Psalms 139:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 139:6
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Chapter Context
Psalms 139 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, judgment, love. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 139:6
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Analysis
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it—The adjective pele (פֶּלֶא, 'wonderful') denotes what is extraordinary, surpassing, miraculous—used of God's mighty works (Exodus 15:11). Divine omniscience isn't just comprehensive but qualitatively different from human knowledge. It is high (sagab, שָׂגַב)—exalted, inaccessible, beyond reach. David doesn't mean he cannot comprehend God's knowledge intellectually (though that's true); he means he cannot attain it experientially or possess it.
This is the proper posture before mystery: wonder rather than mastery. The finite cannot contain the infinite. God's knowledge humbles us not to despair but to worship. We don't need to know everything God knows; we need to trust the One who does.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature frequently acknowledged the limits of human understanding compared to divine wisdom (Job 28:12-28; Proverbs 25:2). David, despite being a king with considerable power and knowledge, here models intellectual humility before the incomprehensible God—a corrective to human pride.
Reflection
- What aspects of God's knowledge do you struggle to accept because you cannot 'attain' them or understand them fully?
- How does acknowledging that God's knowledge is 'too wonderful' for you change your posture from trying to figure everything out to trusting Him?
- Are there mysteries in your life that God knows completely while you only see in part—and can you rest in His higher knowledge?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 40:5, Job 26:14, 42:3, Romans 11:33