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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 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/17-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/19_Psa_017_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 17:3 - Hear My Righteous Plea" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/17-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/17-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.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/17-2.htm" title="Psalm 17:2">◄</a> Psalm 17:3 <a href="/psalms/17-4.htm" title="Psalm 17:4">►</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/17.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/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited <i>me</i> in the night; thou hast tried me, <i>and</i> shalt find nothing; I am purposed <i>that</i> my mouth shall not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You have tested my heart; You have visited <i>me</i> in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have put my heart to the test; You have visited <i>me</i> by night; You have sifted me and You find nothing; My intent is that my mouth will not offend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />You have tried my heart; You have visited me by night; You have tested me and You find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thou hast tried my heart; Thou hast visited <i>me</i> by night; Thou hast tested me and dost find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You have tested my heart; You have visited <i>me</i> by night; You have tried me and You find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tested me and You find nothing [evil in me]; I intend that my mouth will not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have tested my heart; you have examined me at night. You have tried me and found nothing evil; I have determined that my mouth will not sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have tested my heart; You have examined me at night. You have tried me and found nothing evil; I have determined that my mouth will not sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast visited me in the night; Thou hast tried me, and findest nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You know my heart, and even during the night you have tested me and found me innocent. I have made up my mind never to tell a lie. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and findest nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You have probed my heart. You have confronted me at night. You have tested me like silver, but you found nothing wrong. I have determined that my mouth will not sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You know my heart. You have come to me at night; you have examined me completely and found no evil desire in me. I speak no evil, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When you probe my heart, and examine me at night; when you refine me, you will find nothing wrong, for I have determined that I will not transgress with my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You have scrutinized my inner motives; you have examined me during the night. You have carefully evaluated me, but you find no sin. I am determined I will say nothing sinful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You have proved my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me, and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You have proved my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me, and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You have proved my heart, "" You have inspected by night, "" You have tried me, You find nothing; My thoughts do not pass over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou hast proved my heart, Thou hast inspected by night, Thou hast tried me, Thou findest nothing; My thoughts pass not over my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou didst try my heart; thou didst review the night; thou didst refine me, thou wilt find nothing: I purposed, my mouth shall not pass by.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast proved my heart, and visited it by night, thou hast tried me by fire: and iniquity hath not been found in me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 16:3>You have tested my heart and visited it by night. You have examined me by fire, and iniquity has not been found in me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You have tested my heart, searched it in the night. You have tried me by fire, but find no malice in me. My mouth has not transgressed <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and thou hast not found iniquity in me; nothing hath come out of my mouth which is according to the deceitful works of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You have proven my heart and you visited me in the night and you have tested me and have not found evil in me and the works of the children of men have not passed my lips.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou hast tried my heart, Thou hast visited it in the night; Thou hast tested me, and Thou findest not That I had a thought which should not pass my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou has proved mine heart; thou hast visited <i>me</i> by night; thou hast tried me as with fire, and unrighteousness has not been found in me: <i>I am purposed</i> that my mouth shall not speak <i>amiss</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/17-3.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=1373" 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/17.htm">Hear My Righteous Plea</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>May my vindication come from Your presence; may Your eyes see what is right. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/974.htm" title="974: bā·ḥan·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To examine, try. A primitive root; to test; generally and figuratively, to investigate.">You have tried</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bî (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.">my heart;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: pā·qaḏ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">You have visited</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: lay·lāh (N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">me in the night.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6884.htm" title="6884: ṣə·rap̄·ta·nî (V-Qal-Perf-2ms:: 1cs) -- To smelt, refine, test. A primitive root; to fuse, i.e. Refine.">You have tested me</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: tim·ṣā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To attain to, find. ">and found</a> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm" title="1077: ḇal- (Adv) -- Not. From balah; properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually not at all; also lest.">no evil;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2161.htm" title="2161: zam·mō·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To consider, purpose, devise. A primitive root; to plan, usually in a bad sense.">I have resolved</a> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm" title="1077: bal- (Adv) -- Not. From balah; properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually not at all; also lest.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ya·‘ă·ḇār- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">to sin</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">with my mouth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>As for the deeds of men—by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.