Psalms 139:17

KJV

¶ How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

KJV (with Strong's)

How precious {H3365} also are thy thoughts {H7454} unto me, O God {H410}! how great {H6105} is the sum {H7218} of them!

Complete Jewish Bible

God, how I prize your thoughts! How many of them there are!

Berean Standard Bible

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum!

American Standard Version

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 139:17 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's awe and wonder at the immeasurable and invaluable nature of God's thoughts concerning humanity. Following a deep meditation on divine omnipresence and omniscience, this verse shifts from God's intimate knowledge of the psalmist to the psalmist's overwhelming realization of the vastness and preciousness of God's own divine intentions and designs, culminating in a climactic expression of praise for the Creator's boundless wisdom and care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within Psalm 139, a masterpiece of Hebrew poetry widely attributed to David, which serves as an extended meditation on God's omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalm 139:1-6](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-6 - God's Omniscience") and [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence")) establish God's intimate knowledge of the psalmist's every thought, word, and movement, and His inescapable presence in every conceivable location. The psalm then transitions to God's meticulous formation of the psalmist in the womb ([Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Creative Work")), emphasizing God's sovereign hand in creation and individual destiny. Verse 17 acts as a climactic response to this overwhelming realization: if God knows me so intricately, how much more profound and extensive must His own thoughts be, not just about me, but about all His creation and purposes? It is a transition from being known by God to marveling at the knowing God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period of reflection, perhaps by King David, this psalm reflects the deep personal piety characteristic of Israelite worship, contrasting sharply with the impersonal, capricious deities of surrounding pagan cultures. Unlike the gods of Canaan, who were often depicted as limited in power or knowledge, the God of Israel is portrayed as infinitely knowing and present, intimately involved in the lives of His people. The concept of God's "thoughts" would have resonated with an ancient Israelite understanding of divine wisdom as the source of all order and purpose in the cosmos, a wisdom far surpassing human comprehension. This intimate, personal relationship with a sovereign, all-knowing God was a cornerstone of Israelite theology, offering both comfort and a call to righteous living.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 139:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Immeasurable Wisdom and Knowledge of God**, emphasizing that God's understanding is not merely vast but infinitely so, encompassing all things past, present, and future. This ties into the theme of divine sovereignty, where God's thoughts are not idle musings but active designs and purposes for His creation, as seen in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher"). Secondly, it highlights the **Personal Value and Intimate Care of God for Humanity**. The psalmist's declaration that God's thoughts are "precious unto me" signifies a profound sense of being cherished and valued by the Creator, reinforcing the theme of God's personal involvement in individual lives, a concept foundational to the covenant relationship. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Overwhelming Majesty of God**, prompting a response of worship and awe in the face of such incomprehensible greatness. This sense of wonder is a recurring motif throughout the Psalms, inviting believers to humble themselves before the divine ([Psalm 8:3-4](/psalms/8-3 "Psalm 8:3-4 - Man's Place in Creation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **precious (Hebrew, _yâqar'_):** H3365, a primitive root meaning "to be heavy," figuratively "valuable." It conveys a sense of rarity, honor, and high esteem. When applied to God's thoughts, it suggests they are not common or trivial, but of immense worth, significant, and held in high regard by God Himself and, consequently, by the psalmist. They are not easily dismissed or forgotten.
* **thoughts (Hebrew, _rêaʻ'_):** H7454, derived from a root meaning "to associate ideas." This word refers to deep reflections, designs, or purposes. Unlike a fleeting idea, _rêaʻ_ implies a considered, reasoned intention, suggesting God's thoughts are not random but part of a coherent, purposeful plan. This highlights the deliberate and intentional nature of God's engagement with His creation and His people.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** H410, a shortened form of a word meaning "strength" or "might." It denotes the Almighty, the powerful one, often used for the singular, true God of Israel. Its inclusion here emphasizes that these precious and numerous thoughts originate from the ultimate, sovereign, and omnipotent Being, lending them ultimate authority and significance.
* **great (Hebrew, _ʻâtsam'_):** H6105, a primitive root meaning "to bind fast," or intransitively, "to be powerful or numerous." Here, it emphasizes the immense quantity, power, and overwhelming nature of God's thoughts. They are not merely many, but vast, mighty, and beyond human capacity to count or comprehend.
* **sum (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** H7218, literally "head" or "chief." In this context, it refers to the totality, the culmination, or the immense count of something. It signifies the aggregate, the complete number, underscoring that the entire collection of God's thoughts is overwhelmingly vast and beyond human calculation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!":** This opening exclamation expresses the psalmist's profound personal valuation of God's thoughts. The word "precious" conveys that these divine designs and intentions are not merely numerous but are of immense worth and significance to the psalmist. The direct address, "O God," underscores the personal and worshipful nature of this declaration, acknowledging the divine source of such profound wisdom and care. It implies a sense of being deeply known and cherished by the Almighty.
* **"how great is the sum of them!":** This second exclamation emphasizes the sheer quantity and incomprehensibility of God's thoughts. The term "great" (ʻâtsam) highlights their vastness and power, while "sum" (rôʼsh) refers to their totality or aggregate. The psalmist is not only amazed by the quality (preciousness) but also by the quantity (immeasurable extent) of God's thoughts, recognizing that they are beyond human enumeration or full comprehension, pointing to God's infinite wisdom and foresight.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 139:17 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Exclamation**, indicated by the "How precious!" and "how great!" phrases. These are not mere statements but expressions of overwhelming emotion—awe, wonder, and adoration—evoking a sense of the sublime. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the immeasurable nature of God's thoughts; while not literally infinite in number, their vastness is beyond human comprehension or calculation, thus exaggerated for effect. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Anthropomorphism** in attributing "thoughts" to God, allowing human readers to grasp the concept of divine intention and wisdom, even though God's cognitive processes transcend human understanding. The verse's structure, moving from the *quality* ("precious") to the *quantity* ("great is the sum") of God's thoughts, creates a powerful rhetorical progression that builds to a climax of profound admiration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 139:17 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's infinite wisdom and His intimate, purposeful engagement with His creation, particularly humanity. It moves beyond mere omniscience to highlight the *value* and *extent* of God's deliberate designs. This verse assures believers that they are not random accidents but are held in the mind of a loving, all-wise Creator whose thoughts concerning them are both precious and innumerable. This understanding fosters deep trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances are unclear, knowing that His intentions are always good and ultimately for His glory and our benefit. It challenges us to align our finite thoughts with His infinite ones, seeking His wisdom above our own.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher")
* [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")
* [Romans 11:33-36](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33-36 - The Depths of God's Wisdom and Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
To truly grasp the implications of Psalms 139:17 is to embark on a journey of profound humility and exhilarating wonder. In a world that often makes us feel insignificant or overlooked, this verse reminds us that the Creator of the cosmos holds us in His thoughts, and those thoughts are not fleeting or dismissive, but "precious" and "great" in their sum. This truth offers immense comfort, assuring us of God's unwavering care and intentionality in our lives. It encourages us to trust His sovereign hand, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or our future uncertain, knowing that His plans are rooted in infinite wisdom and benevolent purpose. Furthermore, it calls us to a deeper relationship with this all-knowing God, prompting us to seek His guidance, meditate on His Word, and align our own minds with His divine perspective, recognizing that His thoughts are infinitely superior to our own. This verse invites us to live with a profound sense of security, knowing we are deeply cherished and purposefully designed by the One whose thoughts are beyond measure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God having "precious" thoughts about you personally impact your sense of self-worth and significance?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's "great sum" of thoughts and plans, rather than relying solely on your own limited understanding?**
* **How might meditating on the vastness of God's thoughts deepen your worship and awe of Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to better align your thoughts and intentions with God's revealed will, as suggested by the psalmist's reverence for God's thoughts?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that God's thoughts are "precious" to the psalmist?**

