Psalms 139:4

KJV

For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but], lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

KJV (with Strong's)

For there is not a word {H4405} in my tongue {H3956}, but, lo, O LORD {H3068}, thou knowest {H3045} it altogether.

Complete Jewish Bible

that before I speak even a word, ADONAI, you know all about it already.

Berean Standard Bible

Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD.

American Standard Version

For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 139:4 profoundly articulates the exhaustive and intimate knowledge God possesses of humanity, specifically highlighting His awareness of every word on the psalmist's tongue even before it is uttered. This verse serves as a powerful testament to divine omniscience, emphasizing that God's understanding transcends mere observation, delving into the very formation of human thought and expression. It underscores the unparalleled depth of God's relationship with His creation, revealing a presence that is not only omnipresent but also intricately aware of our innermost being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 139:4 is an integral part of a magnificent psalm attributed to King David, which serves as a profound meditation on God's attributes of omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. The preceding verses (1-3) establish God's comprehensive knowledge of David's thoughts, actions, and very existence, stating that God knows his "sitting down and rising up" and is "acquainted with all [his] ways." This fourth verse builds upon that foundation, extending God's knowledge from the psalmist's movements and thoughts to the very words he is about to speak, creating a seamless progression of divine awareness that leaves no aspect of human experience unexamined. This detailed portrayal of God's knowing sets the stage for the subsequent verses (5-12) which marvel at God's inescapable presence, and later (13-18) at His intricate work in creation, culminating in a prayer for God's guidance and judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, a king and a man after God's own heart, Psalm 139 reflects a deeply personal and theological understanding of God that was both rooted in Israelite monotheism and remarkably advanced for its time. In a world where deities were often localized or limited in power and knowledge, the concept of a God who is universally present and intimately aware of every individual's inner life was revolutionary. The cultural context of ancient Israel emphasized the spoken word as a powerful entity, capable of blessing or cursing, covenant-making or breaking. Therefore, the idea that God knows words *before* they are spoken highlights a level of divine insight that surpasses human capacity for deception or concealment, aligning with the covenantal relationship where transparency and truthfulness before Yahweh were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 139 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Omniscience**, presenting God's knowledge as not merely extensive but exhaustive, penetrating the deepest recesses of human intention and expression. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open to God's Eyes"), which declares that "all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." Secondly, it highlights the **Intimacy of God's Relationship** with humanity, portraying a Creator who is not distant or aloof but intimately involved in the minutiae of His creation's life, including their unspoken thoughts and words. This personal connection is a hallmark of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as detailed in passages like [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Human Accountability and Transparency before God**, suggesting that since nothing is hidden from God, there is an inherent call to integrity in thought and speech, a concept foundational to biblical wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord are Everywhere").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _millâh'_):** From the root meaning "to speak" or "to utter," this term refers to a spoken utterance, a discourse, or collectively, a topic. In Psalms 139:4, it signifies not just a single lexical item but the entire scope of human verbal expression, encompassing thoughts that are formed into potential speech. The fact that God knows "not a word" (i.e., every word) implies His knowledge extends to the very conceptualization of language within the mind, before it even takes audible form.
* **tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** This word literally refers to the anatomical organ of the tongue, but it is frequently used figuratively to represent speech or language itself. Its presence here emphasizes the physical instrument of verbal communication, highlighting that God's knowledge precedes even the physical articulation of words. It points to the idea that God is aware of the *potential* for speech, the words that are ready to be formed and uttered.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God of Israel. Its inclusion here underscores that the one possessing this profound, intimate knowledge is not just any deity, but the sovereign, personal God who has revealed Himself to His people. It emphasizes His unique nature as the ultimate source of all knowledge and being.
* **knowest (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root is rich in meaning, encompassing not just intellectual understanding but also experiential, intimate, and relational knowledge. It implies a deep acquaintance, a recognition, and even a care. In this context, _yâdaʻ_ signifies that God's knowledge of our words is not superficial or distant; it is a profound, comprehensive, and personal knowing that encompasses the intent, origin, and full scope of our verbal expressions, even before they are fully formed. It's a knowing that implies intimacy and involvement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there is not a word in my tongue":** This clause sets the stage for the psalmist's profound declaration, emphasizing the totality of God's knowledge. It suggests that before any word is articulated, before it even leaves the realm of thought to be formed by the tongue, God is already fully aware of it. The negative construction ("not a word") serves to highlight the comprehensive nature of what follows, implying "every single word." It points to the internal, pre-verbal stage of human communication.
* **"but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether":** This second clause reveals the astounding reality of God's omniscience. The interjection "lo" (or "behold") draws attention to the marvel of this truth. The address "O LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) grounds this incredible knowledge in the personal, covenantal God of Israel. The phrase "thou knowest it altogether" uses the Hebrew _yâdaʻ_ (to know) combined with a term signifying "completely" or "entirely." This signifies that God's knowledge is not partial or incomplete; it is exhaustive, penetrating to the very essence and purpose of every word, whether spoken, thought, or merely conceived. It speaks to God's perfect understanding of human intention and expression at its most nascent stage.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 139:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The primary device is **Hyperbole**, where the psalmist exaggerates for emphasis, stating "not a word in my tongue" to underscore the *totality* of God's knowledge. This is not meant to be taken literally as a complete absence of words, but rather that *every* word, even before articulation, is known. This hyperbole effectively conveys the boundless nature of divine omniscience. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Anthropomorphism** by attributing the human act of "knowing" to God, though it is a knowing far beyond human capacity. This helps the human reader grasp a divine attribute in relatable terms. There is also an element of **Intimacy** conveyed through the direct address "O LORD" and the personal nature of God knowing "my tongue," creating a sense of a deeply personal and inescapable relationship between the psalmist and God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 139:4 is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of divine omniscience, asserting that God's knowledge is not merely vast but absolute, extending to the most private and nascent aspects of human thought and intention. This truth has profound implications for our understanding of God's character as simultaneously transcendent and immanent, a sovereign Creator who is intimately involved in the minutiae of His creation's existence. It highlights that our lives are lived in full transparency before Him, fostering both a deep sense of security in His understanding and a call to integrity in our inner and outer lives. This divine knowledge forms the basis for God's perfect justice, His unwavering love, and His ability to guide and redeem.

