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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 139:3 You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/139-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/19_Psa_139_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 139:3 - You Have Searched Me and Known Me" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/139-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/139-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/139.htm">Chapter 139</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/139-2.htm" title="Psalm 139:2">◄</a> Psalm 139:3 <a href="/psalms/139-4.htm" title="Psalm 139:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/139.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/139.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/139.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/139.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/139.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/139.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted <i>with</i> all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/139.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/139.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/139.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/139.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, And art intimately acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/139.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/139.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/139.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You observe my travels and my rest; you are aware of all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/139.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/139.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/139.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/139.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/139.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You watch me when I travel and when I rest. You are familiar with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/139.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/139.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You scrutinize my life and my rest; you are familiar with all of my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/139.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/139.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest; you are aware of everything I do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/139.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/139.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/139.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/139.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You have fanned my path and my lying down, "" And have been acquainted [with] all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/139.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> My path and my couch Thou hast fanned, And with all my ways hast been acquainted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/139.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou didst sift my way and my lying down, and thou knewest all my ways.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/139.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off: my path and my line thou hast searched out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/139.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 138:3>You have understood my thoughts from afar. My path and my fate, you have investigated.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/139.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You sift through my travels and my rest; with all my ways you are familiar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/139.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/139.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thou knowest my way and my paths, and art acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/139.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You know my way and my steps and you have investigated all my ways.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/139.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou measurest my going about and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/139.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou hast traced my path and my bed, and hast foreseen all my ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/139-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=17231" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/139.htm">You Have Searched Me and Known Me</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2219.htm" title="2219: zê·rî·ṯā (V-Piel-Perf-2ms) -- To scatter, fan, winnow. A primitive root; to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow.">You search out</a> <a href="/hebrew/732.htm" title="732: ’ā·rə·ḥî (V-Qal-Inf:: 1cs) -- To wander, journey, go. A primitive root; to travel.">my path</a> <a href="/hebrew/7252.htm" title="7252: wə·riḇ·‘î (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Inf:: 1cs) -- Prostration. From raba'; prostration.">and my lying down;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5532.htm" title="5532: his·kan·tāh (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary.">You are aware</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: də·rā·ḵay (N-cpc:: 1cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">my ways.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm">Proverbs 5:21</a></span><br />For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-4.htm">Job 31:4</a></span><br />Does He not see my ways and count my every step?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-24.htm">Jeremiah 23:24</a></span><br />“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a></span><br />Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Proverbs 15:3</a></span><br />The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-21.htm">Job 34:21</a></span><br />For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-30.htm">Matthew 10:30</a></span><br />And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20</a></span><br />Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-27.htm">Isaiah 40:27</a></span><br />Why do you say, O Jacob, and why do you assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my claim is ignored by my God”?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-27.htm">Acts 17:27-28</a></span><br />God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. / ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Romans 8:27</a></span><br />And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a></span><br />Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-7.htm">Luke 12:7</a></span><br />And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/16-17.htm">Jeremiah 16:17</a></span><br />For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You compass my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.</p><p class="hdg">compassest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-26.htm">Job 13:26,27</a></b></br> For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/14-16.htm">Job 14:16,17</a></b></br> For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-4.htm">Job 31:4</a></b></br> Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?</p><p class="hdg">my path</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18</a></b></br> <i>If</i> I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/121-3.htm">Psalm 121:3-8</a></b></br> He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/28-10.htm">Genesis 28:10-17</a></b></br> And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran… </p><p class="hdg">and art acquainted</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/12-9.htm">2 Samuel 12:9-12</a></b></br> Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife <i>to be</i> thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20,21</a></b></br> And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:14</a></b></br> For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether <i>it be</i> good, or whether <i>it be</i> evil.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/24-13.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/psalms/8-5.htm">Compassest</a> <a href="/psalms/132-3.htm">Couch</a> <a href="/psalms/103-16.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/psalms/88-8.htm">Familiar</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-2.htm">Fanned</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">Intimately</a> <a href="/psalms/120-2.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/psalms/119-128.htm">Path</a> <a href="/galatians/6-4.htm">Scrutinize</a> <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Search</a> <a href="/job/10-6.htm">Searchest</a> <a href="/psalms/132-4.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/psalms/119-133.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/psalms/130-6.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/psalms/138-5.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/psalms/8-5.htm">Compassest</a> <a href="/psalms/139-8.htm">Couch</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Familiar</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-2.htm">Fanned</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-10.htm">Intimately</a> <a href="/psalms/144-8.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/psalms/140-5.htm">Path</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-3.htm">Scrutinize</a> <a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">Search</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm">Searchest</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-24.