Psalms 139:4
Psalms 139:4 in Multiple Translations
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 LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether.
For there is not a word on my tongue which is not clear to you, O Lord.
Lord, you even know what I'm going to say before I say it.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but loe, thou knowest it wholy, O Lord.
For there is not a word in my tongue, Lo, O Jehovah, Thou hast known it all!
For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, LORD, you know it altogether.
For there is not a word on my tongue, but lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: the venom of saps is under their lips.
Yahweh, even before I say [MTY] anything, you know everything that I am going to say!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:4
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 139:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
אֵ֣ין
מִ֭לָּה
בִּ/לְשׁוֹנִ֑/י
הֵ֥ן
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
כֻלָּֽ/הּ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
מִ֭לָּה
millâh
H4405
speech
N-fs
בִּ/לְשׁוֹנִ֑/י
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Prep | N-cs | Suff
הֵ֥ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
כֻלָּֽ/הּ
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | 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 139:4
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מִ֭לָּה
millâh
H4405
"speech"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a word or speech, and can also refer to a topic or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what people say or talk about.
Definition: word, speech, utterance Aramaic equivalent: mil.lah (מִלָּה "word" H4406)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] answer, by-word, matter, any thing (what) to say, to speak(-ing), speak, talking, word. See also: 2 Samuel 23:2; Job 30:9; Psalms 19:5.
בִּ/לְשׁוֹנִ֑/י
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
הֵ֥ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כֻלָּֽ/הּ
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
- Sermons on Psalms 139:4
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
2You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar.
3You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways.
4Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD.
5You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 19:14 | May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. |
| 2 | Hebrews 4:12–13 | For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. |
| 3 | Psalms 50:19–21 | You unleash your mouth for evil and unharness your tongue for deceit. You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. |
| 4 | Job 42:3 | You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. |
| 5 | Matthew 12:35–37 | The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” |
| 6 | Job 42:6–8 | Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.” After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, He said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and your two friends. For you have not spoken about Me accurately, as My servant Job has. So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.” |
| 7 | James 1:26 | If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 29:23 | For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.” |
| 9 | Malachi 3:13–16 | “Your words against Me have been harsh,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’” At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. |
| 10 | James 3:2–10 | We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! |
Psalms 139:4 Summary
[This verse means that God knows what we're thinking and what we're going to say before we even say it. He's all-knowing and understands us completely, which can be both comforting and challenging. As it says in Jeremiah 1:5, God knew us before we were even born, and He has a plan for our lives. By acknowledging and surrendering to God's omniscience, we can experience a deeper sense of freedom and joy in our relationship with Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
How can God know what I'm thinking before I even speak?
According to Psalms 139:4, God knows our thoughts and words before they are even formed, as He is all-knowing and omniscient (Isaiah 46:10, Jeremiah 1:5).
Does this mean God controls what I say?
While God knows our words before we speak them, He does not control our speech, as we have free will to choose our words (Deuteronomy 30:19, Joshua 24:15).
Is this verse talking about God's ability to read my mind?
This verse is highlighting God's omniscience, meaning He knows all things, including our thoughts and words, before they are even expressed (Psalms 147:5, Hebrews 4:13).
How should this truth affect my prayer life?
Knowing that God already knows our thoughts and words should lead us to be honest and open in our prayers, as He desires a genuine relationship with us (Psalms 51:17, John 4:24).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the truth of God's omniscience to my daily conversations and interactions?
- How does knowing that God knows my thoughts and words before I speak them impact my sense of accountability and responsibility?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's all-knowing nature?
- What are some practical ways I can surrender my thoughts and words to God, allowing Him to guide and direct me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:4
For [there is] not a word in my tongue,.... Expressed by it or upon it, just ready to be spoken; or, as the Targum, "when there is no word in my tongue:'' so Aben Ezra, "before it was perfect in my
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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 in (i:e., that rises to) my tongue, (but), lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
Thou knowest what I speak, and with what design and disposition of mind. Or rather, as others render it, and which is more admirable, When there is not a word, &c. Thou knowest what I intend to speak, either in prayer to thee, or in conversation with men, when I have not yet uttered one word of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
Psalms 139:4 For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but], lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.Ver. 4. For there is not a word in my tongue] Though not yet uttered, or but whispered only. Thou knowest it altogether] Every tittle of it; thou understandest the language of men’ s hearts.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
(4) For there is not . . .—This has been understood in two ways:— My tongue cannot utter a word which thou dost not altogether know. or, Before my tongue can utter a word thou knowest it altogether.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
Verse 4. There is not a word in my tongue] Although (כי ki) there be not a word in my tongue, behold O Jehovah, thou knowest the whole of it, that is, thou knowest all my words before they are uttered, as thou knowest all my thoughts while as yet they are unformed.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:4
4. God knows not merely the spoken word which men can hear, but its true meaning, and the secret thoughts which prompt its utterance. But the verse may also be rendered, For (when) a word is not yet on my tongue, Lo, thou &c. Before thought has formed itself into words and found expression, the Searcher of hearts knows it.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:4
For there is not a word in my tongue - All that I say; all that I have power to say; all that I am disposed at any time to say. But lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether - All that pertains to it.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:4
4. For there is not a word in my tongue, etc.—Rather, When there is not a word in my tongue, behold, O Jehovah, thou knowest all.
Sermons on Psalms 139:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 139 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the unity of Christ with believers, emphasizing how Jesus speaks through prophecy and the Psalms, uniting His divinity with our humanity. He highlights |
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The Fear of the Lord by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort preaches about Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees and lawyers, exposing their hypocrisy and pride, warning them of the consequences of their actions. Jesus emphasi |
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How to Be Changed by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher shares his excitement about receiving a message from the Lord in just two minutes. He feels privileged to share this message with the congregation and |
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Messages on Corporate Prayer #17-19 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and being available to the Holy Spirit. He shares a story about a little girl playing the piano and how a man joine |
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Holiness and Unclean Lips by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our words and how they reveal our true character. He warns that our own words will either stand against us or for us at th |
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The Danger of Drifting by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of drifting in the Christian life. He emphasizes that drifting occurs when there is indiscipline, inattention, and indifference to |
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The Ministry of the Saints in the Church by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of having the heart of God when preaching the word of God. He acknowledges the need for careful handling and interpretation |