Psalms 139:8
Psalms 139:8 in Multiple Translations
If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, thou art there.
If I go up to heaven, you are there: or if I make my bed in the underworld, you are there.
If I go up to heaven, you are there. If I lie down in Sheol, look—you are there too!
If I ascende into heauen, thou art there: if I lye downe in hell, thou art there.
If I ascend the heavens — there Thou [art], And spread out a couch in Sheol, lo, Thee!
If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!
If I ascend into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there .
O Lord, Lord, the strength of my salvation: thou hast overshadowed my head in the day of battle.
If I went up to heaven, you would be there. If I lay down in the place where the dead people are, you would be there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:8
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 139:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
אֶסַּ֣ק
שָׁ֭מַיִם
שָׁ֣ם
אָ֑תָּה
וְ/אַצִּ֖יעָה
שְּׁא֣וֹל
הִנֶּֽ/ךָּ
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֶסַּ֣ק
nâçaq
H5266
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וְ/אַצִּ֖יעָה
yatsaʻ
H3331
to lay
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
שְּׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
N-proper
הִנֶּֽ/ךָּ
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 139:8
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֶסַּ֣ק
nâçaq
H5266
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To ascend or go up is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often describing movement to a higher place, like the priests ascending to the temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: (Qal) to ascend
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: ascend. See also: Psalms 139:8.
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
שָׁ֣ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/אַצִּ֖יעָה
yatsaʻ
H3331
"to lay"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
This Hebrew word means to lay or spread something out, like making a bed or laying out a surface. It appears in various forms, such as in Exodus 7:28. In the Bible, it's often used to describe everyday activities.
Definition: 1) to spread out, make a bed 1a) (Hiphil) to lay, spread out 1b) (Hophal) to be laid, be spread out
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: make (one's) bed, [idiom] lie, spread. See also: Esther 4:3; Isaiah 14:11; Psalms 139:8.
שְּׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
הִנֶּֽ/ךָּ
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
- Sermons on Psalms 139:8
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known 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, 10even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 9:2–4 | Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. Though they are driven by their enemies into captivity, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix My eyes upon them for harm and not for good.” |
| 2 | Jonah 2:2 | saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice. |
| 3 | Job 34:21–22 | For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:11 | Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD— how much more the hearts of men! |
| 5 | Obadiah 1:4 | Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Job 26:6 | Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 28:12–17 | “Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones. From the day you were created you were blameless in your ways— until wickedness was found in you. By the vastness of your trade, you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mountain of God, and I banished you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart grew proud of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor; so I cast you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings. |
Psalms 139:8 Summary
This verse, Psalms 139:8, tells us that no matter where we go, God is always with us. Whether we are in a high place, feeling close to heaven, or in a low place, feeling like we are in the depths of sorrow or trouble, God is there. This is a comforting truth that reminds us we are never alone, as also seen in Hebrews 13:5, which says, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.' It encourages us to live our lives with the awareness that God sees and knows everything we do, and to trust in His constant presence and care, just like it says in Matthew 28:20, 'And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is in heaven and in Sheol?
This verse, Psalms 139:8, emphasizes God's omnipresence, meaning He is present everywhere in the universe, from the highest heaven to the deepest Sheol, as also mentioned in Jeremiah 23:24, which says, 'Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth?'
Is Sheol the same as hell?
While Sheol in the Old Testament can refer to the grave or the place of the dead, it is not exactly the same as the concept of hell in the New Testament, as seen in Revelation 20:14, which describes the lake of fire; however, both represent a place of separation from God's presence, as described in Psalms 139:8 and other scriptures like Isaiah 66:24
How can I apply the concept of God's omnipresence in my daily life?
Recognizing God's presence everywhere, as stated in Psalms 139:8, can bring comfort and accountability, reminding us to live our lives in a way that honors Him, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17, which says, 'And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him'
Does God's presence in Sheol imply that the dead are still with God?