Answer: The word "precious" (Hebrew: *yâqar*) implies that God's thoughts are of immense value, rare, and highly esteemed. For the psalmist, this means that God's designs, intentions, and purposes concerning him are not trivial but are cherished and held in the highest regard. It speaks to the deep, personal care and worth God places on His relationship with His creation, particularly humanity. It's a declaration of how deeply the psalmist values God's perspective and plans for his life, recognizing their inherent goodness and significance.

**How can God's thoughts be "great in sum" if He is omniscient and knows all things instantly?**

Answer: The phrase "great is the sum of them" (Hebrew: *ʻâtsam* for great, *rôʼsh* for sum) emphasizes the immeasurable quantity and incomprehensibility of God's thoughts from a human perspective. While God's knowledge is indeed instantaneous and complete, the psalmist uses human language to convey the overwhelming nature of this divine attribute. It's not about God having to "count" His thoughts, but about our inability to grasp their infinite scope and depth. It points to the boundless wisdom, intricate designs, and countless purposes that flow from the mind of an infinite God, far exceeding human capacity to enumerate or fully comprehend. This resonates with the idea that God's understanding is "unsearchable" ([Psalm 147:5](/psalms/147-5 "Psalm 147:5 - God's Great Understanding")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 139:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "precious" and "great" thoughts of God, which the psalmist marvels at, are most perfectly revealed in God's redemptive plan centered on His Son. Before the foundation of the world, God's "thoughts" were set on a plan to reconcile humanity to Himself through Christ ([Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")). Jesus Himself is the very embodiment of God's wisdom and perfect thought, being the "image of the invisible God" and the "firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of God")). Every divine intention, every redemptive purpose, every precious thought of God culminates in the Incarnation, the cross, and the resurrection. Through Christ, we not only understand the preciousness of God's thoughts for us—culminating in our salvation and adoption as children ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"))—but we also gain access to the very mind of Christ, participating in God's thoughts and purposes through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - We Have the Mind of Christ")). Thus, the psalmist's awe at God's thoughts becomes our joy in the revealed wisdom of God in Christ, who perfectly executed the "great sum" of God's eternal plan.

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 40:5

Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Isaiah 55:8

For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 55:9

For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Psalms 92:5

O LORD, how great are thy works! [and] thy thoughts are very deep.

Psalms 36:7

How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: