Psalms 26:2
Psalms 26:2 in Multiple Translations
Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Examine me, O Jehovah, and prove me; Try my heart and my mind.
Put me in the scales, O Lord, so that I may be tested; let the fire make clean my thoughts and my heart.
Examine me, Lord, test me; investigate my thoughts and intentions.
Proue me, O Lord, and trie mee: examine my reines, and mine heart.
Try me, O Jehovah, and prove me, Purified [are] my reins and my heart.
Examine me, LORD, and prove me. Try my heart and my mind.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Whilst the wicked draw near against me, to eat my flesh. My enemies that trouble me, have themselves been weakened, and have fallen.
Yahweh, examine what I have done and test me; thoroughly evaluate what I think [IDM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 26:2
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 26:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּחָנֵ֣/נִי
יְהוָ֣ה
וְ/נַסֵּ֑/נִי
צרופ/ה
צָרְפָ֖/ה
כִלְיוֹתַ֣/י
וְ/לִבִּֽ/י
בְּחָנֵ֣/נִי
bâchan
H974
to test
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/נַסֵּ֑/נִי
nâçâh
H5254
to test
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
צרופ/ה
tsâraph
H6884
to refine
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
צָרְפָ֖/ה
tsâraph
H6884
to refine
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
כִלְיוֹתַ֣/י
kilyâh
H3629
kidney
N-fp | Suff
וְ/לִבִּֽ/י
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 26:2
בְּחָנֵ֣/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.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/נַסֵּ֑/נִי
nâçâh
H5254
"to test"
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.
Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.
צרופ/ה
tsâraph
H6884
"to refine"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To refine means to purify something, like metal, by removing impurities. In the Bible, God refines his people like silver, testing and purifying them through trials. This process makes them stronger and more faithful.
Definition: 1) to smelt, refine, test 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smelt, refine 1a2) to test 1a3) to test (and prove true) 1a4) smelter, refiner, goldsmith (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be refined 1c) (Piel) to be a refiner 1c1) refiner (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. See also: Judges 7:4; Isaiah 1:25; Psalms 12:7.
צָרְפָ֖/ה
tsâraph
H6884
"to refine"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To refine means to purify something, like metal, by removing impurities. In the Bible, God refines his people like silver, testing and purifying them through trials. This process makes them stronger and more faithful.
Definition: 1) to smelt, refine, test 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smelt, refine 1a2) to test 1a3) to test (and prove true) 1a4) smelter, refiner, goldsmith (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be refined 1c) (Piel) to be a refiner 1c1) refiner (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. See also: Judges 7:4; Isaiah 1:25; Psalms 12:7.
כִלְיוֹתַ֣/י
kilyâh
H3629
"kidney"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the kidneys, which were considered essential organs, and also symbolized the mind and emotions. It appears in passages like Psalm 7:9 and Revelation 2:23. The kidneys were thought to be the seat of feelings and affections.
Definition: 1) kidneys 1a) of physical organ (lit.) 1b) of seat of emotion and affection (fig.) 1c) of sacrificial animals 2) (TWOT) reins
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: kidneys, reins. See also: Exodus 29:13; Job 19:27; Psalms 7:10.
וְ/לִבִּֽ/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, 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
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 26:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 26:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 26:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 26:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 26:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 26:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
- Sermons on Psalms 26:2
Context — Vindicate Me, O LORD
1Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
3For Your loving devotion is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. 4I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 139:23–24 | Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. |
| 2 | Psalms 7:9 | Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds. |
| 3 | Psalms 17:3 | You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth. |
| 4 | 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.’” |
| 5 | Job 13:23 | How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin. |
| 6 | Psalms 66:10 | For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver. |
| 7 | Job 31:4–6 | Does He not see my ways and count my every step? If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has rushed to deceit, let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 20:12 | O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause. |
Psalms 26:2 Summary
This verse means that the Psalmist is asking God to look deeply into his heart and mind, to see if there is any sin or impurity there. He wants to be sure that he is living a life that is pleasing to God, and he is willing to be honest and open with Him, even if it's uncomfortable. This is something that we can all learn from, as it says in Lamentations 3:40, 'Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the LORD.' By asking God to examine our hearts and minds, we can grow closer to Him and become more like Jesus, as seen in Romans 8:29.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'tried' by God?
