Psalms 139:12
Psalms 139:12 in Multiple Translations
even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You.
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Even the darkness hideth not from thee, But the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Even the dark is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day: for dark and light are the same to you.
Even darkness would not be dark for you, and the night would be bright as day, for darkness is like light to you.
Yea, the darkenes hideth not from thee: but the night shineth as the day: the darkenes and light are both alike.
Also darkness hideth not from Thee, And night as day shineth, as [is] darkness so [is] light.
even the darkness doesn’t hide from you, but the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you.
Yes, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee .
A man full of tongue shall not be established in the earth: evil shall catch the unjust man unto destruction.
but even if that happened, the darkness would not be darkness for you! For you, the night is as bright as the daytime is, because for you, daylight and darkness are ◄not different/the same►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:12
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 139:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
חֹשֶׁךְ֮
לֹֽא
יַחְשִׁ֪יךְ
מִ֫מֶּ֥/ךָ
וְ֭/לַיְלָה
כַּ/יּ֣וֹם
יָאִ֑יר
כַּ֝/חֲשֵׁיכָ֗ה
כָּ/אוֹרָֽה
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
חֹשֶׁךְ֮
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַחְשִׁ֪יךְ
châshak
H2821
to darken
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
מִ֫מֶּ֥/ךָ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וְ֭/לַיְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Conj | N-ms
כַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
יָאִ֑יר
ʼôwr
H215
to light
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
כַּ֝/חֲשֵׁיכָ֗ה
chăshêkâh
H2825
darkness
Prep | N-fs
כָּ/אוֹרָֽה
ʼôwrâh
H219
light
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 139:12
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
חֹשֶׁךְ֮
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.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַחְשִׁ֪יךְ
châshak
H2821
"to darken"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This word means to darken or become dark. It can also mean to hide or conceal something. In the Bible, it is used to describe a lack of light or understanding.
Definition: 1) to be or become dark, grow dim, be darkened, be black, be hidden 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or grow dark 1a2) to have a dark colour 1a3) to grow dim 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make dark, cause to be dark 1b2) to hide, conceal 1b3) to obscure, confuse (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: be black, be (make) dark, darken, cause darkness, be dim, hide. See also: Exodus 10:15; Isaiah 5:30; Psalms 69:24.
מִ֫מֶּ֥/ךָ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ֭/לַיְלָה
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.
כַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
יָאִ֑יר
ʼôwr
H215
"to light"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.
Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 67:2; Psalms 13:4.
כַּ֝/חֲשֵׁיכָ֗ה
chăshêkâh
H2825
"darkness"
Prep | N-fs
This word means darkness, and it can also mean a time of sadness or trouble. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the darkness that fell upon Egypt. The Psalmist also uses this word to describe a time of distress.
Definition: darkness Also means: chesh.khah (חֶשְׁכָה "dark" H2824)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: darkness. See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 139:12; Psalms 82:5.
כָּ/אוֹרָֽה
ʼôwrâh
H219
"light"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a plant or herb, but also symbolizes prosperity and brightness. It's used in the Bible to describe growth and flourishing, like a healthy herb. In some cases, it's translated as 'light'.
Definition: 1) light 2) light of joy and happiness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: herb, light. See also: 2 Kings 4:39; Psalms 139:12; Isaiah 26:19.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:12
- Sermons on Psalms 139:12
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
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. 14I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 2:22 | He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. |
| 2 | Job 34:22 | There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. |
| 3 | Hebrews 4:13 | Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. |
| 4 | Exodus 20:21 | And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. |
| 5 | Job 26:6 | Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering. |
| 6 | Exodus 14:20 | so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other. |
Psalms 139:12 Summary
[This verse means that God can see and is present everywhere, even in the darkest places, as also mentioned in Job 28:24 which says that God understands the way to the place where light dwells. He is not limited by our human limitations, and His presence can bring light into our lives, just like it says in Psalms 119:105 that His word is a lamp to our feet. This truth can give us comfort and peace, knowing that God is always with us, guiding us through life's challenges.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this verse suggest that God is not limited by human limitations like darkness?
Yes, according to Psalms 139:12, even the darkness is not dark to God, indicating that He is not limited by human limitations, as also seen in Jeremiah 23:24 which says that God fills heaven and earth.
How can we apply the concept of God's omnipresence in our daily lives?
We can apply this concept by trusting that God is always with us, guiding us, as stated in Psalms 139:10, and that He is aware of our every thought and action, as mentioned in Psalms 139:2
Is the darkness mentioned in this verse only physical or can it also be spiritual?
While the verse does refer to physical darkness, it can also be interpreted spiritually, as seen in John 1:5, where light represents goodness and darkness represents evil, and God's presence can illuminate both physical and spiritual darkness
How does this verse relate to God's knowledge and understanding?
