CINXE.COM
Psalm 139:18 If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.
<!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 139:18 If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/139-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/19_Psa_139_018.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 139:18 - You Have Searched Me and Known Me" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You." /><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/139-18.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/139-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/139-17.htm" title="Psalm 139:17">◄</a> Psalm 139:18 <a href="/psalms/139-19.htm" title="Psalm 139:19">►</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 />Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/139.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/139.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/139.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/139.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>If</i> I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/139.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>If</i> I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/139.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/139.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/139.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with Thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/139.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/139.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/139.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/139.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with You. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/139.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/139.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/139.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/139.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If I try to count them, there would be more of them than there are grains of sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/139.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If I counted them, they would be more than the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/139.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Were I to count them, they would number more than the sand. When I awake, I will be with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/139.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/139.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have to contend with you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/139.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/139.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/139.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I wake up, I am still with you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/139.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I recount them! They are more than the sand, "" I have awoken, and I am still with You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/139.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I recount them! than the sand they are more, I have waked, and I am still with Thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/139.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I will count them; they shall be multiplied above the sand of the sea: I awoke, and I am yet with thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/139.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I will number them, and they shall be multiplied above the sand: I rose up and am still with thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/139.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 138:18>I will number them, and they will be more numerous than the sand. I rose up, and I am still with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/139.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sands; when I complete them, still you are with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/139.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/139.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If I should count the best of them, they are more in number than the grains of sand; when I awake I am still with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/139.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I shall count them and they will be multiplied more than the sand; I awoke and again I am with you!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/139.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand; Were I to come to the end of them, I would still be with Thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/139.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I will number them, and they shall be multiplied beyond the sand; I awake, and am still with thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/139-18.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=17344" 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">17</span>How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum! <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5608.htm" title="5608: ’es·pə·rêm (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To count, recount, relate. ">If I were to count them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: yir·būn (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">they would outnumber</a> <a href="/hebrew/2344.htm" title="2344: mê·ḥō·wl (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Sand. From chuwl; sand.">the grains of sand;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6974.htm" title="6974: hĕ·qî·ṣō·ṯî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- Arise, be awake, watch. A primitive root (compare yaqats); to awake.">and when I awake,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: wə·‘ō·w·ḏî (Conj-w:: Adv:: 1cs) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">I am still</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·māḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with You.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>O God, that You would slay the wicked—away from me, you bloodthirsty men—…<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="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Jeremiah 29:11</a></span><br />For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10</a></span><br />Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a></span><br />In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-9.htm">1 Corinthians 2:9</a></span><br />Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-6.htm">Philippians 1:6</a></span><br />being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.<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="/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="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Isaiah 40:28</a></span><br />Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-9.htm">Job 5:9</a></span><br />the One who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Psalm 40:5</a></span><br />Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us—none can compare to You—if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-5.htm">Psalm 92:5</a></span><br />How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with you.</p><p class="hdg">they are more</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12</a></b></br> For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.</p><p class="hdg">when I awake</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/139-3.htm">Psalm 139:3</a></b></br> Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted <i>with</i> all my ways.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-5.htm">Psalm 3:5</a></b></br> I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/16-8.htm">Psalm 16:8-11</a></b></br> I have set the LORD always before me: because <i>he is</i> at my right hand, I shall not be moved… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/130-2.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/psalms/119-119.htm">Count</a> <a href="/psalms/135-13.htm">End</a> <a href="/job/29-18.htm">Grains</a> <a href="/psalms/119-13.htm">Recount</a> <a href="/psalms/102-6.htm">Sand</a> <a href="/psalms/108-2.htm">Wake</a> <a href="/psalms/3-5.htm">Waked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/6-22.