King James Version

What Does Psalms 139:15 Mean?

Psalms 139:15 in the King James Version says “My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. s...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 139 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. substance: or, strength, or, body”

Psalms 139:15 · KJV

Strength

Context

13

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. right: Heb. greatly

15

My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. substance: or, strength, or, body

16

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. all: Heb. all of them which: or, what days they should be fashioned

17

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Substance (עֹצֶם, otsem) means bone, frame, or essence—the structural foundation of personhood. Made in secret (בַּסֵּתֶר, ba-sether) describes the hidden, mysterious process of gestation. Curiously wrought (רָקַם, raqam) is an embroiderer's term: variegated, intricately woven with colors—depicting the complexity of human development.

The lowest parts of the earth is poetic imagery comparing the womb's darkness to the depths of creation, echoing God's forming Adam from dust (Genesis 2:7). Though embryonic development is hidden from human eyes, nothing is concealed from God's gaze. This verse celebrates both the hiddenness and the divine visibility of prenatal life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Without modern embryology, David used poetic metaphor to describe prenatal development. The image of being 'wrought' in earth's depths may reflect ancient understanding of the womb as connected to creation's primal elements. Job 10:8-11 similarly describes God's intricate creative work in utero.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's intimate knowledge of your 'secret' formation reveal about what He knows of your hidden struggles and inner life today?
  2. How does the 'embroidered' complexity of human design point to intentional divine purpose rather than random chance?
  3. In what ways are you still being 'curiously wrought' by God through sanctification?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
לֹא1 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִכְחַ֥ד2 of 10

“was not hid”

H3582

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

עָצְמִ֗י3 of 10

“My substance”

H6108

power; hence, body

מִ֫מֶּ֥ךָּ4 of 10
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אֲשֶׁר5 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֻשֵּׂ֥יתִי6 of 10

“from thee when I was made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַסֵּ֑תֶר7 of 10

“in secret”

H5643

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)

רֻ֝קַּ֗מְתִּי8 of 10

“and curiously wrought”

H7551

to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate

בְּֽתַחְתִּיּ֥וֹת9 of 10

“in the lowest parts”

H8482

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

אָֽרֶץ׃10 of 10

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 139:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 139:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 11:5Psalms 139:13Job 10:8-11Psalms 63:9

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