Psalms 139:8 Meaning and Explanation
“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Whether in heaven or the depths, God is present everywhere.
The Context of Psalms 139:8
The psalmist illustrates God's omnipresence by naming the highest and lowest realms.
What Does Psalms 139:8 Mean?
Heaven and hell represent the extremes of the cosmos—the highest and lowest realms. If someone were to ascend to heaven itself, they would find God already there. If they descended to hell (Sheol, the place of the dead), God would also be present. These two scenarios cover the full vertical span of existence, declaring that no extreme location places one beyond God's presence.
The phrase 'make my bed' in hell is particularly striking—it suggests settling or dwelling there, perhaps in deliberate rebellion or despair. Yet even in choosing to dwell in the darkest place imaginable, one cannot be separated from God's presence. The repetition 'thou art there' emphasizes the certainty and universality of God's omnipresence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 139:8
What does Psalms 139:8 mean?
Whether in heaven or the depths, God is present everywhere.
What is the context of Psalms 139:8?
The psalmist illustrates God's omnipresence by naming the highest and lowest realms.