Psalms 139:7

KJV

¶ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

KJV (with Strong's)

Whither shall I go {H3212} from thy spirit {H7307}? or whither shall I flee {H1272} from thy presence {H6440}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

Berean Standard Bible

Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?

American Standard Version

Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 139:7 presents a profound rhetorical question posed by King David, expressing the absolute and inescapable omnipresence of God. It sets the stage for a meditation on the divine attributes, highlighting the futility of any attempt to evade God's Spirit or presence, and instead inviting a posture of awe and reverence before the Creator who intimately knows and encompasses all of existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Psalm 139, a magnificent and deeply personal hymn by David that explores God's attributes. The psalm opens with a detailed affirmation of God's omniscience, declaring that God knows David's every thought, word, and path ([Psalms 139:1-6](/psalms/139-1 "Psalms 139:1-6 - God's Omniscience")). Verse 7 marks a transition from God's complete knowledge to His boundless presence, establishing the foundation for the subsequent verses that illustrate God's omnipresence across all dimensions of creation—heaven, the depths of the earth, and even the extremities of the sea ([Psalms 139:8-12](/psalms/139-8 "Psalms 139:8-12 - God's Omnipresence")). The psalm then moves to God's omnipotence in creation ([Psalms 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13 "Psalms 139:13-16 - God's Omnipotence in Creation")) and concludes with David's prayer for God to search and lead him ([Psalms 139:23-24](/psalms/139-23 "Psalms 139:23-24 - David's Prayer for Guidance")). The rhetorical questions in verse 7 are not born of a desire to escape God, but rather a profound realization of His boundless reach and an expression of awe at His infinite nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, deities were often associated with specific geographical locations, temples, or territories. To escape a god's influence, one might simply leave their domain. David's declaration in Psalm 139 radically challenges this localized view of divinity, presenting Yahweh as a transcendent yet immanent God whose presence is not confined by any physical or spiritual boundary. The concept of God's "presence" (Hebrew: *panim*, literally "face") was significant in Israelite thought, often denoting a direct, personal encounter with God, whether for blessing or judgment. To be "from" or "flee from" His presence would imply an attempt to escape His direct oversight and active involvement, a notion that the psalmist declares impossible for the God of Israel. This understanding reinforces the unique monotheistic perspective of Israel, where God is sovereign over all creation.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme of Psalms 139:7 is **God's Omnipresence**, emphasizing that God is present everywhere, at all times, and in every dimension of existence. This verse underscores the **Inescapable Divine Presence**, illustrating the futility of any attempt to evade divine scrutiny or connection. This concept famously echoes the unsuccessful attempt of [Jonah to flee from the Lord's presence](/jonah/1-3 "Jonah 1:3 - Jonah's Attempt to Flee from God"). For the righteous, this omnipresence is a source of immense **Comfort and Security**, knowing God is always near, especially in times of trouble or loneliness. Conversely, for those who would seek to do evil or hide their deeds, it serves as a powerful reminder of **Divine Accountability**, as nothing can be hidden from God's all-seeing gaze. The verse also implicitly conveys a sense of **Awe and Wonder** at the infinite nature of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies movement, often meaning "to walk," "to come," "to depart," or "to go away." In this context, it denotes a deliberate act of moving from one place to another, suggesting an attempt to distance oneself or find a place where God is not. The psalmist questions the possibility of such a journey.
* **flee (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** This word implies a sudden, often urgent, act of escape or bolting away. It conveys a sense of urgency and desperation, highlighting an attempt to rapidly evade or elude God's reach, reinforcing the idea of an impossible escape from divine pursuit or observation.
* **presence (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** Literally meaning "face," this term is used broadly to denote a personal, direct, and intimate manifestation or awareness of God. It refers not merely to God's abstract existence "everywhere," but to His personal "face" or attention being directed towards all places and all people. To flee from His "presence" is to attempt to escape His direct, personal engagement and oversight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whither shall I go from thy spirit?"**: This opening rhetorical question immediately establishes the theme of God's omnipresence. The psalmist is not asking for directions, but rather expressing the impossibility of finding a place where God's active, pervasive, and life-giving essence (His "spirit") is absent. It implies a search for a void, a place beyond God's reach, which the psalmist knows does not exist.
* **"or whither shall I flee from thy presence?"**: This second clause functions as a synonymous parallel to the first, reinforcing and intensifying the initial question. "Presence" (Hebrew: *panim*, "face") emphasizes God's personal and direct manifestation. The act of "fleeing" suggests a more desperate and urgent attempt to escape. Together, these two clauses underscore the absolute futility of any human effort to escape God's all-encompassing being and direct oversight, whether through deliberate movement or urgent flight.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 139:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, where the psalmist asks questions not to elicit an answer, but to emphasize an undeniable truth—that there is no place beyond God's reach. This device powerfully underscores the absolute nature of God's omnipresence. Furthermore, the verse features **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("or whither shall I flee from thy presence?") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first ("Whither shall I go from thy spirit?"). "Go from thy spirit" and "flee from thy presence" convey the same core idea of escaping God, intensifying the message through repetition and variation. The use of "spirit" and "presence" also subtly employs **Metonymy**, where these attributes stand in for God Himself, highlighting His active and personal engagement with creation. Finally, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the implied scenario of attempting to escape God, as it serves to magnify the infinite scale of God's presence by presenting an impossible task.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 139:7 is a foundational declaration of God's omnipresence, a core attribute that profoundly shapes our understanding of His nature and our relationship with Him. It reveals a God who is not distant or confined, but intimately present in every corner of existence. This truth impacts our theology of sin, as it means nothing is hidden from God's sight, fostering a sense of divine accountability. It also profoundly affects our understanding of divine providence and care, assuring us that God is always near, actively sustaining and overseeing His creation. The verse teaches us that God's immanence (His nearness and involvement in creation) is as absolute as His transcendence (His otherness and superiority to creation), making Him both an awe-inspiring sovereign and an ever-present companion.

