Psalm 139 (KJV): Full Text, Meaning & Prayer
Psalm 139 in the King James Version, with a section-by-section meaning, the story behind Psalm 139:14, and a prayer based on this psalm.
Psalm 139 (King James Version)
O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:1-24, King James Version (public domain)
A Prayer Based on Psalm 139
Lord, You know me better than I know myself. You see me when I sit down and when I rise, and not one of my words surprises You.
Thank You that there is nowhere I can go that You are not already there. When I am afraid, remind me that Your hand is holding me. When the night feels long, let me trust that for You, darkness and light are alike.
Thank You for making me with such care. Help me to believe that I am wonderfully made, and to see the same worth in every person I meet.
Search my heart, O God. Show me what needs to change, forgive what I confess, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.
What Psalm 139 Means
Psalm 139 is attributed to David in its title. It is a prayer of wonder at being fully known by God. It moves in four parts.
Verses 1-6: God knows me. The psalmist says God has searched him and knows when he sits and rises, his thoughts, his paths and every word before it is spoken. Instead of fear, he responds with awe: such knowledge is "too wonderful" for him.
Verses 7-12: God is with me everywhere. Heaven, the depths, the far side of the sea, even darkness cannot hide him from God. Wherever he goes, God's hand leads and holds him. It is a psalm of comfort for anyone who feels alone.
Verses 13-18: God made me. God formed him in the womb. This is where the well-loved Psalm 139:14 comes from: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Many Catholics pray this passage for the dignity of every human life.
Verses 19-24: Search me, O God. The psalmist speaks strongly against the wicked, then turns the question on himself and asks God to search his own heart. The closing line, "lead me in the way everlasting," makes a good evening or examination-of-conscience prayer.
When to pray it: when you feel unseen, anxious or far from God; when you need to remember your worth; or at the end of the day before sleep.
Scripture to Pray With
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Psalm 139:14 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Psalm 139:14 mean?
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made" means God formed each person with great care and wonder. Our life and worth begin with God, not with what we achieve.
Who wrote Psalm 139?
The psalm title in the King James Version attributes it to David.
What is Psalm 139 about?
It is about God knowing us fully, being with us everywhere, and making us with care. It ends with a prayer for God to search the heart and lead us in the way everlasting.
Is Psalm 139 good for anxiety or loneliness?
Many people turn to it for that reason. Verses 7 to 12 remind us that we cannot go anywhere that God is not with us.
Last updated 2026-10-23