139:001

For the Leader. A Psalm of David. O HaShem, Thou hast searched me, and known me.

139:002

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.

139:003

Thou measurest my going about and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

139:004

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O HaShem, Thou knowest it altogether.

139:005

Thou hast hemmed me in behind and before, and laid Thy hand upon me.

139:006

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

139:007

Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?

139:008

If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in the nether-world, behold, Thou art there.

139:009

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

139:010

Even there would Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand would hold me.

139:011

And if I say: 'Surely the darkness shall envelop me, and the light about me shall be night';

139:012

Even the darkness is not too dark for Thee, but the night shineth as the day; the darkness is even as the light.

139:013

For Thou hast made my reins; Thou hast knit me together in my mother's womb.

139:014

I will give thanks unto Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

139:015

My frame was not hidden from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

139:016

Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance, and in Thy book they were all written--even the days that were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

139:017

How weighty also are Thy thoughts unto me, O G-d! How great is the sum of them!

139:018

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.

139:019

If Thou but wouldest slay the wicked, O G-d--depart from me therefore, ye men of blood;

139:020

Who utter Thy name with wicked thought, they take it for falsehood, even Thine enemies--

139:021

Do not I hate them, O HaShem, that hate Thee? And do not I strive with those that rise up against Thee?

139:022

I hate them with utmost hatred; I count them mine enemies.

139:023

Search me, O G-d, and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts;

139:024

And see if there be any way in me that is grievous, and lead me in the way everlasting.