King James Version
What Does Psalms 139:5 Mean?
“Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.”
Psalms 139:5 · KJV
Context
3
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. compassest: or, winnowest
4
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me—The verb tzur (צוּר, 'beset') means to bind, confine, or enclose—like a city under siege. God surrounds David from all temporal directions: behind (past) and before (future). This is not hostile encirclement but protective encompassing. The laying on of God's hand (kaph, כַּף) suggests both authority and blessing, like a hand placed on one's head in commissioning.
David cannot escape into past regrets or future anxieties; God occupies every temporal space. This divine 'besetting' means we cannot outrun our history or our destiny—both are held in God's hand. The very hand that constrains us also guides, protects, and blesses.
David cannot escape into past regrets or future anxieties; God occupies every temporal space. This divine 'besetting' means we cannot outrun our history or our destiny—both are held in God's hand. The very hand that constrains us also guides, protects, and blesses.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The imagery of being 'beset' would resonate deeply with David, who experienced literal siege warfare and also God's protective encirclement during his fugitive years fleeing Saul. This military metaphor transforms into a theological truth: God's sovereignty surrounds us completely.
Reflection Questions
- What 'behind' (past failures or sins) or 'before' (future fears) are you trying to escape from, forgetting that God has already 'beset' those times with His presence?
- How does it feel to be 'confined' by God—is it oppressive restriction or liberating security?
- Where in your life do you need to feel God's hand laid upon you—for guidance, for healing, for commissioning?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsאָח֣וֹר1 of 6
“me behind”
H268the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
וָקֶ֣דֶם2 of 6
“and before”
H6924the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
צַרְתָּ֑נִי3 of 6
“Thou hast beset”
H6696to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
עָלַ֣י5 of 6
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כַּפֶּֽכָה׃6 of 6
“thine hand”
H3709the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
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 139:5 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 139:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge