Psalms 139:15

Authorized King James Version

My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹא

H3808

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

נִכְחַ֥ד

H3582

was not hid

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

עָצְמִ֗י

H6108

My substance

power; hence, body

מִ֫מֶּ֥ךָּ

H4480

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֻשֵּׂ֥יתִי

H6213

from thee when I was made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַסֵּ֑תֶר

H5643

in secret

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)

רֻ֝קַּ֗מְתִּי

H7551

and curiously wrought

to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate

בְּֽתַחְתִּיּ֥וֹת

H8482

in the lowest parts

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

#10

אָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 139 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?