Psalm 139:17-18
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It’s easy to read "your thoughts" as just God's ideas, but the Hebrew hints at something deeper: these are God's plans and counsels for us, so valuable and numerous they're beyond our full grasp. David isn't just admiring God's intellect; he's overwhelmed by the sheer volume of God's loving, active engagement with his life.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has been marveling at God's intimate knowledge of him, from his very conception. Now, he shifts from God's knowledge of him to God's thoughts about him, emphasizing their immense value and sheer quantity. This reflection leads to the realization that God's plans and providences for him are countless and far beyond human comprehension.
Ever felt like you're just a tiny speck in a vast universe? The psalmist felt that way too, but from a different angle. He realized just how immense and valuable God's thinking is, especially concerning us.
The psalmist uses the word for 'thoughts' (reeycha) that suggests something scarce or hard to find. This isn't because God's thoughts are hidden from us, but rather that their depth and wisdom are so far beyond our grasp.
Beyond Human Comprehension
Value Beyond Measure
It's one thing to know God made the universe, but it's another to realize His thinking is constantly engaged with you. This verse points to a care that doesn't stop.
The psalmist moves from God's amazing works (creation, our very being) to His ongoing thoughts and plans for us. This isn't a one-time event but a continuous engagement.
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Understand the original words
yāqār · Hebrew Adjective
Hebrew word for 'precious' (yāqār) implies something rare, highly valued, heavy in significance, or costly. In a theological context, it expresses deep awe at the wisdom and divine perspective of God.
rēaʿ · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew term for 'thoughts' (rēaʿ) refers to purposes, intentions, plans, or internal cogitations. When applied to God, it signifies His divine wisdom and sovereign will.
This passage echoes the preciousness of God's thoughts by revealing His specific plans for His people – thoughts of peace and a future, not of disaster.
Romans 11:33The vastness of God's thoughts and judgments, as mentioned in Psalms 139:17, is directly reflected in the unsearchable depth and wisdom of God's plans for salvation and His people.
Ephesians 2:8-9The preciousness of God's thoughts is profoundly seen in salvation by grace through faith, highlighting that His benevolent plans for us are a gift, not earned by our efforts, emphasizing their immense value.
Proverbs 3:5-6Trusting in God's guidance, as implied by the preciousness of His thoughts, is further developed here, showing how acknowledging His ways leads to His direction and favor.
pulpitPsalms 139:17: "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!"
Verse 17. - How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! If God's works are admirable, and, therefore, precious, so still more are his thoughts - those deep counsels of his, which must have preceded all manifestation of himself in act or work. How great is the sum of them! Were they all added together, how immeasurable would be the amount! What a treasure of wisdom and knowledge;
clarkePsalms 139:17: "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!"
How precious also are thy thoughts - רעיך reeycha, thy cogitations; a Chaldaism, as before. How great is the sum of them! - מה עצמו ראשיהם mah atsemu rasheyhem; How strongly rational are the heads or principal subjects of them! But the word may apply to the bones, עצמות atsamoth, the structure and uses of which are most curious and important.
It’s easy to read "your thoughts" as just God's ideas, but the Hebrew hints at something deeper: these are God's plans and counsels for us, so valuable and numerous they're beyond our full grasp. David isn't just admiring God's intellect; he's overwhelmed by the sheer volume of God's loving, active engagement with his life.
The psalmist has been marveling at God's intimate knowledge of him, from his very conception. Now, he shifts from God's knowledge of him to God's thoughts about him, emphasizing their immense value and sheer quantity. This reflection leads to the realization that God's plans and providences for him are countless and far beyond human comprehension.
The psalmist has been marveling at God's intimate knowledge of him, from his very conception. Now, he shifts from God's knowledge of him to God's thoughts about him, emphasizing their immense value and sheer quantity. This reflection leads to the realization that God's plans and providences for him are countless and far beyond human comprehension.
"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you." — It’s easy to read "your thoughts" as just God's ideas, but the Hebrew hints at something deeper: these are God's plans and counsels for us, so valuable and numerous they're beyond our full grasp.…
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Last reviewed October 2026
