Psalms 139:13
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קָנִ֣יתָ
For thou hast possessed
H7069
קָנִ֣יתָ
For thou hast possessed
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
3 of 7
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
כִלְיֹתָ֑י
my reins
H3629
כִלְיֹתָ֑י
my reins
Strong's:
H3629
Word #:
4 of 7
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
תְּ֝סֻכֵּ֗נִי
thou hast covered
H5526
תְּ֝סֻכֵּ֗נִי
thou hast covered
Strong's:
H5526
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.Psalms 119:73Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.Isaiah 44:2Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.Job 31:15Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?Isaiah 46:3Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:Psalms 71:6By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
Historical Context
David wrote this psalm (likely mid-10th century BC) reflecting on God's omniscience and omnipresence. Ancient Near Eastern cultures recognized prenatal life but lacked Israel's doctrine of personal divine creation. The Mosaic law protected the unborn (Exodus 21:22-25), and the prophets affirmed God's prenatal calling (Jeremiah 1:5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's personal involvement in forming you in the womb shape your understanding of your identity and purpose?
- What implications does verse 13 have for how we view the beginning of human life and personhood?
- How should the reality that God 'possessed' (created and owns) your innermost being affect your daily choices?
Analysis & Commentary
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. The Hebrew קָנָה (qanah, 'possessed') means to create, acquire, or form—God's sovereign ownership begins at conception. Reins (כִּלְיָה, kilyah) refers to the kidneys, anciently considered the seat of emotion and moral character; God forms not just the body but the inner person. Covered (סָכַךְ, sakak) means to weave, knit together, or screen—depicting God's meticulous, protective craftsmanship in the womb.
This verse grounds the sanctity of human life in divine creative action before birth. God is not a distant observer but an intimate artisan, personally fashioning each person's physical and moral constitution. The pronoun my emphasizes David's personal wonder: the Creator of the cosmos cares about the details of one human embryo.