Psalms 139:11

If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

If I say {H559}, Surely the darkness {H2822} shall cover {H7779} me; even the night {H3915} shall be light {H216} about me {H1157}.

If I say, "Let darkness surround me, let the light around me be night,"

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”—

If I say, Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me, And the light about me shall be night;

Context of Psalms 139:11

Psalm 139 is a profound reflection by King David on the omnipresence and omniscience of God. The psalmist marvels at God's intimate knowledge of his every thought and action, and His presence in every conceivable place. Verses 7-12 specifically focus on the inescapable nature of God's Spirit and presence. Verse 11, "If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me," continues this theme, exploring the futility of attempting to hide from the Creator, even in the deepest shadows.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Omnipresence: The verse powerfully asserts that there is no corner of creation, no level of obscurity, where God is not present. Even what we perceive as absolute darkness is not dark to Him.
  • Futility of Hiding from God: The psalmist's hypothetical attempt to escape God's gaze through darkness is immediately countered, highlighting the absolute impossibility of concealing oneself or one's deeds from the Almighty. This underscores a central biblical truth that nothing is hidden from God's sight.
  • Divine Illumination: For God, darkness is not an impediment to vision or knowledge. The night is described as being "light about me" in His presence, implying that God's very being illuminates the deepest shadows, making them as clear as day. This speaks to God's inherent nature as light itself, in whom there is no darkness at all.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "darkness" is choshek (חֹשֶׁךְ), which refers to literal obscurity but often carries metaphorical connotations of distress, ignorance, or evil. The word for "light" is 'or (אוֹר), signifying physical illumination, but also knowledge, understanding, and God's presence. The stark contrast between choshek and 'or in this verse emphasizes God's unique ability to transcend all human limitations, making the night as clear as day to Him.

Practical Application

For the believer, Psalms 139:11 offers immense comfort. It assures us that even in our darkest moments of despair, loneliness, or hidden struggle, God is not only present but fully aware and able to illuminate our path. We are never truly alone or unseen. This verse also serves as a profound reminder of accountability: any attempt to hide sin or wrongdoing from God is ultimately futile. It encourages a life of authenticity and transparency, knowing that our Creator sees and knows all, not just to judge, but also to guide, sustain, and redeem. It reinforces the call to walk in the light, as God is in the light.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 12:22

    He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.

  • Jeremiah 23:24

    Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

  • Psalms 94:7

    Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it].

  • Job 22:12

    [Is] not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

  • Job 22:14

    Thick clouds [are] a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven.

  • Psalms 10:11

    He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see [it].

  • Psalms 10:13

    Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require [it].

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