Psalms 139:16

Authorized King James Version

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גָּלְמִ֤י׀

H1564

my substance yet being unperfect

a wrapped (and unformed mass, i.e., as the embryo)

רָ֘א֤וּ

H7200

did see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֵינֶ֗יךָ

H5869

Thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְעַֽל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

סִפְרְךָ֮

H5612

and in thy book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

כֻּלָּ֪ם

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִכָּ֫תֵ֥בוּ

H3789

all my members were written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

יָמִ֥ים

H3117

which in continuance

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

יֻצָּ֑רוּ

H3335

were fashioned

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

#10

וְל֖אֹ

H3808

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

#11

אֶחָ֣ד

H259

when as yet there was none

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#12

בָּהֶֽם׃

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 historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?