Psalms 139:6
Psalms 139:6 in Multiple Translations
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Such knowledge is a wonder greater than my powers; it is so high that I may not come near it.
This amazing knowledge you have is far beyond me, way beyond my understanding!
Thy knowledge is too wonderfull for mee: it is so high that I cannot attaine vnto it.
Knowledge too wonderful for me, It hath been set on high, I am not able for it.
This knowledge is beyond me. It’s lofty. I can’t attain it.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain to it.
The proud have hidden a net for me. And they have stretched out cords for a snare: they have laid for me a stumblingblock by the wayside.
I am not able to understand that you know everything about me. That is too great for me to really understand.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:6
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 139:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פלאיה
פְּלִ֣יאָֽה
דַ֣עַת
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
נִ֝שְׂגְּבָ֗ה
לֹא
א֥וּכַֽל
לָֽ/הּ
פלאיה
pilʼîy
H6383
incomprehensible
Adj
פְּלִ֣יאָֽה
pilʼîy
H6383
incomprehensible
Adj
דַ֣עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
נִ֝שְׂגְּבָ֗ה
sâgab
H7682
to exalt
V-Niphal
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
א֥וּכַֽל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לָֽ/הּ
Prep | 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 139:6
פלאיה
pilʼîy
H6383
"incomprehensible"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something is wonderful or hard to understand, like a miracle. It describes things that are extraordinary. In the Bible, it is used to talk about amazing events.
Definition: wonderful, incomprehensible, extraordinary
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: secret, wonderful. See also: Judges 13:18; Psalms 139:6.
פְּלִ֣יאָֽה
pilʼîy
H6383
"incomprehensible"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something is wonderful or hard to understand, like a miracle. It describes things that are extraordinary. In the Bible, it is used to talk about amazing events.
Definition: wonderful, incomprehensible, extraordinary
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: secret, wonderful. See also: Judges 13:18; Psalms 139:6.
דַ֣עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
נִ֝שְׂגְּבָ֗ה
sâgab
H7682
"to exalt"
V-Niphal
To exalt means to make something or someone lofty or strong, often used to describe God's power. It can also mean to defend or set something on high. This concept is found in Psalms and other books.
Definition: 1) to be high, be inaccessibly high 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be (too) high (for capture) 1a2) to be high (of prosperity) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be high 1b2) to be set on high, be (safely) set on high 1b3) to be exalted (of God) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set on high, set (securely) on high 1c2) to exalt, exalt (in effective hostility) 1d) (Pual) to be set (securely) on high 1e) (Hiphil) to act exaltedly
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: defend, exalt, be excellent, (be, set on) high, lofty, be safe, set up (on high), be too strong. See also: Deuteronomy 2:36; Proverbs 18:10; Psalms 20:2.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
א֥וּכַֽל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לָֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 139:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
- Sermons on Psalms 139:6
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
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.
7Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? 8If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 11:33 | O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Job 26:14 | Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?” |
| 4 | Job 11:7–9 | Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Proverbs 30:2–4 | Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know! |
| 7 | Psalms 13:1 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? |
Psalms 139:6 Summary
Psalms 139:6 tells us that God's knowledge is too wonderful and too lofty for us to fully understand. This means that God's understanding of us and the world is far beyond what we can comprehend, much like how a child can't fully grasp the complexity of their parent's thoughts and plans (Psalms 103:11). As we acknowledge the limits of our knowledge, we can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, knowing that He is always working for our good (Romans 8:28). By recognizing the vast difference between God's knowledge and our own, we can cultivate a deeper sense of humility, reverence, and dependence on Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for knowledge to be 'too wonderful' for us?
This phrase suggests that God's understanding of us is beyond human comprehension, as seen in Psalms 139:6, and is a reminder of His infinite wisdom and power, as stated in Job 42:3.
How can we relate to the idea that God's knowledge is 'too lofty' for us to attain?
This concept humbles us and encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours, as expressed in Isaiah 55:9.
Is it possible for us to fully grasp God's knowledge and understanding?
According to Psalms 139:6, God's knowledge is too wonderful and lofty for us to attain, emphasizing the limitations of human understanding and the importance of faith, as seen in Hebrews 11:6.
What is the significance of recognizing the limits of our knowledge compared to God's?
