Why read Psalm 139?
Read Psalm 139 when injustice, violence or deceitful words lead you to seek protection. It brings danger before God and ends by affirming His care for the poor and those who suffer injustice.
You can read this psalm when its themes speak to your circumstances, or as part of your regular reading of the Psalter. This explanation draws on the text itself; the psalm is not reserved for one particular need.
In the Nineteenth Kathisma of the Psalter, Psalm 139 awaits its reader with 13 verses of prayer rising out of a real experience. It begins with "Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man..." — and from there on, everything is dialogue between man and God.
The text of Psalm 139
1. Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man, and rescue me from the unjust man,
2. Who have devised injustice in their heart; all the day long they have warred against me.
3. They have sharpened their tongue like that of a serpent; the venom of asps is under their lips.
4. Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the sinner; rescue me from unjust men, who have purposed to overthrow my steps.
5. The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set stumbling-stones for me.
6. I said unto the Lord: "Thou art my God; give ear, O Lord, unto the voice of my supplication".
7. O Lord, O Lord, the strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8. Give me not over, O Lord, to the desire of the sinner; they have plotted against me; forsake me not, lest they be exalted.
9. As for the chief of them that compass me about, the labour of their lips shall cover them.
10. Let burning coals fall upon them; cast them down into the fire, into misfortunes which they shall not be able to bear.
11. A man full of tongue shall not be established in the earth; evil shall hunt the unjust man unto overthrow.
12. I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor;
13. But the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name, and the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.
When Psalm 139 is read
- It belongs to the Nineteenth Kathisma; it may be read daily, together with the prayer rule (see the morning and the evening prayers).
- At the end of each psalm, the tradition adds: "Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen."
Neighbouring psalms
The numbering follows the Orthodox Psalter (Septuagint). The same psalm may have a different number in other Bible editions.
