Psalms 66:18
Psalms 66:18 in Multiple Translations
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear:
I said in my heart, The Lord will not give ear to me:
If I had focused my mind on evil, the Lord would not have listened to me.
If I regard wickednesse in mine heart, the Lord will not heare me.
Iniquity, if I have seen in my heart, The Lord doth not hear.
If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord wouldn’t have listened.
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me :
If I had ignored the sins that I had committed, the Lord would not have paid any attention to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 66:18
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 66:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֭וֶן
אִם
רָאִ֣יתִי
בְ/לִבִּ֑/י
לֹ֖א
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
אֲדֹנָֽ/י
אָ֭וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
רָאִ֣יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בְ/לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֲדֹנָֽ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 66:18
אָ֭וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
רָאִ֣יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בְ/לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | 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.
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֲדֹנָֽ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 66:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 66:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 66:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 66:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 66:18
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 66:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
- Sermons on Psalms 66:18
Context — Make a Joyful Noise
16Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for me.
17I cried out to Him with my mouth and praised Him with my tongue.
18If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
19But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer. 20Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld from me His loving devotion!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 9:31 | We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:9 | Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:29 | The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:8 | The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:15 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 6 | James 4:3 | And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. |
| 7 | Proverbs 21:13 | Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. |
| 8 | Job 27:8–9 | For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life? Will God hear his cry when distress comes upon him? |
| 9 | Job 36:21 | Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction. |
Psalms 66:18 Summary
[This verse means that if we are holding onto sin in our hearts, God won't listen to our prayers. It's like trying to have a conversation with someone while refusing to acknowledge the elephant in the room. To have a real relationship with God, we need to be honest about our sin and come to Him in repentance, as taught in First John 1:9. By doing so, we can experience the joy of a clean conscience and the blessing of God's presence in our lives, as seen in Psalms 51:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'cherish iniquity' in my heart?
To cherish iniquity means to hold onto sin or wrongdoing, rather than confessing and repenting of it, as seen in Psalms 51:17, where David prays for a clean heart, and in Proverbs 28:13, which warns that those who conceal their sins will not prosper.
Why would God not listen if I had cherished iniquity in my heart?
God is holy and just, and He cannot tolerate sin, as stated in Habakkuk 1:13, which says God's eyes are too pure to look on evil, and in Isaiah 59:2, which explains that sin separates us from God, making it impossible for Him to hear our prayers.
How can I ensure that God will listen to my prayers?
To ensure God listens to our prayers, we must come before Him with a humble and repentant heart, as taught in First Peter 3:12, which says the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and in Psalms 145:18, which promises that God is near to all who call on Him in truth.
Is this verse saying that I must be perfect to come to God?
No, this verse is not saying we must be perfect, but rather that we must be honest with God about our sin and come to Him in repentance, as seen in First John 1:9, which promises that if we confess our sins, God will forgive and cleanse us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'cherishing iniquity' without realizing it, and how can I bring these before God in prayer?
- How does the knowledge that God sees the heart and will not listen if there is unrepented sin affect my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart that is honest and open before God, confessing sin and seeking His forgiveness regularly?