Recognizing these limits helps us cultivate a deeper sense of reverence, awe, and dependence on God, as we acknowledge that His thoughts and ways are not our own, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- How does the thought of God's infinite knowledge and understanding affect your daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can you apply the humility expressed in Psalms 139:6 to your relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some areas in your life where you struggle to trust in God's sovereignty, and how can you surrender them to His care?
- How can you balance the desire to understand God's ways with the recognition of the limits of human knowledge, as expressed in Psalms 139:6?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:6
[Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me,.... Meaning either the knowledge of himself, such as God had of him, which was vastly superior to what he had of himself; and especially the knowledge of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me: it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
I am so far from equalling thy knowledge, that I cannot apprehend it, in what manner thou dost so perfectly know all things, even such as are most secret, and have yet no being, and seem to depend upon many casualties and uncertainties.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
Psalms 139:6 [Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot [attain] unto it.Ver. 6. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me] I can hardly conceive of this thine omniscience and omnipresence, but am ready to measure thee by myself, and according to mine own model. And, indeed, for a creature to believe the infinite attributes of God, he is never able to do it thoroughly without supernatural grace. It is high, I cannot attain unto it] Since it far exceedeth the reach of reason, and is much above my capacity and understanding. I stand at gaze, and am aghast, and that is the nearest that I, a poor finite, foolish creature, can come to so infinite a wisdom. It was, therefore, a good speech of them who, being asked what God was? answered, Si scirem, Deus essem, If I knew that, I should be a God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
(6) Such . . .—God’s omniscience is for man at once transcendent, unattainable, impossible. Possibly the article has dropped away, and we should read this knowledge. LXX. and Vulg. have “thy knowledge.” For the thought comp. Psalms 139:17-18, and Romans 11:33.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
Verse 6. Such knowledge is too wonderful] I think, with Kennicott, that פלאיה דעת pelaiah daath should be read פלאי הדעת peli haddaath, "THIS knowledge," ממני mimmenni, "is beyond or above me." This change is made by taking the ה he from the end of פלאיה pelaiah, which is really no word, and joining it with דעת daath; which, by giving it an article, makes it demonstrative, הדעת haddaath, "THIS knowledge." This kind of knowledge, God's knowledge, that takes in all things, and their reasons, essences, tendencies, and issues, is far beyond me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:6
6. A concluding exclamation of reverent awe. Such infinite knowledge baffles human thought to comprehend it. Cp. Romans 11:33. (so) exalted (that) I cannot attain unto it] “The word used implies ‘high so as to be inaccessible’; it is used, for instance, of an impregnable city, Deuteronomy 2:36” (Driver). It is also used of God, Isaiah 2:11; Isaiah 2:17; Isaiah 12:4.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me - literally, “Wonderful knowledge away from me,” or, more than I can comprehend. It is beyond my reach; it surpasses all my powers to comprehend it.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:6
6. Too wonderful for me—Above the reach of the human faculties. Same as “it is high, I cannot attain to it,” in the next line. Thus far the psalmist describes omniscience.
Sermons on Psalms 139:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Too Wonderful for Me by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the incredible knowledge and understanding that God has of each individual. He highlights the fact that God knows every aspect of our l |
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Bristol Conference 1973-02 the Lord Jesus Christ by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus' scars on his hands. He highlights that these scars were the only thing that man ever made that would be in glory. |
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In the Service of the King by Basilea Schlink | The video is a sermon transcript about the honor and joy of being called into God's service. The speaker, Basilius Schlink, reflects on his own experience of being called by God an |
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Resisting God, an Effectual Bar to Grace. by Francois Fenelon | Greek Word Studies for aid_number 34429 preaches about the manifold wisdom of God, emphasizing its diverse, multi-colored, and multi-faceted nature that surpasses human understandi |
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Suso and His Spiritual Daughter by W.R. Inge | W.R. Inge delves into the deep questions about the nature of God, explaining the complexity of understanding God's essence and the concept of the Trinity. He describes God as an im |
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Imperfection of Human Knowledge by John Wesley | John Wesley preaches on the limitations of human knowledge, emphasizing that while the desire for knowledge is innate and insatiable, our actual understanding is confined and often |
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I Could Be Wrong About Some Things by David Servant | David Servant reflects on the fallibility of human predictions and the humility that comes with acknowledging our own uncertainties and limitations. Drawing from historical example |