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/psalms/139-22.htm">Count</a> <a href="/psalms/143-12.htm">End</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-19.htm">Grains</a> <a href="/psalms/145-6.htm">Recount</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Sand</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-35.htm">Wake</a> <a href="/songs/5-2.htm">Waked</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>If I were to count them,</b><br>This phrase reflects the psalmist's attempt to quantify the innumerable thoughts and blessings of God. It echoes the biblical theme of God's infinite wisdom and knowledge, as seen in passages like <a href="/job/5-9.htm">Job 5:9</a> and <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a>. The act of counting suggests a deep engagement with God's creation and His works, emphasizing the vastness of God's presence and actions in the world.<p><b>they would outnumber the grains of sand;</b><br>The imagery of grains of sand is a common biblical metaphor for something immeasurable and vast, as seen in <a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17</a>, where God promises Abraham descendants as numerous as the sand on the seashore. This comparison highlights the boundless nature of God's thoughts and plans, suggesting that they are beyond human comprehension and more numerous than anything we can imagine.<p><b>and when I awake,</b><br>This phrase can be understood both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it suggests the psalmist's awareness of God's presence upon waking each day. Metaphorically, it can represent spiritual awakening or enlightenment, aligning with themes of renewal and resurrection found in passages like <a href="/ephesians/5-14.htm">Ephesians 5:14</a>. It underscores the continuity of God's presence in both the conscious and subconscious states.<p><b>I am still with You.</b><br>This final phrase affirms the enduring relationship between the psalmist and God. It suggests a sense of security and constancy, reminiscent of God's promise in <a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a> to never leave nor forsake His people. It also reflects the intimate relationship believers have with God through Christ, as seen in <a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4</a>, where Jesus speaks of abiding in Him. This assurance of God's perpetual presence provides comfort and strength to the faithful.<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>, King David, is expressing his awe at God's omnipresence and omniscience.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this Psalm, God is depicted as all-knowing and ever-present, intimately involved in the life of the believer.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist's_reflection.htm">The Psalmist's Reflection</a></b><br>This event is a moment of personal reflection and worship, where the psalmist contemplates the vastness of God's thoughts and presence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_infinite_thoughts.htm">God's Infinite Thoughts</a></b><br>God's thoughts toward us are innumerable, reflecting His infinite wisdom and care. This should encourage us to trust in His plans and purposes for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_god's_presence.htm">Awareness of God's Presence</a></b><br>The psalmist's realization that "when I awake, I am still with You" highlights the constant presence of God. We should cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, knowing He is always with us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_reflection.htm">Value of Reflection</a></b><br>Taking time to reflect on God's attributes, as David does, can deepen our relationship with Him. Regular meditation on Scripture can help us appreciate God's vastness and personal care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/comfort_in_god's_omniscience.htm">Comfort in God's Omniscience</a></b><br>Knowing that God is fully aware of every detail of our lives can bring comfort and peace, especially in times of uncertainty or distress.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_seek_god.htm">Encouragement to Seek God</a></b><br>The vastness of God's thoughts should encourage us to seek Him more earnestly, knowing that there is always more to learn and understand about His nature and will.<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/how_do_psalm_139_19-22_and_love_align.htm">Psalm 139:19-22: How do these verses endorsing hatred for the wicked align with other passages in the Bible that command love for one's enemies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god_'near'_despite_doubts.htm">(Psalm 145:18) How can one verify that God is 'near to all who call on him' given the countless unanswered prayers or spiritual doubts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_psalm_56_8_be_literal_scientifically.htm">Can Psalm 56:8, which implies God counts each tear, be taken literally without clashing with scientific understanding of human sorrow?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_disasters_occur_if_god_is_awake.htm">Psalm 121:4 - If God 'never slumbers nor sleeps,' why do disasters and injustices seemingly go unchecked?</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>(18) <span class= "bld">If I should </span>. . .--The original is more expressive:--<p>"Let me count them--more than the sand they are many:<p>I have awaked--and still with thee."<p>With the countless mysteries of creation and providence the poet is so occupied, that they are his first waking thought; or, perhaps, as the Hebrew suggests, his dreams are continued into his early thoughts.<p>"Is not the vision He? tho' He be not that which He seems?<p>Dreams are true while they last; and do we not live in dreams?"<p>TENNYSON: <span class= "ital">Higher Pantheism.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/139.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Psalm 40:5</a>, "Thy thoughts which are to usward cannot be reckoned up"). <span class="cmt_word">When I awake, I am still with thee.</span> I meditate on thee, both sleeping and waking, nor ever find the subject of my thought exhausted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/139-18.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">[If] I were to count them,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֭סְפְּרֵם</span> <span class="translit">(’es·pə·rêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5608.htm">Strong's 5608: </a> </span><span class="str2">To count, recount, relate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they would outnumber</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְבּ֑וּן</span> <span class="translit">(yir·būn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the grains of sand;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵח֣וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2344.htm">Strong's 2344: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when I awake,</span><br /><span class="heb">הֱ֝קִיצֹ֗תִי</span> <span class="translit">(hĕ·qî·ṣō·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6974.htm">Strong's 6974: </a> </span><span class="str2">Arise, be awake, watch </span><br /><br /><span class="word">I am still</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעוֹדִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ō·w·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with You.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמָּֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·māḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/139-18.htm">Psalm 139:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/139-18.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 139:18 If I would count them they (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/139-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 139:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 139:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/139-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 139:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 139:19" /></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>