King James Version

What Does Psalms 139:6 Mean?

Psalms 139:6 in the King James Version says “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 139 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”

Psalms 139:6 · KJV

Context

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?

8

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it—The adjective pele (פֶּלֶא, 'wonderful') denotes what is extraordinary, surpassing, miraculous—used of God's mighty works (Exodus 15:11). Divine omniscience isn't just comprehensive but qualitatively different from human knowledge. It is high (sagab, שָׂגַב)—exalted, inaccessible, beyond reach. David doesn't mean he cannot comprehend God's knowledge intellectually (though that's true); he means he cannot attain it experientially or possess it.

This is the proper posture before mystery: wonder rather than mastery. The finite cannot contain the infinite. God's knowledge humbles us not to despair but to worship. We don't need to know everything God knows; we need to trust the One who does.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom literature frequently acknowledged the limits of human understanding compared to divine wisdom (Job 28:12-28; Proverbs 25:2). David, despite being a king with considerable power and knowledge, here models intellectual humility before the incomprehensible God—a corrective to human pride.

Reflection Questions

  1. What aspects of God's knowledge do you struggle to accept because you cannot 'attain' them or understand them fully?
  2. How does acknowledging that God's knowledge is 'too wonderful' for you change your posture from trying to figure everything out to trusting Him?
  3. Are there mysteries in your life that God knows completely while you only see in part—and can you rest in His higher knowledge?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
פְּלִ֣איָֽה1 of 7

“is too wonderful”

H6383

remarkable

דַ֣עַת2 of 7

“Such knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

מִמֶּ֑נִּי3 of 7
H4480

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

נִ֝שְׂגְּבָ֗ה4 of 7

“for me it is high”

H7682

to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively

לֹא5 of 7
H3808

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

א֥וּכַֽל6 of 7

“I cannot”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לָֽהּ׃7 of 7
H0

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 139:6 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 139:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 11:33Job 42:3Job 11:7-9Psalms 40:5Job 26:14Proverbs 30:2-4

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