnipresent care tangible and relatable, allowing the psalmist and the reader to visualize God's personal and active involvement. Furthermore, the verse is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a guiding hand and a strong, holding hand, which evokes feelings of comfort, security, and trust in the divine protector.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 139:10 profoundly articulates the foundational theological truth of God's immanence and His active, personal involvement in the lives of His creation. It assures us that God's presence is not passive but dynamic, characterized by both tender guidance and powerful protection. This verse transforms the potentially overwhelming idea of an omnipresent God into a source of immense comfort, revealing a Deity who is not only aware of our every step but actively participates in our journey, ensuring we are never truly lost or alone. It speaks to the covenant faithfulness of God, who pledges to be with His people always, upholding them through every trial and leading them through every path.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail You")
* [Psalm 48:14](/psalms/48-14 "Psalm 48:14 - God is Our Guide Forever")
* [Isaiah 41:13](/isaiah/41-13 "God Holds Your Right Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 139:10 offers a profound anchor for the soul in a world often characterized by uncertainty and isolation. It reminds us that no matter how far we stray, how deep our despair, or how remote our circumstances, we are never beyond the reach of God's loving hand. This truth invites us to live with a confident assurance, knowing that our steps are guided by divine wisdom and our being upheld by divine strength. It encourages a posture of trust and surrender, recognizing that even when our own understanding fails, God's perfect plan is unfolding, and His steadfast grip will see us through. This verse challenges us to embrace God's omnipresence not as a threat to our privacy, but as the ultimate source of security and companionship, transforming potential fear into profound peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most "lost" or "far away," and how does the promise of God's hand leading you bring comfort to those areas?**
* **When faced with overwhelming challenges, how does meditating on God's "right hand" holding you strengthen your faith and resolve?**
* **How might a deeper awareness of God's constant presence and active care influence your daily decisions and interactions?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully trust in God's guidance and support, even when you cannot see the path ahead clearly?**

### FAQ
**Does "Even there" imply God's presence is only in difficult places?**

Answer: No, "Even there" in [Psalms 139:10](/psalms/139-10 "Psalm 139:10 - God's Hand Leads and Holds") refers back to the extreme locations mentioned in the preceding verses, such as the "uttermost parts of the sea" or "Sheol" (the grave) in [Psalms 139:8-9](/psalms/139-8 "If I Ascend to Heaven") and [Psalms 139:9](/psalms/139-9 "If I Take the Wings of the Morning"). It emphasizes that *no matter where* the psalmist goes, even to the most remote or seemingly God-forsaken places, God's presence and active care extend there. It highlights the universality and inescapability of God's presence, not its limitation to hardship.

**What is the significance of "right hand" versus "hand" in this verse?**

Answer: In biblical culture, the "hand" (Hebrew: *yad*) generally signifies power, action, and presence. The "right hand" (Hebrew: *yâmîyn*) carries a more specific and intensified meaning, representing superior strength, skill, authority, and decisive action. It was often associated with honor and favor. Therefore, the parallelism in [Psalms 139:10](/psalms/139-10 "Psalm 139:10 - God's Hand Leads and Holds")—"thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me"—emphasizes the dual nature of God's care: His general, active guidance (hand) and His specific, powerful, and protective upholding (right hand). It assures the believer of not just presence, but potent, unwavering support.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 139:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The omnipresent God who leads and holds His people is fully embodied in Christ, who declared, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), perfectly exemplifies the divine guidance promised in the psalm, leading His flock into truth and life, as seen in His teaching and example. Furthermore, the assurance that God's "right hand shall hold me" is powerfully realized in Christ's secure grip on His followers, a promise He explicitly gives: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:27-28](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). The very power of God, symbolized by the "right hand," is demonstrated in Christ's resurrection and ascension, where He is seated at the [right hand of the Father](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Seated at the Right Hand of God"), interceding for us and exercising all authority. Thus, in Christ, the abstract comfort of God's omnipresence and upholding power becomes a tangible, personal reality, securing believers in an eternal embrace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 23:3

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psalms 73:23

Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.

Isaiah 41:13

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Psalms 63:8

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Psalms 143:9

Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

Psalms 143:10

Teach me to do thy will; for thou [art] my God: thy spirit [is] good; lead me into the land of uprightness.