Psalms 139:10 — Word Study
WLCגַּם־ שָׁ֭ם יָדְךָ֣ תַנְחֵ֑נִי וְֽתֹאחֲזֵ֥נִי יְמִינֶֽךָ׃
BSAevengam thereshâm [in that place, thither] Your handyâd [an open hand; strength, a side or share] will guide menâchâh▸ [lead, direct] Your right handyâmîyn [the hand of strength, Benjamin] will hold me fastʼâchaz▸ [grasp, take hold of, securely, in possession]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| גַּם־ | also | Adverb |
| שָׁ֭ם | there | Adverb |
| יָדְךָ֣ | hand your | Noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| תַנְחֵ֑נִי | it will lead me | Verb hiphil imperfect third person feminine singular, suffix |
| וְֽתֹאחֲזֵ֥נִי | and it will grasp me | Conjunction, verb qal third person feminine singular, suffix |
| יְמִינֶֽךָ׃ | right [hand] your | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast. |
| KJV | Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. |
| ASV | Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. |
| YLT | Also there Thy hand doth lead me, And Thy right hand doth hold me. |
| WEB | even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me. |
| BBE | Even there will I be guided by your hand, and your right hand will keep me. |
Where they part company is שָׁ֭ם — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by two noun phrases, each with its corresponding verb phrase, highlighting the actions of guiding and holding.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 139:10
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — God's Omnipresence and Guidancegenerated
Psalm 139:10 illustrates the psalmist's profound understanding of God's presence. He acknowledges that even if he were to travel to the farthest reaches of the earth, God's hand would still guide and support him. This passage emphasizes the comfort and assurance that believers find in God's unwavering presence, as seen in the surrounding verses that explore themes of distance and darkness, affirming that nothing can separate us from God's care.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 63:8 | My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. |
| 2 | Psalm 73:23 | Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. |
| 3 | Psalm 143:9–10 | Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge. |
| 4 | Isaiah 41:13 | For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תַנְחֵ֑נִי, tan.Che.nigenerated
The Hebrew verb נָחָה (nachah) means 'to lead' or 'to guide'. It is in the Hiphil form, indicating that the subject (God's hand) is causing the action (leading) to happen. This verb conveys a sense of direction and purpose, suggesting that the guidance provided is intentional and protective.
In this context, it emphasizes that God's guidance is not only present but also active, ensuring that the psalmist is directed along the right path. The use of the second person suffix indicates a personal relationship, highlighting that this guidance is specifically for the psalmist.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against. The BSB has guide and hold fast, which are consistent with the themes of direction and security.
Where translations differ, they do so primarily in the rendering of שָׁ֭ם — there — with the GNV opting for thither, while others maintain the straightforward there (ASV, KJV, WEB, etc.). This reflects a choice between more archaic and contemporary language.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb תַנְחֵ֑נִי (tan.Che.ni), meaning 'it will lead me', governs the structure of the verse, with two phrases following it: the noun phrase יָדְךָ (ya.de.Kha), 'Your hand', and the conjunction וְֽתֹאחֲזֵ֥נִי (ve.to.cha.Ze.ni), 'and it will grasp me'. This structure emphasizes the actions of leading and holding as interconnected.
The adverbial phrase שָׁ֭ם (sham), meaning 'there', sets the location where God's guidance is assured, while the noun phrase יְמִינֶֽךָ (ye.mi.Ne.kha), 'Your right hand', further emphasizes the strength and security of God's support.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יָדְךָ as σου (sou), meaning 'Your', which retains the personal address to God. This choice highlights the intimate relationship between the psalmist and God.
The Greek word for 'to lead' is rendered as με (me), which indicates direction and personal guidance, similar to the Hebrew connotation.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 139:10 reassures us that no matter where we go, God's hand will guide us and hold us securely. This verse emphasizes God's constant presence and support, even in difficult or distant places.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies that God provides direction and support in our lives, ensuring we are not alone in our journey.
The right hand symbolizes strength and power, suggesting that God's support is both protective and reliable.
It emphasizes that no matter how far one may travel or how isolated one may feel, God's presence is always with them.
You can find comfort in knowing that God is always with you, guiding you through challenges and uncertainties.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust God's guidance more fully?
- How can I be more aware of God's presence in my daily activities?
- What does it mean for me to feel held securely by God?
- How can I support others in recognizing God's guidance in their lives?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Augustine of Hippo comments on this verse, exploring the theme of God's guidance even in times of distress.
Now listen who may bring us there. The very same One whose face in wrath we wish to flee from. For what follows? "Even there shall Your hand conduct me,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 139 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 139:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleEven there shall thy hand lead me,.... For he could not get there with all the assistance of the wings of the morning, could they be had, without the leadings of divine Providence; and when there,
Read John Gill on Psalms 139 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIf I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea - a poetic phrase to express the
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 139 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleI could neither go thither without thy conduct, nor subsist there without thy powerful support, and much less could I go out of try sight; for a man may see many things which, are out of his power.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 139 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.Ver. 10. Even there shall thy hand lead me] i.e. Thy power and providence shall dispose of me; I shall flee but from thy hand to thy hand, as guilty Jonah did.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 139 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(10) Even there . . .—The expressions “lead me,” “hold me,” are elsewhere used of the protecting and guiding providence of God (Psalms 5:8; Psalms 23:3; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 73:24). And yet the psalmist speaks here as if he were a guilty being trying to escape from the Divine notice. The truth is a profound one. Even when God discovers and overtakes those who guiltily try to hide from Him, it is to take them under His loving care.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 139 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges10. The thought in this context is not primarily that wherever he goes God’s providential care accompanies him, but that there is no place in the universe where he can escape from the control and authority of God. “Dextra Dei ubique.”
Read Cambridge on Psalms 139 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleEven there shall thy hand lead me - I shall find thee there; thy hand would be upon me; I should not have gone from thy presence. And thy right hand shall hold me - Still hold me; still be laid upon me.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 139 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible10. Even there—The power and presence of God are as real and effective there as here, or at any place.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 139 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.
even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.
even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.
even there your hand would guide me, your right hand would grab hold of me.
Tyndale line
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me.
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Yet thither shall thine hand leade me, and thy right hand holde me.
Strictly literal
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Also there Thy hand doth lead me, And Thy right hand doth hold me.
Also there Your hand leads me, || And Your right hand holds me.
Even there would thy hand lead me, and thy right hand would seize hold of me.
even there your hand will lead me, your right hand will hold on to me.
From the Latin
The head of them compassing me about: the labour of their lips shall overwhelm them.
Simplified
even there your hand would lead me, your right hand would support me.
Even there will I be guided by your hand, and your right hand will keep me.
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads: "גַּם־ שָׁ֭ם יָדְךָ֣ תַנְחֵ֑נִי וְֽתֹאחֲזֵ֥נִי יְמִינֶֽךָ׃" The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, matching all six words, although the word order and articles differ due to the nature of Greek syntax. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment 11Q5 preserves five words of the verse, which align with the Masoretic Text, but the fragment does not include the entire verse. Therefore, the primary witnesses agree in content, with slight variations in presentation.
גַּם־ שָׁ֭ם יָדְךָ֣ תַנְחֵ֑נִי וְֽתֹאחֲזֵ֥נִי יְמִינֶֽךָ׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
שם יד׳כה תנח׳ני ותאחז׳ני ימינ׳כה
5 words of the verse are on this fragment. The rest of the verse is not on it.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 139:10
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
גַּם (gam) is an adverb meaning 'also' or 'moreover,' indicating addition or emphasis. It can express various nuances, such as 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'but.' The term is often used in a correlational manner, as in 'both...and.' It appears in contexts that require clarification or reinforcement of a statement.
גַּם 768 adv. denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
base
H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
1571 gam gam
by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea,
though; often repeated as correl. both...and:--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.
גַּם (gam) — also.
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
DirObjM — AdverbHD
ol'-so: In the Greek kai, when it is equivalent to "also" or "even," is always placed before the word or phrase which it is intended to emphasize (e.g. Ac 12:3; 1 Joh 4:21). Mt 6:14 should therefore read, "Your heavenly Father will forgive you also"; Lu 6:13, "Whom also he named apostles"; Heb 8:6, "The mediator of a better covenant also"; and 1Th 4:14, `If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also (we believe that) those who are fallen asleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him.'
