What does Psalms 139:14 mean?

Explanation

Psalm 139:14 expresses a moment of worship and awe towards God from the psalmist, likely David, for the wondrous way humans are created.

The verse is one of profound gratitude and recognition of the complexity and mystery of life. When the psalmist says "I will praise thee," there is a decision to worship God intentionally.

The words "fearfully and wonderfully made" suggest that human beings are created with reverence, care, and intricate detail. The "fearfully" aspect implies a mixture of awe and respect for the divine craftsmanship involved, while "wonderfully" indicates something extraordinary and exceptional.

The phrase "marvellous are thy works" reaffirms the psalmist's admiration for God's creation.

"And that my soul knoweth right well" suggests an inward acknowledgment and understanding of God's masterful creation, beyond just intellectual assent.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Psalm 139, which is attributed to David and is a part of the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible.

It is a hymn that ponders the omniscience and omnipresence of God.

The cultural context of this Psalm is the religious setting of ancient Israel, where worship, personal relationship with God, and acknowledgment of God's actions in the world were central.

The period when this Psalm was written (possibly around 1000 BCE) was a time when there was a strong emphasis on the importance of individual relationship with God in Hebrew culture.

Theological Insights

There are several theological insights we can draw from Psalm 139:14.

Firstly, it emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth that comes from being fashioned by God.

The idea that humans are "fearfully and wonderfully made" supports the concept of Imago Dei, the belief that human beings are made in the image of God.

This verse also highlights the idea of God's intimate involvement in the creation of each person, which implies a personal relationship between the Creator and the individual. For some theologians, this instills a sense of purpose and destiny within each person's life.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Psalm 139:14 can be a source of comfort and self-worth.

When feeling inadequate or insignificant, one can remember they are "fearfully and wonderfully made" by God.

It can encourage individuals to value themselves and others, understanding that every person is a marvelous work created by God.

This perspective can foster respect for human life and promote a culture of life affirmation.

In moments of self-doubt or when faced with societal standards of beauty and success, Psalm 139:14 can be a reminder of one's intrinsic value and uniqueness.

Cross-References

• Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
• Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
• Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

Language Study

Key Hebrew words in this verse and their meanings are:

• Fearfully ("yare"): This term often means to fear, but in this context, it conveys the sense of awe or reverence one would have toward God’s work.
• Wonderfully ("pala"): Meaning to be distinct, extraordinary, or marvelous. It is often used to describe actions that only God can perform.
• Made ("asah"): This term for "made" often refers to the act of creation, making, or doing. It reinforces the concept that humans are a creative work of God.

These keywords are central to understanding the psalmist’s sense of wonder and reverence for the craftsmanship of God in creating human beings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse from Psalms has parallels in various other cultures and religions that also express in their own ways the marvel and sanctity of human creation.

For example, in Greek mythology, Prometheus is credited with creating humans from clay, which is looked upon with extraordinary significance.

In Hinduism, the divine essence is believed to be present within all beings, which resonates with the idea of being wonderfully made.

However, Psalm 139:14 specifically elevates the Jewish monotheistic view of a personal God who intricately designs each individual.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the sense of wonder at human creation can be appreciated in the light of our understanding of human biology. The complexities of DNA, the brain, and the human body carry a sense of awe that can resonate with the "fearfully and wonderfully made" aspect of the verse.

While science does not necessarily ascribe this to a divine craftsman, the intricacies of human development from conception to birth align with the psalmist’s sense of wonder and marvel.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Psalm 139:14 often focus on the theme of divine involvement and craftsmanship in human creation.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the care with which God made us, stating that our bodies are "curiously wrought" and "the products of divine skill." The Expositor's Bible Commentary speaks of the intimacy of relationship, where God's knowledge and care extend to even the most detailed aspects of our being.

Many commentators echo the psalmist's sense of praise and gratitude for the marvel of human life and the divine image inherent in each person.