…<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="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10</a></span><br />Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Proverbs 17:3</a></span><br />A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Jeremiah 11:20</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:4</a></span><br />Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Psalm 26:2</a></span><br />Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23-24</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4</a></span><br />My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Revelation 2:23</a></span><br />Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12-13</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. / Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-18.htm">2 Corinthians 10:18</a></span><br />For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Romans 8:27</a></span><br />And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Proverbs 21:2</a></span><br />All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You have proved my heart; you have visited me in the night; you have tried me, and shall find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.</p><p class="hdg">proved</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/11-5.htm">Psalm 11:5</a></b></br> The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Psalm 26:2</a></b></br> Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/66-10.htm">Psalm 66:10</a></b></br> For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.</p><p class="hdg">thou hast</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/16-7.htm">Psalm 16:7</a></b></br> I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/24-14.htm">Job 24:14</a></b></br> The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/7-6.htm">Hosea 7:6</a></b></br> For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.</p><p class="hdg">shalt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-4.htm">Psalm 7:4</a></b></br> If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/44-17.htm">Psalm 44:17-21</a></b></br> All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">1 Samuel 24:10,12</a></b></br> Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and <i>some</i> bade <i>me</i> kill thee: but <i>mine eye</i> spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he <i>is</i> the LORD'S anointed… </p><p class="hdg">I am</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Psalm 39:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, <i>even</i> to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-106.htm">Psalm 119:106</a></b></br> I have sworn, and I will perform <i>it</i>, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></b></br> He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: <i>but</i> he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/3-3.htm">Disobey</a> <a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/11-4.htm">Examine</a> <a href="/psalms/10-15.htm">Find</a> <a href="/ezra/7-16.htm">Findest</a> <a href="/psalms/10-15.htm">Found</a> <a href="/psalms/16-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/job/34-13.htm">Inspected</a> <a href="/psalms/10-7.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/16-7.htm">Night</a> <a href="/job/11-7.htm">Probe</a> <a href="/job/32-12.htm">Proved</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-2.htm">Purposed</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">Resolved</a> <a href="/psalms/14-2.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/psalms/10-12.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/esther/3-3.htm">Transgress</a> <a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/psalms/7-9.htm">Triest</a> <a href="/job/35-15.htm">Visited</a> <a href="/psalms/8-4.htm">Visitest</a> <a href="/psalms/14-4.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Disobey</a> <a href="/psalms/18-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Examine</a> <a href="/psalms/20-3.htm">Find</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-5.htm">Findest</a> <a href="/psalms/32-6.htm">Found</a> <a href="/psalms/17-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/65-9.htm">Inspected</a> <a href="/psalms/17-10.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/19-2.htm">Night</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Probe</a> <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Proved</a> <a href="/psalms/33-11.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/psalms/139-16.htm">Purposed</a> <a href="/daniel/1-8.htm">Resolved</a> <a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/psalms/18-30.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/psalms/25-18.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/25-3.htm">Transgress</a> <a href="/psalms/18-30.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Triest</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Visited</a> <a href="/psalms/65-9.htm">Visitest</a> <a href="/psalms/26-10.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/psalms/17-6.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/psalms/17-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">David, in confidence of his integrity, craves defense of God against his enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-10.htm">He shows their pride, craft, and eagerness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-13.htm">He prays against them in confidence of his hope</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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You have tried my heart;</b><br>This phrase reflects the psalmist's acknowledgment of God's omniscience and His ability to examine the innermost thoughts and intentions. In biblical context, the heart often symbolizes the center of one's being, including emotions, will, and intellect. The testing of the heart is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a>, where God searches the heart and examines the mind. This divine scrutiny is not merely for judgment but also for refining and purifying the believer, akin to the refining of gold in fire (<a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Malachi 3:3</a>).<p><b>You have visited me in the night.</b><br>The night is often a time associated with vulnerability and introspection. In ancient Near Eastern culture, nighttime was a period when people were most defenseless, and thus, divine visitation during this time signifies God's protective and intimate presence. This phrase can also be seen as a metaphor for times of trial or darkness in one's life, where God's presence is a source of comfort and guidance. The idea of God visiting His people is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/139-11.htm">Psalm 139:11-12</a>, where even the darkness is not dark to God.<p><b>You have tested me and found no evil;</b><br>This statement reflects the psalmist's confidence in his integrity and righteousness before God. The testing here implies a thorough examination, similar to the process of refining metals. The absence of evil found in the psalmist suggests a life lived in accordance with God's laws and commands. This echoes Job's assertion of his integrity in <a href="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10</a>, where he declares that after being tested, he will come forth as gold. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who was tested and found without sin (<a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a>).<p><b>I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.</b><br>The psalmist's resolution highlights the importance of speech and the power of words, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. In the cultural context of the Bible, words were seen as powerful and capable of bringing about significant consequences. This resolve is reminiscent of <a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2-10</a>, which discusses the tongue's potential for both blessing and cursing. The commitment to purity in speech reflects a heart aligned with God's will, as Jesus taught that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (<a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a>). This resolution also prefigures Christ, who spoke only what He heard from the Father (<a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49-50</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of this Psalm, David is expressing his confidence in God's examination of his heart and his commitment to righteousness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The one who examines, visits, and tests David, demonstrating His omniscience and intimate involvement in the lives of His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_night.htm">The Night</a></b><br>Symbolic of times of vulnerability and introspection, where God’s presence and examination are keenly felt.