Psalms 139:11

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 139:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If I say, Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me, And the light about me shall be night;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If I say, Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me, And the light about me shall be night;
Psalms 139:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 139

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11If I say, Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me, And the light about me shall be night;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me, etc.] The darkness of a cloud or of the night, so that my actions shall not be seen; that is, if I entertain such a thought in my mind, that what I do in the dark will escape the sight and knowledge of God, and so be emboldened to commit it; even the night shall be light about me; and make all my works manifest, as light does.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me - If I seek to find refuge in the darkness of the night so that God would not see me. The word rendered “cover” - שׁוף shûph - means properly to snap, to gape after; then, to lie in wait for; and then, to attack, or fall upon anyone, unexpectedly. It is rendered “bruise” (twice) in Genesis 3:15, “He shall “bruise” thy head, and thou shalt “bruise” his heel;” “breaketh” in Job 9:17, “He “breaketh” me with a tempest;” and in this place “cover.” It does not occur elsewhere. Here it means to fall upon; to overpower; to cover. The idea is, If it should come suddenly upon me; if I should be involved in sudden darkness - “as if” the darkness should come…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Surely: Psa 10:11-13, Psa 94:7; Job 22:12-14; Isa 29:15; Jer 23:24 even the night: Job 12:22 Psalms 139:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification