תהלים, פרק קל״ט, פסוק ד׳

God’s absolute knowledge surrounds a person so completely that it anticipates human expression itself. The primary approach among commentators is that before a person even begins to speak, or before a thought is fully formed on the tongue, God already knows exactly what will be said [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This highlights the vastness of His awareness, recognizing human thought long before it transitions from hidden potential into spoken reality [המאירי].

Going deeper, there is often a gap between what a person intends to say and what actually comes out. A person might plan a specific thought in their heart, yet the spoken result ends up entirely different. God knows in advance not only the inner intention but also the precise phrasing a person will ultimately use, even when the speaker themselves is still unsure of how they will articulate their feelings [רד״ק].

This intimate awareness also highlights human limitations when faced with Divine knowledge. On one hand, a person can never truly introduce anything new through speech, as every detail is already fully revealed and known to Him [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. On the other hand, there are moments when a person simply lacks the words altogether. When human language falls short in expressing the greatness of God or describing His close, encompassing presence, God fully understands all those profound thoughts that remain trapped without a voice [אלשיך, ביאור שטיינזלץ].