Curiously Wrought and the Body of Christ

Based on the Bible study Curiously Wrought in the Lowest Parts of the Earth by Scott Mitchell (Unlock the Bible Now).

Psalm 139 is often quoted for its comfort and beauty. It speaks of God’s perfect knowledge, His presence, and His authority over life itself. Within this Psalm is a phrase that has drawn much attention: “curiously wrought.” Many rightly apply this passage to God’s work in the womb, and Scripture fully supports life beginning at conception. Yet the text itself presses us to ask a deeper question.

What, exactly, was curiously wrought in the

lowest parts of the earth?

Scripture does not leave us without an answer.

Curiously Wrought in the Lowest Parts of the Earth

David writes:

“My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.”—Psalm 139:15 (KJV)

The phrase lowest parts of the earth is never used in Scripture to describe the womb. More often, it points to depths, to Sheol, to the realm of death. Scripture itself must interpret Scripture.

Paul clarifies this language when he writes:

“Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?”—Ephesians 4:9 (KJV)

The descent of Christ was not into a womb, but into death itself. Psalm 139 is not retreating from truth—it is pointing forward to it.

Substance, Power, and the Work of God

Psalm 139 does not describe weakness. It speaks of substance.

The Hebrew word used is עֹצֶם (ʿôtsem), meaning power, might, or strength. This is not the language of frailty, but of divine operation. Scripture confirms this same power:

“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead.”—Ephesians 1:19–20 (KJV)

What was curiously wrought was not merely physical form, but the result of resurrection power. Christ was raised, and something new was formed.

Curiously Wrought as Divine Craftsmanship

The phrase curiously wrought comes from the Hebrew רָקַם (râqam)—to embroider, to fabricate with care, to assemble intricately. This word is used elsewhere to describe skilled workmanship, including the embroidered veil of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:36).

God is not describing a momentary biological process. He is describing intentional construction.

The Church is not an afterthought. It is a work formed with precision, assembled through Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection.

Yet Being Unperfect: From Golem to Glory

Psalm 139 continues:

“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written.”—Psalm 139:16 (KJV)

The word unperfect is גֹּלֶם (gôlem)—an unformed mass. It describes something incomplete, wrapped, awaiting fulfillment.

Before salvation, believers exist as unfinished vessels. Yet God already knows the end from the beginning.

“And the books were opened… and another book was opened, which is the book of life.”—Revelation 20:12 (KJV)

The members were written before the body was revealed.

Members of One Body, Written in His Book

Paul explains what Psalm 139 anticipates:

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.”—1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)

This body is not physical flesh alone. It is the Church—formed through resurrection power, joined by faith, and sustained by Christ Himself.

Our present bodies are temporary:

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God.”—2 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV)

The work is ongoing, but the design is complete.

The Depth of Psalm 139 and the Hope of the Church

There is nothing wrong with using Psalm 139 as a defense of life. Scripture affirms that position clearly. But Psalm 139 reaches further. It speaks of Christ’s descent, His victory over death, and the formation of His body—the Church.

Believers are not accidents of history. They are not loosely gathered. They are curiously wrought through the faith of the operation of God, who raised Christ from the dead by His mighty power.

“Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body.”—Philippians 3:21 (KJV)

This is not poetic language. It is doctrine.

And it stands written in the Word of God.