Psalms 139:5

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָח֣וֹר

H268

me behind

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

וָקֶ֣דֶם

H6924

and before

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

צַרְתָּ֑נִי

H6696

Thou hast beset

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

וַתָּ֖שֶׁת

H7896

and laid

to place (in a very wide application)

עָלַ֣י

H5921

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

כַּפֶּֽכָה׃

H3709

thine hand

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

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

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