Psalms 139:15 Meaning and Explanation
“My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God knew the psalmist completely even during his hidden, intricate formation.
The Context of Psalms 139:15
God knew and carefully crafted the psalmist even during hidden formation in the womb.
What Does Psalms 139:15 Mean?
'Made in secret' refers to the hidden place of the womb, where formation occurs unseen. 'Curiously wrought' conveys meticulous, skillful crafting—as one might skillfully craft an ornament or garment. The image is of God as a master craftsman working with precise attention. Despite occurring in secrecy, God's work is known and seen by Him. Nothing about the psalmist's formation, though hidden from others, was hidden from God.
'My substance was not hid from thee, when...in the lowest parts of the earth' uses poetic language suggesting the womb as a deep place, removed from light and visibility. Yet even in this secret, lowest place, the psalmist's substance (his actual being, formed out of matter) was fully known by God. The verse affirms that God's knowledge and creative care extend into the most hidden moments of human development.
Psalms 139:15 in the Original Language
רָקַם (rakam), 'curiously wrought' — embroidered, woven, intricately crafted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 139:15
What does Psalms 139:15 mean?
God knew the psalmist completely even during his hidden, intricate formation.
What is the context of Psalms 139:15?
God knew and carefully crafted the psalmist even during hidden formation in the womb.