Old Testament
Psalms 139:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Compare translations
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
What Psalms 139:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist reflects on the vastness of God's thoughts and presence in their life. The comparison to the sand emphasizes that God's thoughts are countless and beyond human comprehension. The phrase 'when I awake, I am still with you' suggests a continuous relationship with God, indicating that even in sleep, the psalmist feels God's presence. This highlights the idea that God is always with us, providing comfort and assurance. The imagery of sand also evokes the idea of God's blessings and care, which are abundant and ever-present. The psalmist acknowledges that no matter where they are or what they do, God's thoughts and love surround them, reinforcing the intimate connection between the believer and God. This verse encourages believers to recognize and appreciate the constant companionship of God in their lives, reminding them that they are never alone, even in their most vulnerable moments.
How to apply Psalms 139:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God is always with us, even in our quiet moments. We can find comfort in knowing that His thoughts about us are countless. In our daily lives, we should seek to cultivate awareness of His presence, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 139:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 139:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 139:18 mean?
Psalms 139:18 expresses the idea that God's thoughts about us are innumerable, likening them to the countless grains of sand. It emphasizes God's constant presence in our lives, suggesting that even when we are asleep, we remain in His care.
What is the meaning of 'when I awake, I am still with you' in Psalms 139:18?
The phrase 'when I awake, I am still with you' indicates that God's presence is continuous and unwavering. It reassures believers that they are never alone, as God is always with them, even during their most vulnerable moments.
How does Psalms 139:18 relate to God's omnipresence?
Psalms 139:18 illustrates God's omnipresence by affirming that His thoughts and presence are always with us, no matter where we are or what we do. This verse reinforces the belief that God is intimately involved in our lives.
What themes are present in Psalms 139:18?
Key themes in Psalms 139:18 include God's omnipresence, the abundance of His blessings, intimacy with God, and the comfort found in His constant presence. These themes encourage believers to recognize and appreciate God's unwavering support.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.