Psalms 139:11
Psalms 139:11 in Multiple Translations
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”—
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me, And the light about me shall be night;
If I say, Only let me be covered by the dark, and the light about me be night;
If I asked the darkness to hide me, and light to become night around me,
If I say, Yet the darkenes shall hide me, euen the night shalbe light about me.
And I say, 'Surely darkness bruiseth me, Then night [is] light to me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me. The light around me will be night,”
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Burning coals shall fall upon them; thou wilt cast them down into the fire: in miseries they shall not be able to stand.
I could request the darkness to hide me, or I could request the light around me to become darkness,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 139:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ֭/אֹמַר
אַךְ
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
יְשׁוּפֵ֑/נִי
וְ֝/לַ֗יְלָה
א֣וֹר
בַּעֲדֵֽ/נִי
וָ֭/אֹמַר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
יְשׁוּפֵ֑/נִי
shûwph
H7779
to bruise
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ֝/לַ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Conj | N-ms
א֣וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs
בַּעֲדֵֽ/נִי
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 139:11
וָ֭/אֹמַר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
יְשׁוּפֵ֑/נִי
shûwph
H7779
"to bruise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to bruise or crush something, and is often used to describe overwhelming force. It can also mean to snap at or seize something. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's power and judgment.
Definition: 1) to bruise, crush, gape upon, desire?, seize?, strike out? 1a) (Qal) to fall upon, bruise
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: break, bruise, cover. See also: Genesis 3:15; Job 9:17; Psalms 139:11.
וְ֝/לַ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Conj | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
א֣וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
בַּעֲדֵֽ/נִי
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep | Suff
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
- Sermons on Psalms 139:11
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
9If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea,
10even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.
11If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”—
12even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You. 13For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 12:22 | He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 23:24 | “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 94:7 | They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.” |
| 4 | Psalms 10:11–13 | He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.” Arise, O LORD! Lift up Your hand, O God! Do not forget the helpless. Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.” |
| 5 | Job 22:12–14 | Is not God as high as the heavens? Look at the highest stars, how lofty they are! Yet you say: ‘What does God know? Does He judge through thick darkness? Thick clouds veil Him so He does not see us as He traverses the vault of heaven. ’ |
| 6 | Isaiah 29:15 | Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?” |
Psalms 139:11 Summary
This verse is saying that even if we think we can hide from God in the darkest of places, He is still with us and sees us. It's like trying to hide in a room with no shadows, because God's light shines everywhere, as we see in Psalms 139:12. The speaker is acknowledging that it's pointless to try to hide from God, because He is always present and aware of our actions. This truth can be both comforting and challenging, reminding us that God is always with us, no matter what, as promised in Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of darkness and light in Psalms 139:11?
In this verse, darkness and light are metaphors for hiding and being seen by God, emphasizing that no matter where we are or what we do, God is always present and aware of our actions, as seen in Jeremiah 23:24 and Job 34:21-22.
Is the speaker in this verse trying to hide from God?
The speaker is not literally trying to hide from God, but rather expressing the human tendency to think we can escape God's presence, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8-10.
What is the main idea of Psalms 139:11?
The main idea of this verse is that the speaker is acknowledging the futility of trying to hide from God, recognizing that even in darkness, God is still present and sees all, as reinforced in Psalms 139:12.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is part of a larger expression of the psalmist's awe and wonder at God's omnipresence and omniscience, as seen in Psalms 139:1-6 and 139:13-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas of my life where I may be trying to hide from God, and how can I surrender them to His presence?
- How does the knowledge that God sees me in both light and darkness impact my daily choices and actions?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in my life, even in times of darkness or uncertainty?
- How can I use this verse to encourage a friend or loved one who may be struggling with feelings of isolation or hiding from God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:11
If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me,.... The darkness of a cloud or of the night, so that my actions shall not be seen; that is, if I entertain such a thought in my mind, that what I do in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:11
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
Shall be as clear and manifest to God as the light itself.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
Psalms 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.Ver. 11. The darkness shall cover me] The Hebrew phrase is taken from beasts that lie a-squat, saith Diodati, Nocte latent mendae, sed non Deum. The guilty conscience sharketh up and down for comfort, but getteth none.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
(11) If I say . . .—Rather, I say only let darkness crush me, And light become night around me. Commentators have mostly been frightened by the metaphor in the first line, though it has been preserved both by the LXX. and Vulg., and can only be avoided either by forcing the meaning of the verb from what it bears in Genesis 3:15, Job 9:17, or altering the text. Yet the Latins could speak even in prose of a region “oppressed by darkness” (Sen. Ep. 82); and when night was used as figurative of death, nocte premi was a common poetical figure. Indeed, the word rendered darkness here is actually, in Psalms 88:6, used of death, and if we understood this figure here we might render the word trample, illustrating by Horace “Jam te premet nox fabulæque Manes.” Such a view would suit the thought to which the poet immediately passes—to God the darkness of death and the nothingness before birth are alike. On the other hand, as the main thought is that nowhere is there escape from God’s sight in height, or depth, or distance so to exhaust the possibilities we seem to need, darkness.The second clause does not begin the apodosis: it is in synthetic parallelism with the first.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
Verse 11. Surely the darkness shall cover me] Should I suppose that this would serve to screen me, immediately this darkness is turned into light.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:11
7–12. God is everywhere present: man cannot escape or hide himself.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:11
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me - If I seek to find refuge in the darkness of the night so that God would not see me.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:11
11. Darkness—He has found distance to make no difference with the power, knowledge, and presence of God. He now shows that darkness and light are both alike with him.
Sermons on Psalms 139:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Exposition on Psalm 139 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the unity of Christ with believers, emphasizing how Jesus speaks through prophecy and the Psalms, uniting His divinity with our humanity. He highlights |
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When Jesus Lays His Hands on You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire for God to raise up young men and women in the congregation to become missionaries, pastors, and evangelists. He emphasizes the im |
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Attributes of God - Wrath, Eternity, Infiity and Foreknowledge by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the finite nature of human life and the infinite nature of God. They emphasize the privilege of serving God and encourage young people to de |
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The Omnipresence of God by Roy Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three attributes of God that are interconnected and have the power to radically transform lives. The sermon begins with a personal anecdote a |
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Psalms 139:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the omnipresence of God, illustrating that He is present in every corner of the universe and in our personal lives. He discusses how we often forget God's pr |
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Manifest Presence of God - Part 8 by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler shares a powerful testimony of experiencing the manifest presence of God through active waiting upon the Lord during the night hours. He emphasizes the importance o |
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Manifest Presence of God - Part 9 by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler shares personal experiences of feeling the omnipresence of God in various challenging situations, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God's presence in our |