Meaning of Psalms 139:14

This verse, Psalm 139:14, expresses a profound declaration of awe and gratitude towards God for the intricate and purposeful design of human life. The psalmist, David, is not merely acknowledging his own existence but is praising the Creator for the marvelous and complex way in which he was formed. The Hebrew word translated as "fearfully" (yare'), can also convey "awe-inspiring" or "reverent," suggesting that the creation of man is so extraordinary that it evokes a sense of holy dread or wonder. Similarly, "wonderfully" (pala') signifies something miraculous, beyond ordinary comprehension. Therefore, David is stating that his very being is a testament to God's astonishing and magnificent craftsmanship, a truth he fully apprehends.

Context and Background

Psalm 139 is a psalm of David that explores the omnipresence and omniscience of God. It begins with reflections on God's knowledge of David's comings and goings, thoughts, and words (v. 1-6). It then moves to God's inescapable presence, whether in the highest heavens or the deepest depths (v. 7-12). The section from verse 13 onwards focuses specifically on God's intimate involvement in the formation of the individual, leading to the declaration in verse 14. This passage arises from a deep contemplation of God's attributes as revealed in the personal experience of creation.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Providence and Intention: The verse asserts that human life is not accidental but is intentionally and skillfully designed by God. Every aspect of our being is a product of His deliberate work.
• Awe and Wonder: The language used emphasizes the miraculous nature of creation, prompting a response of awe and reverence towards the Creator.
• Personal Recognition of God's Work: The psalmist claims to "know that full well," indicating a personal and deeply held conviction about God's creative power.
• Praise as a Response to Creation: The verse is a direct expression of praise, linking the understanding of one's own creation to an act of worship.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has immense spiritual significance, encouraging believers to view themselves not as random occurrences but as divinely crafted individuals. It fosters a healthy self-esteem rooted in God's artistry, countering feelings of worthlessness or insignificance. Recognizing that God meticulously designed us can lead to a deeper appreciation of our unique gifts and purpose. It calls for gratitude for the complexity of our bodies, minds, and spirits, acknowledging them as products of divine wisdom. This understanding can also inform our view of others, recognizing them as equally fearfully and wonderfully made by the same Creator.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Psalm 139:14 aligns with the creation accounts in Genesis, where God declares His creation "good" (Genesis 1:25, 31). It also resonates with passages that speak of God's sovereign knowledge and predestination, such as Jeremiah 1:5 ("Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart") and Ephesians 2:10 ("For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do"). The concept of divine craftsmanship is a recurring motif, underscoring God's active and personal involvement in His creation, culminating in the redemption offered through Christ.

Analogies

One analogy for this verse is that of a master artisan creating a complex and beautiful tapestry. Every thread, every color, every stitch is intentionally placed to create a magnificent whole. The artisan's skill and foresight are evident in every detail, and the finished product is worthy of admiration. Similarly, God, the Master Artisan, has intricately woven together the elements of our being, making each person a unique and wondrous creation. Another analogy is that of a skilled composer writing a symphony; every note, every instrument, every melody is carefully orchestrated to produce a harmonious and moving piece of music. Our lives are like such a symphony, composed by God.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 1:27: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This verse underscores the dignity and special status of humanity as reflecting God's own nature, a concept inherent in being "fearfully and wonderfully made."
• Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." This highlights God's foreknowledge and purposeful design from the very inception of life, reinforcing the idea of intentional creation.
• Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." The Greek word for "handiwork" (poiema) is the same root as "poem," suggesting that believers are God's masterpiece, intricately designed for a specific purpose.
• Job 10:8-12: Job also contemplates his creation, saying, "Your hands fashioned me and made me altogether; but now you, in my dismay, turn and destroy me. Remember that you molded me like clay. Will you now turn me back into dust? Did you not pour me like milk and curdle me like cheese, clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? You gave me life and showed me your love, and in your care you preserved my life." This passage, though from a place of suffering, also reflects on the intricate formation of the body by God.