Psalms 139:4
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִ֭לָּה
For there is not a word
H4405
מִ֭לָּה
For there is not a word
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
3 of 8
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
בִּלְשׁוֹנִ֑י
in my tongue
H3956
בִּלְשׁוֹנִ֑י
in my tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
4 of 8
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
but lo O LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
but lo O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 19:14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.Job 42:3Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.James 1:26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.Job 8:2How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?Jeremiah 29:23Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, words carried tremendous weight—blessings and curses were considered effectual, oaths binding, vows sacred. David's acknowledgment that God knows words before they're spoken underscores divine foreknowledge and the moral accountability of speech, central to Hebrew wisdom literature (Proverbs 18:21).
Questions for Reflection
- What words do you shape carefully for others' ears but cannot hide from God who knows them 'altogether'?
- How would your speech change if you remembered that God hears your words before your tongue forms them?
- Are there prayers you've prayed with your lips while your heart said something different—and what does God know 'altogether' about that disconnect?
Analysis & Commentary
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether—God's omniscience anticipates even our speech. Before a word exists in (בְּ) the tongue—before articulation, while still mere intention—the LORD knows it altogether (kulloh, כֻּלֹּה, 'completely, entirely'). Jesus echoed this truth: we will give account for every idle word (Matthew 12:36).
This verse exposes the futility of verbal pretense. We craft our words to manage others' perceptions, but we cannot edit our speech before God, who hears both what we say and what we meant to say, both our words and the heart-motives beneath them. Every prayer, promise, boast, and lie stands naked before Him who knows it altogether.