King James Version
Psalms 139:5 in the King James Version says “Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 139 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.”
Psalms 139:5 · KJV
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. compassest: or, winnowest
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?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“me behind”
H268the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
“and before”
H6924the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
“Thou hast beset”
H6696to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“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-
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.
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.
Verses related to Psalms 139:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge