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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/66-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/19_Psa_066_018.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 66:18 - Make a Joyful Noise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/66-17.htm" title="Psalm 66:17">◄</a> Psalm 66:18 <a href="/psalms/66-19.htm" title="Psalm 66:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/66.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/66.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/66.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/66.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/66.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/66.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear <i>me</i>:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/66.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/66.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/66.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/66.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/66.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If I see wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/66.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If I regard sin <i>and</i> baseness in my heart [that is, if I know it is there and do nothing about it], The Lord will not hear [me];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/66.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I had been aware of malice in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/66.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I had been aware of malice in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/66.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/66.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If my thoughts had been sinful, he would have refused to hear me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/66.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/66.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If I had thought about doing anything sinful, the Lord would not have listened [to me].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/66.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If I had ignored my sins, the Lord would not have listened to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/66.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Were I to cherish iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not listen to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/66.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/66.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If I had harbored sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/66.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord wouldn't have listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/66.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/66.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord wouldn’t have listened. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/66.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Iniquity, if I have seen in my heart, "" The Lord does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/66.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Iniquity, if I have seen in my heart, The Lord doth not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/66.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If I saw vanity in my heart, Jehovah will not hear.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/66.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/66.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 65:18>If I have seen iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not heed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/66.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Had I cherished evil in my heart, the Lord would not have heard. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/66.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/66.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If thou behold iniquity in my heart, O LORD, deliver me not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/66.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If you have seen evil in my heart, you will not save me, LORD JEHOVAH.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/66.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If I had regarded iniquity in my heart, The Lord would not hear;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/66.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If I have regarded iniquity in my heart, let not the Lord hearken <i>to me</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/66-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=7754" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/66.htm">Make a Joyful Noise</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>I cried out to Him with my mouth and praised Him with my tongue. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’î·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">I had cherished</a> <a href="/hebrew/205.htm" title="205: ’ā·wen (N-ms) -- From an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant; strictly nothingness; also trouble. Vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol.">iniquity</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: ḇə·lib·bî (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">in my heart,</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">have listened.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a></span><br />But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9</a></span><br />Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-3.htm">James 4:3</a></span><br />And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/9-31.htm">John 9:31</a></span><br />We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a></span><br />For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-29.htm">Proverbs 15:29</a></span><br />The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21-22</a></span><br />Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God, / and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a></span><br />So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a></span><br />If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-11.htm">Jeremiah 11:11</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring upon them a disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/8-18.htm">Ezekiel 8:18</a></span><br />Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-4.htm">Micah 3:4</a></span><br />Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-25.htm">Mark 11:25</a></span><br />And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Hebrews 10:22</a></span><br />let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:</p><p class="hdg">If I regard</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/27-8.htm">Job 27:8,9</a></b></br> For what <i>is</i> the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Proverbs 15:8,29</a></b></br> The sacrifice of the wicked <i>is</i> an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright <i>is</i> his delight… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13</a></b></br> Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Cherished</a> <a href="/psalms/66-16.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/66-16.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/64-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/64-2.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/54-3.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/44-22.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/psalms/59-12.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/58-2.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/job/34-27.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/83-3.htm">Cherished</a> <a href="/psalms/66-19.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/69-13.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/69-20.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/69-27.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/74-20.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/102-17.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/psalms/78-17.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/73-8.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 66</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/66-1.htm">David exhorts to praise God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/66-5.htm">observe his great works</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/66-8.htm">to bless him for his gracious benefits</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/66-12.htm">He vows for himself reverent service to God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/66-16.htm">He declares God's special goodness to himself</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/66.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/66.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If I had cherished iniquity in my heart</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the internal nature of sin, highlighting that sin is not just about external actions but also about the intentions and desires within one's heart. The Hebrew word for "cherished" can imply holding onto or valuing something. In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, including thoughts, emotions, and will. This aligns with passages like <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a>, which describes the heart as deceitful. The idea of cherishing iniquity suggests a willful and deliberate choice to hold onto sin, which is contrary to the call for purity and holiness found throughout Scripture. This concept is echoed in Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses the importance of inner purity (<a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a>).<p><b>the Lord would not have listened</b><br>This part of the verse underscores the relationship between sin and communication with God. In the Old Testament, the Israelites understood that sin created a barrier between them and God, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a>, which states that iniquities separate people from God. The sacrificial system was established to atone for sins and restore fellowship with God. However, the psalmist here points to the necessity of a sincere heart in seeking God. The idea that God would not listen if sin is cherished reflects the principle that God desires genuine repentance and righteousness. This is further supported by 1 <a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a>, which assures believers that if they confess their sins, God is faithful to forgive. The verse also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the mediator who bridges the gap caused by sin, allowing believers to approach God with confidence (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/psalmist.htm">Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/66.htm">Psalm 66</a>, traditionally attributed to David, who is expressing a personal reflection on the relationship between sin and answered prayer.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a></b><br>Refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, who is portrayed as attentive to the prayers of the righteous.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/heart.htm">Heart</a></b><br>In Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of one's inner life, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/iniquity.htm">Iniquity</a></b><br>Refers to sin or moral wrongdoing, which in this context is something that can be "cherished" or held onto internally.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prayer.htm">Prayer</a></b><br>The act of communicating with God, which is central to the psalmist's reflection on the conditions for divine response.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_condition_of_the_heart_matters.htm">The Condition of the Heart Matters</a></b><br>The psalmist emphasizes that cherishing sin in the heart hinders our prayers. We must examine our hearts and confess any hidden sins to maintain open communication with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_holiness_and_our_sin.htm">God's Holiness and Our Sin</a></b><br>Understanding God's holiness helps us recognize the seriousness of sin. We are called to live in a way that reflects His holiness, which includes addressing sin in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_repentance.htm">The Importance of Repentance</a></b><br>Repentance is not just a one-time act but a continual posture of the heart. Regular self-examination and confession are vital for a healthy spiritual life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_pure_heart.htm">The Power of a Pure Heart</a></b><br>A heart free from cherished sin is powerful in prayer. Striving for purity in heart aligns us with God's will and opens the way for His blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_god's_grace.htm">Encouragement in God's Grace</a></b><br>While the verse warns against cherishing sin, it also points to the grace available through confession and repentance. God's willingness to listen is a testament to His mercy and love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_66.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 66</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_hinders_effective_prayer.htm">What hinders effective prayer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_to_do_when_peace_is_absent.htm">What actions to take when peace is absent?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/effects_of_unconfessed_sin.htm">What are the effects of unconfessed sin?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_appear_silent_or_absent.htm">Why does God appear silent or absent?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/66.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">If I regard . . .</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">if I had seen evil </span>(<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>had had it purposely in view) <span class= "ital">in my heart, the Lord would not have heard me. </span>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.<p>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.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/66.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.</span> This is the inward conviction of every simple, unsophisticated soul. It is confirmed by numerous passages of Holy Writ (<a href="/job/27-9.htm">Job 27:9</a>; <a href="/job/31-27.htm">Job 31:27</a>; <a href="/proverbs/15-29.htm">Proverbs 15:29</a>; <a href="/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a>; <a href="/zechariah/7-13.htm">Zechariah 7:13</a>; <a href="/john/9-31.htm">John 9:31</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/66-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I had cherished</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאִ֣יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’î·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">iniquity</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֭וֶן</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·wen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_205.htm">Strong's 205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in my heart,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְלִבִּ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·lib·bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have listened.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁמַ֣ע ׀</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 66:18 If I cherished sin in my heart (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/66-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 66:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 66:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/66-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 66:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 66:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>