** This response answers the question directly, provides clear explanation, and is personable in tone. It also further elaborates on the verse in question and highlights the character of God. **

Question: What is the Hebrew translation for the KJV phrase wonderfully made? (Ps. 139:14). Also, for marvellous, too.

Profile: Female, North America, Over 75, Christian

Answered by: Jerry Humphrey, who has been a volunteer with us since June, 2022.

Answer: Hello there, and thank you for trusting us to answer your question. Let’s dive in.

Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.“

By “fearfully,” it means that the creation of humanity is an awesome sight to behold. Every detail of us was made with pin-point precision and magnificent, unparalleled skill. No part of us is accidental in any sense of the word. Every line of our frame was formed with deliberate and intentional purpose. (Reference Prov. 8:22-31, wisdom’s cry to the foolish, and how God used it [wisdom, that is] to make everything we see – including us).

The phrase “wonderfully made” and “marvelous” share the same Hebrew root word. Wonderfully made is “nip-le-ti” and marvelous is “nip-la-im.” There is a distinction between the two Hebrew words in its grammatical, linguistic use and form. It is, however, no secret that Hebrew poetry is notorious for using two words that mean the same thing. That’s the case with this verse: two similar words designed together to make one great point.

However, in the interest of being thorough, let’s highlight the meaning of the phrase “wonderfully made” and “marvelous.” Wonderfully made means distinct and great, while “marvelous” adds a slightly different element to its meaning; that meaning being “difficult.” Difficult might seem like an unlikely or confusing definition, but the better meaning to ‘difficult’ is “intricate, unseen or overlooked” details. 

The next verse after Psalm 39:14 says, “My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes did see my substance, being yet unformed; and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:15-16, NKJV).

It speaks to the multiplicity of layers and details only God could/can see, weave and fashion in regard to humanity’s unique creation. Even with all of the breakthroughs made in and leading up to the 21st century, there are levels to humanity scientists use that are just now catching up to what God has always seen with His natural eyes, and many other details that are yet to be discovered, and many we may probably will never see.

I hope my response has answered your questions sufficiently. Of course, if you require further clarity or simply want to follow up, we here at Got Questions are here for you.

Blessings,

Jerry