This verse highlights God's omniscience, as stated in Psalms 147:5, which says that God's understanding is infinite, and He can see through both physical and spiritual darkness
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am walking in darkness, and how can I trust God to guide me through them?
- In what ways can I apply the truth that God is always present with me, even in the darkest of times?
- How does the fact that God can see through darkness affect my daily choices and actions?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character, and how can I worship Him in response to this truth?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:12
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee,.... Any thing that is done by men in it; or "darkeneth not from thee" (i), or causeth such darkness as to hinder the sight of any action committed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:12
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:12
Shineth, or enlighteneth, as this word is used, , &c.; discovereth me and all mine actions. The darkness and the light are both alike to thee: this is repeated so oft to reprove and confute the ridiculous conceits of many ungodly men, who flatter themselves with hopes of secrecy and impunity for those sins which they commit in the dark. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:12
Psalms 139:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light [are] both alike [to thee].Ver. 12. Yea, the darkness hideth not] Heb. darkeneth not from thee, because thine eyes are fiery, Revelation 1:14, such as need no outward light; they are more light and radiant than the sun in his strength. The darkness and the light, &c.] Deo obscura clarent, muta respondent, silentium confitetur, saith an ancient; Night will convert itself into noon before God, and silence prove a speaking evidence.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:12
(12) Hideth not.—Better to keep as near as possible to the original maketh not dark. Others render cannot be too dark for thee. The highest development of the psalmist’s thought is of course to be found in St. John’s declaration, “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” Shineth.—Or, giveth light. The darkness . . .—Literally, as darkness, so light.“God is the light which, never seen itself, makes all things visible, and clothes itself in colours.”—RICHTER.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:12
Verse 12. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee] Darkness and light, ignorance and knowledge, are things that stand in relation to us; God sees equally in darkness as in light; and knows as perfectly, however man is enveloped in ignorance, as if all were intellectual brightness. What is to us hidden by darkness, or unknown through ignorance, is perfectly seen and known by God; because he is all sight, all hearing, all feeling, all soul, all spirit-all in ALL, and infinite in himself. He lends to every thing; receives nothing from any thing. Though his essence be unimpartible, yet his influence is diffusible through time and through eternity. Thus God makes himself known, seen, heard, felt; yet, in the infinity of his essence, neither angel, nor spirit, nor man can see him; nor can any creature comprehend him, or form any idea of the mode of his existence. And yet vain man would be wise, and ascertain his foreknowledge, eternal purposes, infinite decrees, with all operations of infinite love and infinite hatred, and their objects specifically and nominally, from all eternity, as if himself had possessed a being and powers co-extensive with the Deity! O ye wise fools! Jehovah, the fountain of eternal perfection and love, is as unlike your creeds, as he is unlike yourselves, forgers of doctrines to prove that the source of infinite benevolence is a streamlet of capricious love to thousands, while he is an overflowing, eternal, and irresistible tide of hatred to millions of millions both of angels and men! The antiproof of such doctrines is this: he bears with such blasphemies, and does not consume their abettors.
"But nobody holds these doctrines." Then I have written against nobody; and have only to add the prayer, May no such doctrines ever disgrace the page of history; or farther dishonour, as they have done, the annals of the Church!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:12
7–12. God is everywhere present: man cannot escape or hide himself.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:12
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee - Margin, as in Hebrew, “darkeneth not.” Darkness does not make darkness to thee. It makes things dark to us; not to him. So it is in natural darkness; so in moral darkness ness.
Sermons on Psalms 139:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holy Harmony - Part 2 by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the idea that everything in our lives is handed to us by God, who is loving, sovereign, omnipotent, and omniscient. The speaker encourages th |
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Knowing God's Ways - Part 5 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God even in times of darkness. He references Psalm 139:12, which states that darkness is not hidden from God. T |
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And God Saw the Light by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the goodness of the light that God has created and His special attention to it, noting that God sees the light in believers with pleasure and complacency. |
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God's Anatomy Upon Man's Heart by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the omniscience of God, emphasizing that all things are naked and open before His eyes. He calls for humility, repentance, and soul-affliction in the f |
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The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 4 by Dr. D. Vaughan Rees | Dr. D. Vaughan Rees preaches about the remarkable incidents from the life of the Ye-Su Chia-ting, showcasing the power of faith, honesty, and transformation through encounters with |
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God Works in the Dark by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the comforting message in Exodus 14:21, highlighting how God works in the dark and unseen moments of our lives. Just as God caused the sea to go ba |
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When We're in the Dark by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding treasures in darkness, drawing a parallel to the delicate art of lace weaving in a darkened room where only the pattern is illuminated. He |