- What are some prayers or requests I have been making that may be hindered because of unconfessed sin in my heart?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart,.... There was iniquity in his heart, as there is in every good man's heart, and a great deal too; it is full of it; and it should be regarded in some sense, so as to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me - rather 'If I had regarded iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have heard
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
If I regard, Heb. if I have or had seen, or looked upon, to wit, with approbation and affection, as . Men look upon what they like, and turn away their face from what they loathe or hate. Iniquity; any sin whatsoever, and especially idolatry, which is oft expressed by this word, to which the Israelites were very prone, and to which they had most powerful temptations from the examples, and counsels, and promises, and threats of the idolaters, in whose land and power they had been. And so this is a purgation of themselves from that crime, somewhat like that ,21, and in general from those gross and reigning sins whereof they had been guilty formerly. In my heart; if my heart was false to God, and did cleave to idols or to any wickedness, although I might for some prudential reasons forbear the gross and outward acts. Compare ,18. If I had been guilty of that hypocrisy wherewith mine enemies charged me, and had been a secret favourer of wickedness when I pretended great piety. Or, If I did not cry unto God with my heart, but only howled for corn and wine, &c.; and whilst I cried to God with my tongue, my heart was set upon sin, or I desired only that which I resolved in my heart to spend upon my lusts. Will not hear me; or, would not have heard me; as divers learned interpreters translate it; the future being put potentially, as is usual among the Hebrews. For God heareth not sinners, , nor hypocrites, ,9 Proverbs 15:29.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:Ver. 18. If l regard iniquity in my heart] If I have but a month’ s mind to it, as we say; if I cast but a leering look towards it; if there be in me but an irresolution against it; how much more, then, if I allow it and wallow in it? He who chooseth to hold fast sin doth, by his own election, forsake mercy, Jonah 2:8, neither let such a man think that he shall receive anything at the hands of God, James 1:7. As in a wound, a plaster prevaileth not while the iron remaineth within; so neither prayer while sin rankleth. God will never accept a good motion from a bad mouth, as that State in story would not. A man may deliver an excellent speech, but, because of his stinking breath, we may have no pleasure to hear him; so in this case. Prayer as a pouring out of the heart, as hath been already, observed. If iniquity harbour there, prayer is obstructed, and if it do break out, it will have the scent and savour of that iniquity upon it, and thereby displease. Kimchi maketh this strange sense (quite from the purpose, and from the truth), If I regard iniquity only in my heart, so that I break not forth into outward act, God will not hear, i.e. so hear, as to impute it, or to account it a sin. Pharisaice.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
(18) If I regard . . .—Rather, if I had seen evil (i.e., had had it purposely in view) in my heart, the Lord would not have heard me. One may not “be pardoned and retain the offence.” The reference may be either to the forming of wicked schemes, or to the complacent view of wickedness in others. The protestation of innocence in this verse, being made by or for the community at large, marks a late period for the composition. (See Introduction, and Psalms 44, Introduction and Notes.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
Verse 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart] "If I have seen (ראיתי raithi) iniquity in my heart," if I have known it was there, and encouraged it; if I pretended to be what I was not; if I loved iniquity, while I professed to pray and be sorry for my sin; the Lord, אדני Adonai, my Prop, Stay, and Supporter, would not have heard, and I should have been left without help or support.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 66:18
16–20. All who fear God are bidden to hear what He has done for the speaker. He had prayed in expectation of a favourable hearing, knowing that sincerity is the necessary condition of prayer; and the answer to his prayer had attested his sincerity. In conclusion he blesses God for this continuance of His lovingkindness.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart - literally, “If I have seen iniquity in my heart.” That is, If I have indulged in a purpose of iniquity; if I have had a wicked end in view; if I have not been
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 66:18
17-19. He rehearses the steps of his experience. I cried—Earnestly prayed. Extolled with my tongue—Made open, verbal confession, and offered praise.
Sermons on Psalms 66:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the visions of God that Ezekiel saw. The speaker highlights that whenever the Lord takes a new step or movement, He reveals His glory to some |
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How Does God Forgive Sins? by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate the importance of repentance and confession in the Christian faith. He emphasizes the need for |
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Barriers to Blessing by Alan Bartley | This sermon addresses the barriers to blessing in the Christian life, focusing on the dangers of occult involvement, the impact of unbelief, the consequences of unconfessed sin, an |
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Prevailing Prayer by David Ford | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and doing so in the power of the Holy Spirit. He warns against allowing sin to creep into one's life |
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Pure Heart, Pure Church - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the themes of cleansing, sacrifice, brokenness, and offerings as mentioned in the Bible. It reflects on historical periods of great preachers and the need f |
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The Beauty of Unity by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing that he felt prompted to preach a different message than planned. He then reads from the book of Mark, specifically chapter 3, where |
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Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-06 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting God wholeheartedly and not relying on our own understanding. He highlights the need for total commitment to the Lo |