Psalms 139:6

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 139:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “[Such] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

[Such] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Psalms 139:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 139

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6[Such] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“[Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me, etc.] Meaning either the knowledge of himself, such as God had of him, which was vastly superior to what he had of himself; and especially the knowledge of other persons and things, whether visible or invisible, in heaven, earth, or hell; things past, present, and to come; or else the manner in which God knew all this was amazing to him, and quite impenetrable by him; that he did know him, his thoughts, his words and actions, and so those of all others, was easy of belief; but how he should know all this was past his conception, and struck him with the profoundest admiration; it is high; sublime, out of his reach, beyond his comprehension; I cannot…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me - literally, “Wonderful knowledge away from me,” or, more than I can comprehend. It is beyond my reach; it surpasses all my powers to comprehend it. It is high, I cannot attain unto it - It is so exalted that I cannot grasp it; I cannot understand how it can be. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I cannot - Apprehend in what manner thou dost so presently know all things. Psalms 139:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“139:6 The Lord’s wonderful understanding lies beyond the psalmist’s ability to comprehend (see Judg 13:18).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“knowledge: Psa 40:5, Psa 13:1; Job 11:7-9, Job 26:14, Job 42:3; Pro 30:2-4; Rom 11:33 Psalms 139:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification