Psalms 139:4

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 139:4 beautifully expresses the profound and intimate knowledge God possesses of every individual. Following David's awe-struck declaration of God's omnipresence and understanding in the preceding verses, this particular verse focuses intensely on the divine awareness of our words, even before they are uttered.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 139, often considered one of the most personal and profound psalms, attributed to King David. The psalm is a magnificent ode to God's attributes: His omniscience (all-knowing), omnipresence (present everywhere), and omnipotence (all-powerful). Verses 1-3 establish that God knows David's thoughts from afar, his path, and his lying down. Verse 4 extends this knowledge to the very words on his tongue, emphasizing the unparalleled depth of God's understanding of human beings. It sets the stage for the later verses that marvel at God's intricate creation of David in the womb and His constant presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omniscience: The primary theme is God's complete and exhaustive knowledge. He doesn't just know what we say, but what we *intend* to say, and even what we *think* we might say. This speaks to a level of understanding far beyond human comprehension, emphasizing God's complete transparency of all things before Him.
  • Intimacy with God: This verse portrays a deeply personal relationship between the Creator and His creation. God's knowledge is not distant or abstract; it's an intimate, relational knowing that encompasses our inner world.
  • Transparency Before God: There is no hiding from God. Our thoughts, intentions, and unspoken words are fully known to Him, leading to a sense of both profound comfort and accountability.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thou knowest it altogether" highlights the totality of God's knowledge. The Hebrew word for "knowest" is yada' (ื™ึธื“ึทืข), which implies not just intellectual understanding, but often an intimate, experiential knowledge, much like a husband "knows" his wife. The word "altogether" (ื›ึผึปืœึผึธื”ึผ - kullah) reinforces the comprehensive nature of this knowledge, leaving no room for anything to be hidden or missed.

Related Scriptures

  • This concept of God knowing our thoughts and intentions is echoed throughout Scripture. Jeremiah 17:10 states, "I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
  • Even the smallest details of our lives are known to God, as Jesus taught in Matthew 10:30, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Practical Application

For believers, understanding God's exhaustive knowledge in Psalms 139:4 can be profoundly comforting. It means God understands our unspoken prayers, our deepest anxieties, and our hidden joys. It encourages authenticity in our relationship with Him, knowing we cannot conceal anything. This verse also serves as a reminder of accountability; our words, whether spoken or merely conceived, are known to the Lord. It calls us to align our thoughts and speech with His will, fostering a life of integrity and reverence before the eternal and all-knowing God.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 4:12 (9 votes)

    For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Hebrews 4:13 (9 votes)

    Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • Psalms 19:14 (9 votes)

    Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

  • Job 42:3 (7 votes)

    Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

  • Matthew 12:35 (7 votes)

    A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

  • Matthew 12:37 (7 votes)

    For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

  • Psalms 50:19 (7 votes)

    Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.