Psalms 139:17
Psalms 139:17 in Multiple Translations
How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum!
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
How dear are your thoughts to me, O God! how great is the number of them!
God, your thoughts are so valuable to me! Taken together, they can't be counted!
Howe deare therefore are thy thoughtes vnto me, O God! how great is ye summe of them!
And to me how precious have been Thy thoughts, O God, how great hath been their sum!
How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is their sum!
How precious also are thy thoughts to me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
God, what you think about me is very precious (OR, is very hard to understand). There is a great number of things that you think about.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 139:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לִ֗/י
מַה
יָּקְר֣וּ
רֵעֶ֣י/ךָ
אֵ֑ל
מֶ֥ה
עָ֝צְמוּ
רָאשֵׁי/הֶֽם
וְ/לִ֗/י
Conj | Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יָּקְר֣וּ
yâqar
H3365
be precious
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רֵעֶ֣י/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7454
thought
N-mp | Suff
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
מֶ֥ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
עָ֝צְמוּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
be vast
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רָאשֵׁי/הֶֽם
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 139:17
וְ/לִ֗/י
""
Conj | Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יָּקְר֣וּ
yâqar
H3365
"be precious"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be precious or valuable, and can also mean to make something rare. It is used to describe something highly valued or esteemed, like a precious stone.
Definition: 1) to esteem, be prized, be valuable, be precious, be costly, be appraised 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be precious, be highly valued, be esteemed, be costly 1a2) to be appraised 1b) (Hiphil) to make something precious
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: be (make) precious, be prized, be set by, withdraw. See also: 1 Samuel 18:30; Psalms 72:14; Psalms 49:9.
רֵעֶ֣י/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7454
"thought"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a thought or idea, often referring to a person's intention or purpose. It appears in various books, including Proverbs and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human decision-making.
Definition: purpose, aim, thought
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: thought. See also: Psalms 139:2; Psalms 139:17.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
מֶ֥ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
עָ֝צְמוּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
"be vast"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to shut one's eyes tightly or to become powerful, and can also mean to break or crunch bones. It is used in various contexts, including in the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The idea of being strong is central to this word.
Definition: 1) to be vast, be numerous, be mighty 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be mighty 1a2) to be numerous 1b) (Hiphil) to make strong, make mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er). See also: Genesis 26:16; Isaiah 31:1; Psalms 38:20.
רָאשֵׁי/הֶֽם
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
- Sermons on Psalms 139:17
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
15My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be.
17How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum!
18If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You. 19O God, that You would slay the wicked— away from me, you bloodthirsty men—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 40:5 | Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us— none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 29:11 | For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. |
| 3 | Isaiah 55:8–9 | “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. |
| 4 | Psalms 92:5 | How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts! |
| 5 | Psalms 36:7 | How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! |
| 6 | Ephesians 3:9–10 | and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, |
| 7 | Psalms 31:19 | How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You! |
| 8 | Proverbs 8:31 | I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men. |
Psalms 139:17 Summary
This verse means that the psalmist thinks God's thoughts and plans are very valuable and important to him. He is amazed by how many thoughts God has, and he knows that God's plans are good, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. The psalmist is expressing his trust and appreciation for God's sovereignty and omniscience, which gives him confidence and peace, as seen in Psalms 23:4 where God is with him even in difficult times. By trusting in God's thoughts and plans, we can have peace and confidence in our lives, knowing that He is always with us and working everything out for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's thoughts are precious to the psalmist?
The psalmist is expressing his awe and appreciation for God's thoughts, which are precious and valuable to him, much like the psalmist's own thoughts and feelings are important to him, as seen in Psalms 138:8 where God is mindful of him.
How can we understand the vastness of God's thoughts?
The vastness of God's thoughts can be understood by comparing it to the numerous grains of sand, as mentioned in Psalms 139:18, which highlights the infinite nature of God's thoughts and plans, as also seen in Jeremiah 29:11 where God has plans to prosper us.
What is the significance of the psalmist addressing God directly in this verse?
The psalmist addressing God directly in Psalms 139:17 shows his personal and intimate relationship with God, where he can express his thoughts and feelings openly, much like a child speaking to a loving father, as seen in Matthew 6:9-13 where Jesus teaches us to pray to our Father in heaven.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a response to the psalmist's realization of God's omniscience and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 139:15-16, where God knows him intimately and has ordained his days, and it leads to his desire to be separated from the wicked, as mentioned in Psalms 139:19, demonstrating his trust in God's goodness and justice, as seen in Romans 8:28 where God works all things for good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's thoughts and plans in my life?
- How can I apply the truth of God's omniscience and sovereignty in my daily decisions and struggles?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's goodness and justice, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- In what ways can I express my awe and gratitude to God for His precious thoughts and plans, as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!.... The word (r) signifies that which is scarce and rare, and not to be attained and enjoyed; see 1 Samuel 3:1; the thoughts and counsels of God are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
Thy thoughts: thy is taken either, 1. Passively, my thoughts of thee; or rather, 2. Actively, thy thoughts, counsels, or contrivances on my behalf, which are admirable and amiable in mine eyes. Thou didst not only form me at first, but ever since my conception and birth thy thoughts have been employed for me, in preserving and providing for me, and blessing of me. How great is the sum of them! thy gracious designs and providences towards me are numberless, as it follows.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
Psalms 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!Ver. 17. How precious also are thy thouyhts unto me] i.e. The thoughts of thy wisdom, power, and goodness, clearly shining in these wondrous works of thine; it does my heart good to think and speak of them. How great is the sum of them!] viz. Of thy works, and of my thoughts thereon. I cannot count them, much less comprehend them. To blame are such as trouble not their heads at all about these matters. Surely, when the Lord made man’ s head with so many closures and coverings to his brain, the seat of understanding, he intended it for some precious treasure. Many locks and keys argue the price of the jewel they are to keep; and many papers wrapping a token within them the use of that token.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
(17) Precious.—Rather, weighty, the first meaning of the word. The parallelism requires this, as also the peculiar word for “thoughts,” for which see Psalms 139:2. We have here the antithesis to that verse: while the Divine penetration discovers the most intimate thought of man, man finds God’s secrets incomprehensible.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
Verse 17. How precious also are thy thoughts] רעיך reeycha, thy cogitations; a Chaldaism, as before. How great is the sum of them!] מה עצמו ראשיהם mah atsemu rasheyhem; How strongly rational are the heads or principal subjects of them! But the word may apply to the bones, atsamoth, the structure and uses of which are most curious and important.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:17
17. To me then, who am the object of all this care, how precious are thy thoughts, O God! It is my delight to meditate upon the purposes of Thy Providence. How vast are the sums of them! There are, as it were, many items in that inexhaustible theme, each of which is immeasurable. Cp. Psalms 36:7; Psalms 92:5; Job 26:14. It is possible however that the word rendered precious means rather incomprehensible, overwhelming; and that the Psalmist is contrasting his knowledge of God with God’s knowledge of him. ‘Thou knowest all my thoughts and ways; but to me Thy thoughts are immeasurable and incomprehensible.’
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! - On the word “thoughts,” see the notes at Psalms 139:2. Compare Psalms 139:23.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:17
17, 18. From this wonderful rehearsal of God’s knowledge, power, wisdom, and tender care, the psalmist breaks forth into exclamations of praise.
Sermons on Psalms 139:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Goodness of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging truth that God is good, regardless of the evil and darkness present in the world. He encourages listeners to experience God's |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Goodness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that all the attributes of God are different aspects of one God in three persons. He encourages the listeners to think right and align their |
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God Does Not Despise Weakness by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying connected with one another, especially during difficult times, and finding encouragement through God's presence and knowledge of us |
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Our Thoughts by Hans R. Waldvogel | Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound truth that God is constantly thinking of us, which can transform our lives. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their own thought |
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Special Meetings 01 God's Thoughts by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of sowing the seeds of the word of God in the world. He recalls an incident from his past where he distributed tracts during |
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The Tears of God by Edgar Reich | This sermon emphasizes the tears of God, highlighting how God weeps over His people's rejection and sin. It delves into the need for personal and family revival, repentance, and re |
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Loving God and Loving People by Gary Wilkerson | Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love of God for each individual, encouraging believers to embrace this love as a means to overcome fear and to freely love others. He shares |