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_omniscience_and_intimacy.htm">God's Omniscience and Intimacy</a></b><br>God knows our innermost thoughts and intentions. We should live with the awareness that nothing is hidden from Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_private_and_public_life.htm">Integrity in Private and Public Life</a></b><br>Like David, we should strive for integrity, ensuring our private life aligns with our public declarations of faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_the_tongue.htm">The Power of the Tongue</a></b><br>Our words have significant power. We must resolve, like David, to guard our speech and ensure it aligns with righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_testing_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Testing in Spiritual Growth</a></b><br>God’s testing is not to harm but to refine and strengthen our faith. Embrace trials as opportunities for growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/n/night_as_a_time_for_reflection.htm">Night as a Time for Reflection</a></b><br>Use quiet times, especially at night, for reflection and prayer, inviting God to examine and guide your heart.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_david_innocent_in_psalm_17_3.htm">How can David claim innocence in Psalm 17:3 if the Bible elsewhere teaches that all humans are sinful (Romans 3:23)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_zen_meditation_compatible_with_christianity.htm">Is Zen meditation compatible with Christian beliefs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_39_and_42_articles.htm">What should you focus on that is true and noble?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_be_irreverent.htm">What does it mean to be irreverent?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">In</span> <span class= "bld">the night </span>(as <a href="/psalms/16-7.htm" title="I will bless the LORD, who has given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.">Psalm 16:7</a>).--The time of calm reflection and self-examination. Some, however, taking this verse in connection with <a href="/psalms/17-15.htm" title="As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with your likeness.">Psalm 17:15</a>, think the poem was composed at night.<p><span class= "bld">I am purposed.</span>--The Hebrew word presents a difficulty. It is better to take it as a noun--<span class= "ital">counsels, </span>and here, as generally, <span class= "ital">evil </span>counsels--and join it to the preceding, not (as in the Authorised Version) the following words.<p>"Thou hast proved my heart,<p>Thou hast visited me in the night,<p>Thou hast found no malice in me,<p>My mouth doth not transgress, <span class= "ital">or</span><p>It (malice) doth not pass my mouth."<p>"I offend"--that is, "neither in thought nor word." The LXX., Vulg., Syr., Chald., and Arab. versions support this arrangement. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou hast proved mine heart</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Psalm 26:2</a>; <a href="/psalms/66-9.htm">Psalm 66:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/95-9.htm">Psalm 95:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23</a>). "Proved" means "tried," "tested," examined strictly, so as to know whether there was any wickedness in it or not. Thou hast visited me in the night. The night is the time when men can least escape those searching, testing thoughts which God's providence then especially sends, to "try the very heart and reins" (<a href="/psalms/7-9.htm">Psalm 7:9</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Thou hast tried me., and shalt find nothing;</span> rather, <span class="accented">and findest nothing.</span> The process was one begun in the past, and continuing on in the present. God was ever searching David and trying him; but "found nothing," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> no alloy, no base rectal, no serious flaw in his character; not that he was sinless, but that he 'was sincere and earnest - a true worshipper of God, not a hypocrite. <span class="cmt_word">I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.</span> "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man" (<a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a>). David's resolution to "keep the door of his lips" would have a chastening influence over both his thoughts and acts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/17-3.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">You have tried</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֘חַ֤נְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ḥan·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_974.htm">Strong's 974: </a> </span><span class="str2">To test, to investigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my heart;</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבִּ֨י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">You have visited</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּ֘קַ֤דְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(pā·qaḏ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[me] in the night.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַּ֗יְלָה</span> <span class="translit">(lay·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> </span><span class="str2">A twist, night, adversity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You have tested me</span><br /><span class="heb">צְרַפְתַּ֥נִי</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·rap̄·ta·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6884.htm">Strong's 6884: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smelt, refine, test</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and found</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּמְצָ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(tim·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no [evil];</span><br /><span class="heb">בַל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1077.htm">Strong's 1077: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure, nothing, not at all, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have resolved</span><br /><span class="heb">זַ֝מֹּתִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(zam·mō·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2161.htm">Strong's 2161: </a> </span><span class="str2">To consider, purpose, devise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּל־</span> <span class="translit">(bal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1077.htm">Strong's 1077: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure, nothing, not at all, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to sin</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲבָר־</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·ḇār-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with my mouth.</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 17:3 You have proved my heart (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/17-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 17:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/17-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 17:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:4" /></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>