Psalms 139:18 net — If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have…

NET Bible

"If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have to contend with you."

— Psalms 139:18, NET Bible

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Psalms 139:18 in Other Translations

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Psalms 139 — Context

15

my bones were not hidden from you, when I was made in secret and sewed together in the depths of the earth.

16

Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.

17

How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God! How vast is their sum total!

18

If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have to contend with you.

19

If only you would kill the wicked, O God! Get away from me, you violent men!

20

They rebel against you and act deceitfully; your enemies lie.

21

O LORD, do I not hate those who hate you, and despise those who oppose you?

Psalms 139:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Psalms 139:18 say?
Psalms 139:18 in the NET Bible reads: “If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have to contend with you.”
Where is Psalms 139:18 in the Bible?
Psalms 139:18 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Psalms, chapter 139, verse 18.
Who wrote Psalms?
Psalms is traditionally attributed to Multiple authors (David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, others). Approximately 73 psalms are attributed to David; others to Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Heman, and Ethan; the remainder are anonymous. It was written c. 1410–430 BC.
What is the book of Psalms about?
The Psalms are the prayer book and hymnal of God's people, gathering a thousand years of inspired song — praise, lament, thanksgiving, confession, and royal and messianic worship. Every emotion of the believing heart finds a voice here, and every voice finds its center in Christ.
What are the major themes of Psalms?
Psalms explores themes including Praise, Lament, Trust, Messiah, Refuge, Kingship. These themes shape the meaning and context of Psalms 139:18.
What translation should I read Psalms 139:18 in?
Psalms 139:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Psalms 139:18?
Psalms 139:18 reads (NET): “If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have to contend with you.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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