Q
I love Psalm 139 but there is one word that has always confused me. …. That we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Why fearfully and what does this mean in the context of this Psalm?
A
The Hebrew word translated “fearfully” has several meanings. I believe the one that’s most appropriate in this context is “to cause astonishment or awe” Even a cursory study of the human body leads one to stand in awe of its complexity and of the creative ability of the One who made us.
I think the word translated “wonderfully” compliments this definition since it means “to be distinct, separated, distinguished”. The human body stands apart from and above all other life forms in God’s creation in a comparison of its capabilities to theirs.