* [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - God Searches the Heart")
* [Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God Knows Every Hair")
* [1 John 3:20](/1_john/3-20 "1 John 3:20 - God Knows All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that God knows every word on our tongue before we speak it, and indeed, every thought in our heart, can be both a comforting and a challenging truth. It offers immense comfort in knowing that our deepest anxieties, our unspoken prayers, and our most hidden joys are fully comprehended by a loving God who truly "gets" us. We can approach Him in raw honesty, knowing there's no need to pretend or hide. This intimacy invites us into a deeper, more authentic relationship where vulnerability is met with perfect understanding. Simultaneously, this truth challenges us to greater integrity. If our words and thoughts are laid bare before God, it calls us to cultivate a heart that aligns with His will, to guard our tongues from gossip, anger, or deceit, and to ensure our inner dialogue reflects Christ-like character. It encourages us to pray for clean hearts and pure motives, knowing that God sees beyond the facade.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God knowing your words before you speak them impact your sense of intimacy with Him?**
* **In what ways might this verse challenge you to be more intentional about the words you choose to speak, or even the thoughts you entertain?**
* **How can knowing God's complete understanding of you bring comfort in times of distress or confusion?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God knows my thoughts too, not just my words?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. While Psalms 139:4 specifically mentions "words in my tongue," the broader context of Psalm 139, particularly verses 1-3, explicitly states that God knows the psalmist's "thoughts afar off" and is "acquainted with all [his] ways." The progression from thoughts to actions to unspoken words demonstrates God's comprehensive omniscience, encompassing every aspect of human consciousness and intention. The "word" here can be understood as the culmination of a thought process, and God knows it even before it fully forms into an utterance.

**How can I reconcile God's complete knowledge of me with my free will?**

Answer: This is a profound theological question. The Bible consistently affirms both God's exhaustive knowledge (omniscience) and human free will. God's knowledge is not presented as a cause for our actions, but rather as a perfect awareness of them, even before they occur. His foreknowledge does not negate our freedom to choose, but rather demonstrates His timeless and complete understanding of all possibilities and actualities. Think of it less like God *making* you choose something because He knows it, and more like Him perfectly *knowing* what you *will* choose, even in your genuine freedom. This paradox is often held in tension within biblical theology, emphasizing God's sovereignty alongside human responsibility, as seen in passages like [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 139:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. As the incarnate Word of God, Jesus perfectly embodied the divine omniscience described by the psalmist. He consistently demonstrated a supernatural knowledge of human hearts and intentions, knowing the thoughts of those around Him (e.g., [Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts")), discerning the true motives behind questions (e.g., [Mark 12:15](/mark/12-15 "Mark 12:15 - Jesus Perceived Their Hypocrisy")), and even knowing the past and future of individuals He encountered (e.g., [John 4:17-19](/john/4-17 "John 4:17-19 - Jesus Reveals the Samaritan Woman's Past")). In Christ, the abstract truth of God's exhaustive knowledge becomes tangible and relational. He is the ultimate "Lamb of God" who knows our every sin, weakness, and unspoken need, yet still lays down His life for us ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus offers a pathway for humanity to stand transparently before this all-knowing God, not in fear, but in grace and forgiveness. He is our High Priest who fully understands our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), making Him perfectly suited to mediate between us and the God who knows us altogether.

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.