Psalms 139:14
Psalms 139:14 in Multiple Translations
I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
I will give you praise, for I am strangely and delicately formed; your works are great wonders, and of this my soul is fully conscious.
I praise you for making me in such an awesome and wonderful way. What you do is incredible—I realize this completely!
I will praise thee, for I am fearefully and wonderously made: marueilous are thy workes, and my soule knoweth it well.
I confess Thee, because that [with] wonders I have been distinguished. Wonderful [are] Thy works, And my soul is knowing [it] well.
I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
I will praise thee: for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: wonderful are thy works; and that my soul well knoweth.
But as for the just, they shall give glory to thy name: and the upright shall dwell with thy countenance.
I praise you because you made my body in a very awesome and wonderful way. Everything that you do is amazing! I know that very well.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:14
BAB
Word Study
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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 139:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֽוֹדְ/ךָ֗
עַ֤ל
כִּ֥י
נוֹרָא֗וֹת
נִ֫פְלֵ֥יתִי
נִפְלָאִ֥ים
מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ
וְ֝/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
יֹדַ֥עַת
מְאֹֽד
אֽוֹדְ/ךָ֗
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
עַ֤ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נוֹרָא֗וֹת
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Niphal
נִ֫פְלֵ֥יתִי
pâlâh
H6395
be distinguished
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
נִפְלָאִ֥ים
pâlâʼ
H6381
to wonder
V-Niphal
מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-mp | Suff
וְ֝/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
Conj | N-cs | Suff
יֹדַ֥עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 139:14
אֽוֹדְ/ךָ֗
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
עַ֤ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נוֹרָא֗וֹת
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
נִ֫פְלֵ֥יתִי
pâlâh
H6395
"be distinguished"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
This word means to be distinct or separated from others. It can also mean to be wonderful or set apart. In the Bible, it is used to describe people or things that are unique or special, like a miracle or a wonder.
Definition: 1) to be distinct, marked out, be separated, be distinguished 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be distinct, be separated, be distinguished 1a2) to be wonderful 1b) (Hiphil) to make separate, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: put a difference, show marvellous, separate, set apart, sever, make wonderfully. See also: Exodus 8:18; Exodus 33:16; Psalms 4:4.
נִפְלָאִ֥ים
pâlâʼ
H6381
"to wonder"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to wonder or be amazed, often at something great or difficult. It describes God's power and miracles in the Bible, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'marvelous' or 'wonderful'.
Definition: 1) to be marvellous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be beyond one's power, be difficult to do 1a2) to be difficult to understand 1a3) to be wonderful, be extraordinary 1a3a) marvellous (participle) 1b) (Piel) to separate (an offering) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing 1c2) to make wonderful, do wondrously 1d) (Hithpael) to show oneself wonderful or marvellous
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, (arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do, do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles, perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make) wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things, works, -ly). See also: Genesis 18:14; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 9:2.
מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
וְ֝/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
יֹדַ֥עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:14
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
- Sermons on Psalms 139:14
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known 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.
15My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 1:26–27 | Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. |
| 2 | Psalms 111:2 | Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. |
| 3 | Psalms 104:24 | How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. |
| 4 | Psalms 92:4–5 | For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your deeds; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands. How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts! |
| 5 | Job 5:9 | the One who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number. |
| 6 | Psalms 40:5 | Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us— none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. |
| 7 | Revelation 15:3 | and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! |
Psalms 139:14 Summary
[This verse says that we should praise God because He made us, and He made us very well. It's like when you make something with your hands, and you're really proud of it - that's how God feels about us. As it says in Genesis 1:31, God saw everything He made and it was very good. We can trust that God has a good plan for our lives, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, and that He loves us very much, as seen in John 3:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'fearfully and wonderfully made'?
This phrase, found in Psalms 139:14, means that God created us with great care and attention to detail, making each of us unique and special in His eyes, as also seen in Genesis 1:27 where God creates man in His own image.
How can I know that God's works are truly marvelous?
We can know this by looking at the complexity and beauty of creation, as described in Psalms 19:1, and by trusting in God's sovereignty and power, as stated in Jeremiah 32:17.
What does this verse say about our self-worth?
This verse tells us that our self-worth comes from being created by God, who loves and values us, as also seen in John 3:16 where God gives His only Son for us, and in 1 John 3:1 where we are called children of God.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
By remembering that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, you can have confidence in your identity and purpose, and trust in God's plan for your life, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can praise God for the unique gifts and talents He has given me?
