To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.

PSALMS 139:1KJV
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Psalms 139:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 139:1 mean?

Psalms 139:1 says that the LORD has thoroughly examined and truly knows the writer, David. This verse expresses a deep sense of God’s personal knowledge and understanding of every detail about a person.

David, the king of Israel, is speaking directly to God in this psalm. He is reflecting on how God’s awareness is not distant or general, but close and searching—God knows David inside and out. The verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which explores God’s intimate involvement in every part of a person’s life.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 139:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting God’s covenant relationship with His people. David is addressing God directly and personally.
  • searched (חָקַר, chaqar): This word means to search out, examine, or investigate deeply. It suggests a careful, thorough searching, not just a surface glance.
  • known (יָדַע, yada): This word means to know intimately or personally, not just factual knowledge. It points to a deep, relational understanding.

Why Psalms 139:1 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s knowledge is distant or impersonal; instead, it shows that God knows each person deeply and individually.
  • The verse introduces the main theme of the psalm: God’s complete and personal understanding of every aspect of human life.
  • It helps the reader see that God’s attention is not just on humanity as a whole, but on each individual, including their thoughts, actions, and inner life.

Where else these words appear

“searched” Hebrew H2713 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:14 Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;
  • Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?
  • Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 77:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
  • Psalms 60:1 To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.