Psalms 139:7
Psalms 139:7 in Multiple Translations
Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Where may I go from your spirit? how may I go in flight from you?
Where can I go that you're not already there? Where can I run to escape your presence?
Whither shall I goe from thy Spirite? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Whither do I go from Thy Spirit? And whither from Thy face do I flee?
Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence?
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
I said to the Lord: Thou art my God: hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication.
◄Where could I go to escape from your Spirit?/I could not go anywhere to escape from your Spirit.► [RHQ] ◄Where could I go to get away from you?/I could not go anywhere to get away from you.► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:7
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 139:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֭נָ֥ה
אֵלֵ֣ךְ
מֵ/רוּחֶ֑/ךָ
וְ֝/אָ֗נָה
מִ/פָּנֶ֥י/ךָ
אֶבְרָֽח
אָ֭נָ֥ה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
אֵלֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
מֵ/רוּחֶ֑/ךָ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וְ֝/אָ֗נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Conj | Part
מִ/פָּנֶ֥י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
אֶבְרָֽח
bârach
H1272
to flee
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 139:7
אָ֭נָ֥ה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
אֵלֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מֵ/רוּחֶ֑/ךָ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וְ֝/אָ֗נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
מִ/פָּנֶ֥י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶבְרָֽח
bârach
H1272
"to flee"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:7
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
- Sermons on Psalms 139:7
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
5You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?
8If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. 9If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 23:23–24 | “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?” “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. |
| 2 | Jonah 1:3 | Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. |
| 3 | Jonah 1:10 | Then the men were even more afraid and said to him, “What have you done?” The men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. |
| 4 | Acts 5:9 | “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” |
Psalms 139:7 Summary
[This verse means that no matter where we go or what we do, God is always with us, and we can't escape His presence. This is a comforting thought for believers, as it reminds us that God is always looking out for us, as seen in Psalms 23:4. It also means that we can't hide from God, and we should strive to be honest and open with Him, as mentioned in John 3:20-21. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to live our lives in a way that honors God, knowing that He is always with us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to escape God's Spirit?
According to Psalms 139:7, it is impossible to escape God's Spirit, as He is omnipresent, and this is reinforced in Jeremiah 23:24, which says that God fills heaven and earth.
Is God's presence a comforting or fearful thing?
For believers, God's presence is a comforting thing, as seen in Psalms 23:4, which says that God is with us even in the valley of the shadow of death, but for those who reject Him, it can be a fearful thing, as mentioned in Hebrews 10:31.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that God is always with us, no matter where we go or what we do, and this should bring us comfort and conviction, as seen in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus promises to be with us always.
What does this verse say about God's nature?
This verse highlights God's omnipresence, which is a fundamental aspect of His nature, as also seen in Acts 17:27-28, which says that God is not far from any of us.
Reflection Questions
- How does the reality of God's omnipresence affect my daily thoughts and actions?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in my life?
- How can I balance the comforting and conviction-bringing aspects of God's presence in my walk with Him?
- What are some ways that I try to 'escape' or hide from God, and how can I surrender these areas to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:7
Whither shall I go from thy spirit?.... Or, "from thy wind?" which some interpret literally, the wind being God's creature; which he brings out of his treasures, and holds in his fists, and disposes
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:7
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or where shall I flee from thy presence?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
From thy spirit; either, 1. From the Holy Ghost, the third person in the Trinity: or, 2. From thee, who art a Spirit, and therefore canst penetrate into the most secret parts: or, 3. From thy mind or understanding, of which he is here speaking, as this word seems to be taken, , compared with ; for what there is called the spirit of the Lord, is here called the mind of the Lord. And as the Spirit of God is oft used in Scripture for its gifts and graces, so the spirit of God in this place may be put for that knowledge which is an attribute or action of God. From thy presence; a man can go to no place which is out of thy sight.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
Psalms 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?Ver. 7. Whither shall I go from thy spirit?] Here he argueth God’ s omniscience from his omnipresence; and this the heathens also had heard of, as appeareth by their Iovis omnia plena; and - quascunque accesseris oras, Sub Iove semper eris, &c. Empedocles could say that God is a circle, whose centre is everywhere, whose circumference is nowhere. They could tell us that God is the soul of the world; and that as the soul is tota in tota, et tota in qualibet parte, so is he; that his eye is in every corner, &c.; to which purpose they so portrayed their goddess Minerva, that which way soever one cast his eye she always beheld him. But these divine notions they might have by tradition from the patriarchs; and whether they believed themselves in these and the like sayings is much to be doubted. Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?] Surely no whither; they that attempt it do but as the fish which swimmeth to the length of the line with a hook in the mouth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
(7) Spirit.—If this clause stood alone we should naturally understand by God’s Spirit His creative and providential power, from which nothing can escape (comp. Psalms 104:30). But taken in parallelism with presence in the next clause the expression leads on to a thought towards which the theology of the Old Testament was dimly feeling, which it nearly reached in the Book of Wisdom. “The Spirit of the Lord filleth the world,” but which found its perfect expression in our Saviour’s announcement to the woman of Samaria.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
Verse 7. Whither shall I go from thy Spirit?] Surely רוח ruach in this sense must be taken personally, it certainly cannot mean either breath or wind; to render it so would make the passage ridiculous. From thy presence?] מפניך mippaneycha, "from thy faces." Why do we meet with this word so frequently in the plural number, when applied to God? And why have we his Spirit, and his appearances or faces, both here? A Trinitarian would at once say, "The plurality of persons in the Godhead is intended;" and who can prove that he is mistaken?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:7
7–12. God is everywhere present: man cannot escape or hide himself.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:7
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? - Where shall I go where thy spirit is not; that is, where thou art not; where there is no God. The word “spirit” here does not refer particularly to the Holy Spirit, but to God “as” a spirit.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:7
7. Whither shall I go—That is, I can go no whither from thy spirit— neither from thy power nor presence.
Sermons on Psalms 139:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Who Is the Holy Spirit and How Can We Know Him? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the tragedy that has befallen the Church of Christ but offers hope for change. He suggests that this kind of preaching will either drive peo |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Omnipresence and Immanence by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the distance between humanity and God. He shares a personal experience of praying with a friend on a hill, feeling both the darkness and the |
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The Ever Increasing Love of Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a 93-year-old woman who is consumed by revenge against her grandsons. He emphasizes that without Jesus, human love becomes sour an |
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The Gospel for Outcasts by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Nicky Cruz, a former gang leader turned preacher, shares a powerful message about God's heart for outcasts. He uses three illustrations - a lost sheep, a lost coin, |
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The Fear of God - Part 4 by Jerry Bridges | In this sermon, the speaker begins with a far-fetched illustration of a Christian leader who contemplates going to a topless dancer performance to "experience all of life." However |
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(Divine Attributes) 06 the Immensity of God by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of continually seeking a fresh revelation of God in our lives. He references the Apostle Paul, who considered everything else |
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Every Unconverted Heart Wants to Kill God by Douglas Wilson | This sermon delves into the profound concept of the unconverted heart's innate hostility towards God, exploring the idea that if given the power, it would seek to murder God due to |