Psalms 139:12

Authorized King James Version

Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

חֹשֶׁךְ֮

H2822

Yea the darkness

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַחְשִׁ֪יךְ

H2821

hideth

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

מִ֫מֶּ֥ךָ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְ֭לַיְלָה

H3915

not from thee but the night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

כַּיּ֣וֹם

H3117

as the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יָאִ֑יר

H215

shineth

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

כַּ֝חֲשֵׁיכָ֗ה

H2825

the darkness

darkness; figuratively, misery

#10

כָּאוֹרָֽה׃

H219

and the light

luminousness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity; also a plant (as being bright)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?