Bible Verse

Psalm 139:14

David marvels at God's intimate knowledge of him and His creative work in forming him in the womb.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

— Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

— ESV

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

— KJV

"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Psalm 139 is David's meditation on God's omniscience, omnipresence, and creative power. Verses 13-16 specifically focus on God's craftsmanship in creating each person.

Historical Background

Written by David, possibly reflecting on God's sovereignty in choosing and forming him despite being the youngest son, overlooked by his own family.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"I praise you"

The natural response to recognizing God's creative work is worship. Understanding we're made by God leads to praising God. This isn't self-congratulation but God-exaltation.

"because I am fearfully and wonderfully made"

'Fearfully' (Hebrew: yare) means with reverence, awe—God's work inspires wonder. 'Wonderfully' (palah) means distinguished, set apart, extraordinary. We're not accidents but masterpieces of divine craftsmanship.

"your works are wonderful"

God's creative works—including us—are wonderful (extraordinary, miraculous). Human beings are part of God's wonderful creation. The complexity and design of human life testifies to God's genius.

"I know that full well"

This is settled conviction, not speculation. David knows experientially and intellectually that God's works are wonderful. It's personal knowledge—'my soul knows'—deep, internal certainty about our God-designed nature.

Key Themes

God as CreatorHuman value and dignityFearfully and wonderfully madePraising God for creationIdentity in God

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Thank God for creating you intentionally and uniquely, not as a mistake or accident.

  2. 2

    Combat negative self-image by remembering you're God's wonderful workmanship.

  3. 3

    Treat your body and others' bodies with respect as God's creative masterpieces.

  4. 4

    Find identity in being God's creation rather than in performance or others' opinions.

  5. 5

    Share this truth with those struggling with self-worth or feeling insignificant.

Questions for Reflection

  • Do you see yourself as 'fearfully and wonderfully made,' or do you struggle with self-image?
  • How does knowing God intentionally created you affect your sense of worth?
  • What aspects of God's creative work in you can you praise Him for today?
  • How would treating yourself as God's wonderful work change your self-talk?

Related Scripture

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."

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."

Jeremiah 1:5

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."

Psalm 100:3

"Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."

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