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/psalms/140-4.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/psalms/141-3.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/psalms/144-15.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 139</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">David praises God for his all-seeing providence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/139-17.htm">And for this infinite mercies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/139-19.htm">He defies the wicked</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">He prays for sincerity</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/139.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/139.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You search out my path</b><br>This phrase highlights God's omniscience and intimate involvement in the lives of His people. The term "search out" suggests a thorough examination, indicating that God is actively engaged in understanding the direction and choices of an individual's life. In biblical context, this reflects the belief that God is not distant but is closely monitoring and guiding the paths of the faithful. This idea is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, where believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord for direction. The imagery of a path is often used in Scripture to symbolize one's journey through life, with God as the guide, as seen in <a href="/psalms/23-3.htm">Psalm 23:3</a>, where He leads in paths of righteousness.<p><b>and my lying down;</b><br>This part of the verse emphasizes God's awareness of even the most mundane and restful aspects of life. "Lying down" can be understood as a metaphor for rest and vulnerability, suggesting that God is present and protective even in times of inactivity or sleep. This reflects the cultural understanding of God as a shepherd, as seen in <a href="/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2</a>, where He makes His people lie down in green pastures, providing safety and peace. The mention of lying down also connects to the idea of God's constant vigilance, as seen in <a href="/psalms/121-4.htm">Psalm 121:4</a>, where it is stated that He neither slumbers nor sleeps.<p><b>You are aware of all my ways.</b><br>This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of God's knowledge. "All my ways" indicates that there is nothing hidden from God, encompassing every action, thought, and intention. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's omnipresence and omniscience, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a>, where nothing in creation is hidden from His sight. The historical context of this understanding can be traced back to the ancient Near Eastern belief in deities who were aware of human affairs, but the God of Israel is unique in His personal and relational knowledge of His people. This also points to the prophetic nature of God's knowledge, as He is aware of the future paths and decisions of individuals, aligning with the prophecy in <a href="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Jeremiah 29:11</a>, where God knows the plans He has for His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/139.htm">Psalm 139</a>, traditionally believed to be King David, who is expressing his awe at God's intimate knowledge of him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this Psalm, depicted as omniscient and omnipresent, intimately involved in the details of David's life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/path_and_lying_down.htm">Path and Lying Down</a></b><br>Metaphors for the daily activities and rest of a person, symbolizing the entirety of one's life journey and moments of vulnerability.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_omniscience.htm">God's Omniscience</a></b><br>Recognize that God knows every detail of our lives, including our actions and thoughts. This should lead to a life of integrity and transparency before Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance.htm">Divine Guidance</a></b><br>Trust in God's guidance, as He is aware of our paths and can lead us in the right direction. Seek His wisdom in decision-making.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/comfort_in_god's_presence.htm">Comfort in God's Presence</a></b><br>Find comfort in knowing that God is always with us, aware of our struggles and rest. This should encourage us to rely on Him in times of need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a></b><br>Live with the awareness that our ways are known to God, which should inspire us to live righteously and avoid sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rest_in_god's_care.htm">Rest in God's Care</a></b><br>Embrace the peace that comes from knowing God watches over us, even in our most vulnerable moments, such as when we lie down to rest.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_139.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 139</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_psalm_23.htm">What is the meaning of Psalm 23?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_care_about_my_well-being.htm">Does God care about my well-being?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_unfair_only_christians_enter_heaven.htm">Isn't it unfair that Christianity says only Christians go to Heaven?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_repent_if_he's_omniscient.htm">Why does the Bible teach that God 'repents' (Genesis 6:6, Exodus 32:14) if He is omniscient and never makes mistakes?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/139.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Compassest.</span>--There is some obscurity about this word. The Hebrew verb means first <span class= "ital">to scatter, </span>and is used of throwing corn about to winnow it (<a href="/isaiah/30-24.htm" title="The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.">Isaiah 30:24</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/4-11.htm" title="At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,">Jeremiah 4:11</a>; <a href="/ruth/3-2.htm" title="And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he winnows barley to night in the threshing floor.">Ruth 3:2</a>). Hence by an easy metaphor it may mean <span class= "ital">to sift </span>or <span class= "ital">search out. </span>The LXX. and Theodotion, followed by the Vulg., have <span class= "ital">traced, investigated. </span>Jerome has <span class= "ital">winnowed. </span>The Authorised Version rendering appears to come from a mistaken etymology.<p>A most plausible suggestion connects the verb with <span class= "ital">z-r, to lodge, </span>which makes a perfect parallelism with the verb <span class= "ital">to dwell, </span>in the next clause. Literally,<p>About my path and bed thou art a guest,<p>In all my ways thou dwellest;<p><span class= "ital">i.e., </span>art as familiar with all my life as one inhabiting the same house could be.<p><span class= "bld">My path.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">my going.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/139.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou compassest</span> (rather, <span class="accented">siftest</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>my path and my lying down</span>; literally, my <span class="accented">path and my</span> couch - the time of my activity and the time of my rest. <span class="cmt_word">And art acquainted with all my ways</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/119-168.htm">Psalm 119:168</a>, "All my ways are before thee"). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/139-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You search out</span><br /><span class="heb">זֵרִ֑יתָ</span> <span class="translit">(zê·rî·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2219.htm">Strong's 2219: </a> </span><span class="str2">To toss about, to diffuse, winnow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my path</span><br /><span class="heb">אָרְחִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·rə·ḥî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_734.htm">Strong's 734: </a> </span><span class="str2">A well-trodden road, a caravan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and my lying down;</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרִבְעִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·riḇ·‘î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7252.htm">Strong's 7252: </a> </span><span class="str2">Prostration</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You are aware</span><br /><span class="heb">הִסְכַּֽנְתָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(his·kan·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5532.htm">Strong's 5532: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be familiar with, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of all</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my ways.</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּרָכַ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(də·rā·ḵay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/139-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 139:3 You search out my path and my (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/139-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 139:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 139:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/139-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 139:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 139:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>