- How can I cultivate a sense of wonder and awe at God's creation, including my own body and life?
- In what ways do I struggle with feeling 'fearfully and wonderfully made', and how can I overcome those struggles?
- What are some 'marvelous works' of God that I have experienced in my own life, and how can I give thanks for them?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made,.... the formation of man is not of himself, nor of his parents, but of God, and is very wonderful in all its parts; it has been matter
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
I am fearfully and wonderfully made; thy infinite power and wisdom, manifested in the rare and curious structure of man’ s body, doth fill me with wonder and astonishment, and with the dread of thy majesty. Marvellous are thy works; both in the lesser world, man, and in the greater. My soul knoweth right well; I am well assured, both by thy word, and by the contemplation and study of thy works, to which I have much addicted myself, that they are wonderful, although I do not so accurately understand all the particulars of them as I would do.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.Ver. 14. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made] Mirificatus sum mirabilibus operibus tuis, saith Montanus; neither can I wonder enough at thy workmanship. The greatest miracle in the world is man; in whose very body (how much more in his soul!) are miracles enough (between head and feet) to fill a volume. Austin complaineth that men much wonder at high mountains of the earth, huge waves of the sea, deep falls of rivers, the vastness of the ocean, the motions of the stars, et relinquunt seipsos nec mirantur, but wonder not at all at their wonderful selves. Galen, a profane physician, writing of the excellent parts of man’ s body, and coming to speak of the double motion of the lungs, could not choose but sing a hymn to that God, whosoever he were, that was author of so excellent and admirable a piece of work, Fernel. de abdit, rerum causis. And that my soul knoweth right well] That is, so well as to draw hearty praises from me to my Maker. But for any exact insight, hear Solomon: "As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child; even so thou knowest not the works of God, who maketh all," Ecclesiastes 11:5. Some read the words thus, Thy works are wonderful, and so is my soul, which knoweth right well; q.d. my rational and intelligent soul is an admirable piece indeed. Nothing in the world, saith one, is so well worthy to be wondered at as man, nothing in man, as his soul.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
(14) For I am . . .—Literally, because I am fearfully separated or distinguished (see Note on Psalms 26:7; Psalms 40:5), which might mean separated from the womb, i.e., born. (Comp. Galatians 1:15; Psalms 22:10.) Or if the reference is national rather than individual, it would imply, as so frequently, the choice of Israel by Jehovah in distinction to other races.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
Verse 14. I am fearfully and wonderfully made] The texture of the human body is the most complicated and curious that can be conceived. It is, indeed, wonderfully made; and it is withal so exquisitely nice and delicate, that the slightest accident may impair or destroy in a moment some of those parts essentially necessary to the continuance of life; therefore, we are fearfully made. And God has done so to show us our frailty, that we should walk with death, keeping life in view; and feel the necessity of depending on the all-wise and continual superintending care and providence of God.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:14
14. I will praise thee] I will give thanks unto thee. I am fearfully and wonderfully made] The Ancient Versions represent the second person, thou art fearfully wondrous. marvellous] Wonderful, the same word as in the preceding clause.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:14
I will praise thee - I will not merely admire what is so great and marvelous, but I will acknowledge thee in a public manner as wise, and holy, and good: as entitled to honor, love, and gratitude.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:14
13, 14. From God in universal space and material nature, the psalmist returns to contemplate God, in his own mysterious origin and personal being.
Sermons on Psalms 139:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Greatest of These Is Love by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences during a difficult time in Holland when the Germans were targeting Jewish people. He talks about how he and others worked to save |
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God Uses Foolish Things - Part 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In the sermon transcript, the speaker expresses gratitude and thanks to the audience for their presence and support. They mention the importance of attending church and encourage t |
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Where Does Passion Come From? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the problem of taking our victories over problems and putting them aside, thinking we no longer need God. He emphasizes the constant need for |
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His Immensity - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the wonder and mystery of God's creation. They share a personal anecdote about their younger brother's fear of falling up, highlighting the |
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Digestive System by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker continues to discuss the evidence for the existence of God in biology. He criticizes the Darwinian theory and argues that randomness is the enemy of mea |
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Useful for the Master - Part 12 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the role of believers as chosen leaders to set the captives free, acknowledging that all we have received comes from God and should be given back to Him as a |
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Your Purpose in Life by Alan Ives | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of praising God. He contrasts the worship of false gods with the privilege of singing a new song to the one true God. The pre |