The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Psalms 139

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Psalms chapter 139 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “For the Leader. A Psalm of David. O HaShem, Thou hast searched me, and known me.” — the complete text of all 24 verses is below, free to read online.

1For the Leader. A Psalm of David. O HaShem, Thou hast searched me, and known me.

2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.

3Thou measurest my going about and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O HaShem, Thou knowest it altogether.

5Thou hast hemmed me in behind and before, and laid Thy hand upon me.

6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; too high, I cannot attain unto it.

7Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?

8If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in the nether-world, behold, Thou art there.

9If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10Even there would Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand would hold me.

11And if I say: 'Surely the darkness shall envelop me, and the light about me shall be night';

12Even the darkness is not too dark for Thee, but the night shineth as the day; the darkness is even as the light.

13For Thou hast made my reins; Thou hast knit me together in my mother's womb.

14I will give thanks unto Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.in-depth page →

15My frame was not hidden from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance, and in Thy book they were all written--even the days that were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17How weighty also are Thy thoughts unto me, O G-d! How great is the sum of them!

18If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand; were I to come to the end of them, I would still be with Thee.

19If Thou but wouldest slay the wicked, O G-d--depart from me therefore, ye men of blood;

20Who utter Thy name with wicked thought, they take it for falsehood, even Thine enemies--

21Do not I hate them, O HaShem, that hate Thee? And do not I strive with those that rise up against Thee?

22I hate them with utmost hatred; I count them mine enemies.

23Search me, O G-d, and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts;

24And see if there be any way in me that is grievous, and lead me in the way everlasting.

24 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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