שָׁם (sham) is a Hebrew adverb meaning 'there' or 'thither,' indicating a location or direction. It can also refer to a point in time, translating to 'then.' The word is derived from a relative pronoun and is used in various contexts, including movement and temporal references.
שָׁם adv. there, thither
base
H8033 שָׁם there, thither
8033 sham shawm
a primitive particle (rather from the relative pronoun, 834);
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or
thence:--in it, + thence, there (-in, + of, + out), +
thither, + whither.
see HEBREW for 0834
שָׁם (sham) — there.
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)
שָׁם (sham) — (Jerusalem) Is There.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
This name means there, thither
Adv — AdverbHD
יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
יָד 1604 n.f. hand
hand
Fig. = strength, power
Fig. = side
יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—
sign, monument
part, fractional part or share
time, repetition
axle-trees
stays, supports for laver
tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
a (beckoning) hand
יַד with prep.
base
H3027 יָד hand . hand
. Fig. = strength, power
. Fig. = side
. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument
. part, fractional part or share
. time, repetition
. axle-trees
. stays, supports for laver
. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
. a (beckoning) hand
. יַד with prep.
3027 yad yawd
a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed
one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of
applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate
and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,
at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,
(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +
creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,
force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,
labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,
ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,
power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,
draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by
them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,
+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,
יָד (yad) — hand.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: power.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffixHNcbsc/Sp2ms
נָחָה (nachah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lead or guide. It can imply bringing someone or something to a destination, governing, or even transporting into exile. The entries indicate its use in both the Qal and Hiphil forms, suggesting a range of meanings related to leadership and guidance.
[נָחָה] vb. lead, guide
Qal lead, bring
Hiph. lead, guide
base
H5148 נָחָה lead, guide
5148 nachah naw-khaw'
a primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport
(into exile, or as colonists):--bestow, bring, govern, guide,
lead (forth), put, straiten.
נָחָה (na.chah) — to lead.
1) to lead, guide
1a) (Qal) to lead, bring
1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff — Verb hiphil imperfect third person feminine singular · suffixHVhi3fs/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word אָחַז (achaz) means to grasp, take hold of, or seize. It has various forms, including Qal (to grasp), Niphal (to be caught), Piel (to enclose), and Hophal (to be fastened). The entries highlight its use in contexts of possession and holding, but do not provide specific verse references.
אָחַז 68 vb. grasp, take hold of, take possession
Qal grasp, take hold of
Niph. be caught
Pi. enclose, overlay
Hoph. fastened
base
H270 אָחַז grasp, take hold of, take possession .grasp, take hold of
. be caught
. enclose, overlay
270 'achaz aw-khaz'
a primitive root; to seize (often with the accessory idea of
holding in possession):--+ be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay,
take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get,
have or take) possess(-ion).
אָחַז (a.chaz) — to grasp.
1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession
1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of
1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled
1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay
1d) (Hophal) fastened
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff — Conjunction · verb qal third person feminine singular · suffixHC/Vqu3fs/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word יָמִין (*yamiyn*) means 'right hand' or 'right side,' and it can also refer to the direction south, as the right hand points south when facing east. It is derived from the root word for 'to be strong' and covers various contexts, including body parts and directional references.
יָמִין 137 n.f. right hand
right hand
of situation on, or direction toward the right
of other parts of the body
= south, because when facing east the right hand is toward the south
base
H3225 יָמִין right hand . right hand
. of situation on, or direction toward the right
. of other parts of the body
. = south, because when facing east the right hand is toward the south
3225 yamiyn yaw-meen'
from 3231; the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or
other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally,
the south:--+ left-handed, right (hand, side), south.
see HEBREW for 03231
יָמִין (ya.min) — right.
1) right, right hand, right side
1a) right hand
1b) right (of direction)
1c) south (the direction of the right hand when facing East)
Also means: ya.min (יָמִין ": south" H3225H)
יָמִין (ya.min) — right: south.
1) right, right hand, right side
1a) right hand
1b) right (of direction)
1c) south (the direction of the right hand when facing East)
יָמִין (ya.min) — [Ben]jamin.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18;
son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354);
brother of: Joseph (H3130);
half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp2ms