To be tried by God means to be tested and refined, as seen in Psalms 66:10, where it says 'For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.' This process helps to purify our hearts and minds, as the Psalmist asks for in Psalms 26:2.
Is it normal to ask God to examine my heart and mind?
Yes, it is a sign of humility and a willingness to be honest with God, as seen in Psalms 139:23-24, where David asks God to search him and know his heart. This kind of self-examination is a key part of the Christian life.
What is the purpose of God examining my heart and mind?
The purpose is to reveal any sin or impurity, and to help us become more like Christ, as seen in Romans 8:29, where it says we are being conformed to the image of Christ. This process helps us to grow in holiness and intimacy with God.
How can I practically apply this verse to my life?
You can apply this verse by regularly asking God to search your heart and mind, and being willing to repent and turn from any sin that is revealed, as seen in 1 John 1:9, where it says 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas of my life where I need God to search and refine me?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is honest and open with God, like the Psalmist in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can cooperate with God's refining process in my life, and what are some things that might be hindering it?
- How can I balance the desire for God to examine my heart and mind with the fear of what He might find?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 26:2
Examine me, O Lord,.... His cause, his integrity, and trust in the Lord, as silver and gold are examined by the touchstone, the word of God, which is the standard of faith and practice; and prove me;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 26:2
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. Development (Psalms 26:2-8) of "I have walked in mine integrity," and "I have trusted in the Lord." Psalms 26:1.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
Because it is possible that I may deceive myself, and be partial in my cause, or at least mine enemies will so judge of me, I appeal to thee, O thou Judge of hearts, and beg that thou wouldst search and try me by such ways and means as thou seest fit, and make me known to myself, and to the world, and convince mine enemies of mine integrity.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.Ver. 2. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me] It must needs be a good conscience that thus boldly offereth itself to God’ s trial; so Job 31:6. Try my reins and my heart] i.e. Mine affections and thoughts; for these are sibi mutuo causae. While I mused the fire kindled, Psalms 39:3. David was neither ambitious nor factious, as his adversaries represented him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
(2) Try.—Rather, purify, according to the right reading. LXX., try by fire.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
Verse 2. Examine me, O Lord] To thee I appeal; and feel no hesitation in wishing to have all the motives of my heart dissected and exposed to thy view, and to that of the world.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 26:2
2. God knows him already (Psalms 17:3); and fearlessly he offers himself for a fresh scrutiny. This prayer attests at once the clearness of his conscience, and his desire that if aught of evil remains, it may be purged away. Cp. Psalms 139:23-24. Three words are used to express the thoroughness of the scrutiny. Examine me, as the refiner assays his metal to test its fineness; prove me, by bringing me into circumstances in which the reality of my faith may be demonstrated; try me, as the refiner smelts gold to get rid of any remaining dross. So God ‘proved’ Abraham (Genesis 22:1); and Israel (Deuteronomy 8:2; Deuteronomy 8:16). The purpose of such heart-searching is ‘to give every man according to his ways’ (Jeremiah 17:10). my reins and my heart] The reins are the seat of the affections, the heart of thought and will. Cp.
Psalms 7:9; Psalms 11:4.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 26:2
Examine me, O Lord - The meaning of this verse is, that he asked of God a strict and rigid examination of his case.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 26:2
2. Examine me—Search me, try me as metals in the fire, as the word denotes. He invites the Searcher of hearts to institute the closest scrutiny, so self-conscious was he of upright intentions.
Sermons on Psalms 26:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Robert Murray Mccheyne 1 by Michael Haykin | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and preaching of a man named Robert Murray M'Cheyne. The sermon highlights an incident in the 1830s where M'Cheyne engages in a conve |
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On Communion in the Lords Supper. by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of ratifying one's dedication to God through the Ordinance of Baptism by partaking in the Table of the Lord, as a way to express love |
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Have You Looked in the Mirror? by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of acting upon the Word of God, likening it to looking into a mirror that reflects our true selves. He draws parallels with David's willingne |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |