Psalms 139:4

4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, ¹you know it altogether.

Psalms 139:4 Meaning and Commentary

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 tongue:''

before it is formed there; while it is in the mind, and not expressed, and even before that;

[but], lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether;
the whole of it, from whence it springs; the reason of it, what is designed, or the ends to be answered by it. The Lord knows the good words of his people, which they speak to him in prayer, even before and while they are speaking them; and what they say to one another in private conversation, ( Isaiah 65:24 ) ( Malachi 3:16 ) . See an instance of words known by Christ before spoken, in ( Luke 19:31 Luke 19:33 ) .

Psalms 139:4 In-Context

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

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

Cross References

• 1. Hebrews 4:13