* [Jeremiah 23:23-24](/jeremiah/23-23 "Jeremiah 23:23-24 - God Fills Heaven and Earth")
* [Amos 9:2-3](/amos/9-2 "Amos 9:2-3 - No Escape from God's Judgment")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord Are Everywhere")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of God's omnipresence, as declared in Psalms 139:7, carries immense implications for our daily lives. For the believer, it is a wellspring of comfort and peace, assuring us that we are never truly alone, regardless of our circumstances. In moments of fear, loneliness, or distress, this verse reminds us that God is intimately present, offering solace and strength. This truth transforms our understanding of prayer from reaching out to a distant deity to communing with an ever-present Father. Conversely, the inescapable nature of God's presence serves as a powerful motivator for living a life of integrity and righteousness. Knowing that every thought, word, and deed is known to God inspires us to cultivate inner purity and align our actions with His will, recognizing that there is no secret sin or hidden motive that escapes His gaze. Embracing this truth fosters a deeper sense of reverence, encouraging us to live consciously in the light of His holy presence, transforming our mundane activities into acts of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's omnipresence bring you comfort and security in difficult or lonely times?**
* **In what specific ways does the knowledge that God sees and knows everything challenge you to live with greater integrity and authenticity?**
* **How might a deeper, more conscious awareness of God's constant presence transform your prayer life, worship, and daily decisions?**

### FAQ
**Is God's omnipresence a comforting or a frightening truth?**

Answer: The nature of God's omnipresence can be perceived as both comforting and frightening, depending on an individual's relationship with Him. For those who are in a right relationship with God through faith, His omnipresence is a source of profound comfort, security, and peace. They find solace in the assurance that God is always near, a constant companion and protector, as promised in [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You"). This truth means they are never truly alone, even in the darkest valleys. However, for those who are in rebellion against God, or who seek to hide their sin and live apart from His will, His omnipresence can be a terrifying reality. It signifies that there is no escape from divine accountability, no place where their actions or thoughts can be hidden from His all-seeing eyes. The story of [Jonah's futile attempt to flee from the Lord's presence](/jonah/1-3 "Jonah 1:3 - Jonah Flees from the Lord") serves as a classic biblical illustration of this latter perspective. Ultimately, God's omnipresence underscores His absolute sovereignty, knowledge, and justice, which are comforting to the righteous and convicting to the unrighteous.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament truth of God's omnipresence, so powerfully articulated in Psalms 139:7, finds its ultimate and most personal fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist grapples with the abstract concept of an everywhere-present Spirit and presence, the New Testament reveals that this infinite God chose to become immanent in a tangible way through the Incarnation. Jesus, as the Word made flesh, literally "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), embodying the very presence of God in human form. He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Emmanuel, God With Us")). Furthermore, after His resurrection, Jesus promised His disciples, and by extension all believers, His perpetual presence: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). This promise is realized through the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent to indwell believers, making God's presence not just an external reality but an internal, personal, and transformative one. The Spirit, often called the "Spirit of Christ" ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ Indwells Believers")), ensures that the omnipresent God is now intimately present within His people, guiding, comforting, and empowering them. Thus, the unescapable presence David marvelled at becomes the indwelling, relational presence of God in Christ, culminating in the New Covenant vision where God's dwelling place is truly with humanity ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling Place is with Humanity")).

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

Jeremiah 23:23

[Am] I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?

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.

Jonah 1:3

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

Jonah 1:10

Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

Acts 5:9

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out.