The Bible teaches that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:8; however, Psalms 139:8 specifically emphasizes God's omnipresence, not necessarily the state of the dead, but it does reassure us of God's constant presence and care, as also seen in Romans 8:38-39
Reflection Questions
- How does the knowledge of God's omnipresence, as described in Psalms 139:8, affect my feelings of security and trust in Him?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and honor God's presence in every aspect of my life, from the highest moments to the deepest challenges?
- What are some practical ways to remember that God is with me, whether I am in a place of joy or sorrow, and how can this truth shape my actions and decisions?
- How can meditating on Psalms 139:8 help me to fear less and trust more in God's sovereignty over all things, as also encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:8
If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there,.... No man hath ascended or can ascend to heaven of himself; it is an hyperbolical expression, as are those that follow; none but Christ has ascended to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:8
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
If I make my bed in hell; if I should or could repose and hide myself in the grave, or in the lowest parts of the earth, which are at the farthest distance from heaven.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
Psalms 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there].Ver. 8. If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there] That is thy proper place; and there Aristotle, in his Book of the World, ad Alexandrum affirmeth that God is only essentialiter et actu. This was to proclaim himself an arrant atheist; for God filleth all places, and is comprehended of no place, being totally present wheresoever present; for we must not conceive that God is commensurable by the place, as if he were partly here and partly elsewhere; but everywhere, all present.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
(8) If I make my bed in hell.—Literally, If I make Sheôl my bed. (For the thought see Amos 9:2, and comp. Proverbs 15:11; Job 26:6.) This conviction that the underworld was not exempt from the vigilance and even from the visitation of Jehovah makes an advance in thought from Psalms 6:5 (where see Note), &c, where death is viewed as cutting off the Hebrew altogether from his relation to the Theocracy.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
Verse 8. If I ascend] Thou art in heaven, in thy glory; in hell, in thy vindictive justice; and in all parts of earth, water, space, place, or vacuity, by thy omnipresence. Wherever I am, there art thou; and where I cannot be, thou art there. Thou fillest the heavens and the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:8
8. Cp. Amos 9:2 ff.; Jeremiah 23:24. If I should ascend up] Another Aramaic word. if I make my bed in hell] Render, and if I should make Sheol my couch.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:8
If I ascend up into heaven - The word “heaven” here, in the original is in the plural number - “heavens,” - and includes all that there is above the earth - the highest worlds.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:8
8. Heaven—Hebrew, heavens. The celestial heights, however far. Hell— Hebrew, sheol, the lowest depths, the under world. The ideas of power and of omnipresence are continued. Amos 9:2
Sermons on Psalms 139:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with God at Bethel. The preacher emphasizes that one cannot run away from God, as David also wrote about |
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The Restless Bed by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the consequences of our actions in this life and how they will be reaped in eternity. He emphasizes that eternal life is a gift from God, while eternal p |
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The Cry of Jonah Out of the Belly of Hell by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the struggles and faith of Jonah, highlighting the mercy of God in portraying imperfect saints in the Scriptures, such as Noah, Lot, and David, to teach |
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The First Open-Air Sermon by Gawin Kirkham | Gawin Kirkham preaches on the searching question asked by God in Genesis 3:9, 'Where art thou?' highlighting how man has been hiding from God out of fear since Adam and Eve's time |
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Fear and Folly by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the consequences of sin as seen in Adam's fear and folly after disobeying God in the Garden of Eden. Sin leads to guilt, fear, and ultimately folly, causing |
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A Guiding Voice in the Storm by Carter Conlon | The sermon titled 'A Guiding Voice in the Storm' based on Acts chapter 27 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's direction and being a guiding voice in the midst of societal st |
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A Challenge to All Who Call on the Name of the Lord - Part 2 by Hamp Sirmans | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the vulnerability that comes with change in our lives. They use examples such as the transformation of a butterfly and the changing seasons to |