Psalms 139:23
Psalms 139:23 in Multiple Translations
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts;
O God, let the secrets of my heart be uncovered, and let my wandering thoughts be tested:
Examine me carefully, God, so you can be sure of my true feelings. Check me out so you can know what I really think.
Try mee, O God, and knowe mine heart: prooue me and know my thoughtes,
Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me, and know my thoughts,
Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts:
God, search my inner being; find out what I am thinking!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 139:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 139:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָקְרֵ֣/נִי
אֵ֭ל
וְ/דַ֣ע
לְבָבִ֑/י
בְּ֝חָנֵ֗/נִי
וְ/דַ֣ע
שַׂרְעַפָּֽ/י
חָקְרֵ֣/נִי
châqar
H2713
to search
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֵ֭ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
וְ/דַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְבָבִ֑/י
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
בְּ֝חָנֵ֗/נִי
bâchan
H974
to test
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
וְ/דַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
שַׂרְעַפָּֽ/י
sarʻaph
H8312
anxiety
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 139:23
חָקְרֵ֣/נִי
châqar
H2713
"to search"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to search or examine something closely, like trying to find out the truth. It is used in the Bible to describe seeking out knowledge or wisdom, and is often translated as search or seek out.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, search out, examine, investigate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search (for) 1a2) to search through, explore 1a3) to examine thoroughly 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out, be found out, be ascertained, be examined 1c) (Piel) to search out, seek out
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try. See also: Deuteronomy 13:15; Psalms 44:22; Psalms 139:1.
אֵ֭ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
וְ/דַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
לְבָבִ֑/י
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
בְּ֝חָנֵ֗/נִי
bâchan
H974
"to test"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To test or examine something, like gold or a person's heart, is what this word means. It appears in stories like Job's trials, where his faith is tested by God, and in Proverbs 17:3, which talks about refining silver.
Definition: 1) to examine, try, prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to examine, scrutinise 1a2) to test, prove, try (of gold, persons, the heart, man of God) 1b) (Niphal) to be tried, proved 1c) (Pual) to make a trial
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). See also: Genesis 42:15; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 7:10.
וְ/דַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
שַׂרְעַפָּֽ/י
sarʻaph
H8312
"anxiety"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to anxious or disquieting thoughts, like those experienced by King David in the Psalms. It involves mental turmoil and worry, and is translated as 'thought' in the KJV.
Definition: disquieting thoughts, thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: thought. See also: Psalms 94:19; Psalms 139:23.
Study Notes — Psalms 139:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 139:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:23
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
- Sermons on Psalms 139:23
Context — You Have Searched Me and Known Me
21Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You?
22I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.
24See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 26:2 | Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind. |
| 2 | Job 31:6 | let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 1:7 | so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:3 | A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 8:2 | Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments. |
| 6 | Psalms 139:1 | O LORD, You have searched me and known me. |
| 7 | Zechariah 13:9 | This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” |
| 8 | Jeremiah 11:20 | O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause. |
| 9 | Malachi 3:2–3 | But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 8:16 | He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper. |
Psalms 139:23 Summary
[Psalms 139:23 is a prayer where we ask God to look deeply into our hearts and thoughts, to know us fully, and to show us any areas where we might be wrong or misguided. This is similar to when God says He will search our hearts and minds in Jeremiah 17:10. By asking God to search us, we are showing that we want to be honest with Him and with ourselves, and we want to live a life that pleases Him (Psalms 51:10).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to ask God to search and know our hearts?
Asking God to search and know our hearts, as in Psalms 139:23, means we are inviting Him to examine our thoughts, feelings, and motivations, just as He knows everything about us, including our hearts (Psalms 44:21, Jeremiah 17:10).
Why would we ask God to test us?
Asking God to test us, as seen in Psalms 139:23, is a request for Him to refine our character, revealing areas where we need to grow in faith and obedience, similar to the refining process described in Malachi 3:3 and 1 Peter 1:7.
How does this verse relate to our relationships with others?
The request for God to search and know our hearts in Psalms 139:23 is closely tied to how we interact with others, including those who may oppose God, as mentioned in Psalms 139:21-22, emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors God in all our relationships (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-28).
Is this verse about seeking self-improvement or something more?
While self-improvement might be a byproduct, Psalms 139:23 is fundamentally about seeking a deeper relationship with God, recognizing His sovereignty and desire for intimacy with us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 7:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are the deepest, most hidden parts of my heart that I have not surrendered to God, and how can I invite Him to search and know them?
- In what ways am I resistant to God's testing and refining in my life, and how can I cultivate a willingness to be transformed by Him?
- How do I currently understand the concept of God knowing my concerns, and what would it mean for me to truly believe and act on this truth in my daily life?
- What would it look like for me to live a life where every thought, feeling, and action is open to God's scrutiny, and how can I move closer to this ideal?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart,.... He had searched him, and knew his heart thoroughly; try me, and know my thoughts; he had tried him, and knew every thought in him, Psalms 139:1.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: And see if (there be any) wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
And whether I do not speak this from my very heart, do thou judge, who art the Searcher of hearts, and deal with me accordingly.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:Ver. 23. Search me, O God, and know my heart] Look into every corner and cranny, and see whether it be not so as I say, viz. that I hate wicked men merely for their wickedness; and for no self-respect have I thus cast down the gauntlet of defiance unto them, and bidden them battle. We should not rest (saith a reverend man) in our heart’ s voice; nor accept its deceitful applause. But as once Joshua seeing the angel examined him, Art thou on our side, or on the adversaries’ ? so should we deal in this case; yea, beg of God to do it for us, and do it thoroughly, as here: this is a sure sign of sincerity, void of all sinisterity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
(23) Search.—The same word with which the psalm opens. The inevitable scrutiny of the Divine Being is invited. Thoughts.—As in Psalms 94:19; a word meaning (Ezekiel 31:5) branches, and so expressing the ramifications of thought.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
Verse 23. Search me, O God] Investigate my conduct, examine my heart, put me to the test, and examine my thoughts.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 139:23
19–24. But how can this omniscient God tolerate the existence of wicked men, who blaspheme and hate Him? With such the Psalmist will have no fellowship; and he concludes with a prayer that God will purify his heart, and lead him in the right way.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 139:23
Search me, O God - The word “search” here is the same as in Psalms 139:1. See the notes at that verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 139:23
23, 24. Because of such sin and sinful men, the psalmist prays for a search of his own heart, that no enmity to God may be left there.
Sermons on Psalms 139:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Heart Preparation for Revival by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and having fellowship with one another. He highlights the need for genuine repentance and obedience in |
|
The Voice of God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining our motives rather than just our actions. He shares a personal story of listening to a preacher who spoke about |
|
Bringing Your House to Spiritual Victory by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and living out one's faith rather than just talking about it. He uses the example of Cornelius, a man w |
|
Called to Authentic Christianity by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares his journey of seeking understanding from God about the state of his people. He emphasizes the need for humility and dependence on God, rather th |
|
|
2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. |
|
(First Baptist Church) #2 - Conscience by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting and convincing the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He discusses the importance of worki |
|
|
Who Are God's Annointed by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of preaching without the living presence of God. He shares a conversation he had with a famous manager of a rock and roll band who |