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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 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/139-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_139_023.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 139:23 - You Have Searched Me and Known Me" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns." /><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/139-23.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/139-23.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/139.htm">Chapter 139</a> > Verse 23</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/139-22.htm" title="Psalm 139:22">◄</a> Psalm 139:23 <a href="/psalms/139-24.htm" title="Psalm 139:24">►</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/139.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/139.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/139.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/139.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/139.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/139.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/139.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/139.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/139.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/139.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/139.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/139.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/139.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/139.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/139.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/139.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/139.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/139.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Examine me, O God, and know my mind. Test me, and know my thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/139.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/139.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Examine me, God, and know my mind, test me, and know my thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/139.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/139.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Examine me, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/139.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/139.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/139.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/139.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart, "" Try me, and know my thoughts,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/139.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me, and know my thoughts,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/139.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/139.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Prove me, O God, and know my heart: examine me, and know my paths. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/139.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 138:23>Examine me, O God, and know my heart. Question me, and know my paths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/139.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my thoughts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/139.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/139.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my ways,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/139.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Search me, oh God, and know my heart, and prove me and know my steps<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/139.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me, and know my thoughts;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/139.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Prove me, O God, and know my heart; examine me, and know my paths;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/139-23.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=17378" 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/139.htm">You Have Searched Me and Known Me</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2713.htm" title="2713: ḥā·qə·rê·nî (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 1cs) -- To search. A primitive root; properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately.">Search me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/410.htm" title="410: ’êl (N-ms) -- God, in pl. gods. Shortened from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty.">O God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·ḏa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">and know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">my heart;</a> <a href="/hebrew/974.htm" title="974: bə·ḥā·nê·nî (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 1cs) -- To examine, try. A primitive root; to test; generally and figuratively, to investigate.">test me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·ḏa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">and know</a> <a href="/hebrew/8312.htm" title="8312: śar·‘ap·pāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Disquieting thoughts. For ca'iph; cogitation.">my concerns.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.…<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="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a></span><br />I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.<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="/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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm">1 Chronicles 28:9</a></span><br />As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.<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="/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_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a></span><br />Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.<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="/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="/job/31-6.htm">Job 31:6</a></span><br />let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-40.htm">Lamentations 3:40</a></span><br />Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">2 Corinthians 13:5</a></span><br />Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6-7</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-8.htm">Matthew 6:8</a></span><br />Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:</p><p class="hdg">search me</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Psalm 139:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known <i>me</i>.</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="hdg">know</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Deuteronomy 8:2,16</a></b></br> And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, <i>and</i> to prove thee, to know what <i>was</i> in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-6.htm">Job 31:6</a></b></br> Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Proverbs 17:3</a></b></br> The fining pot <i>is</i> for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Anxious</a> <a href="/psalms/138-1.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/psalms/139-3.htm">Search</a> <a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Secrets</a> <a href="/psalms/106-14.htm">Test</a> <a href="/psalms/119-140.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/psalms/139-22.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/psalms/106-14.htm">Try</a> <a href="/psalms/137-7.htm">Uncovered</a> <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Wandering</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/12-25.htm">Anxious</a> <a href="/psalms/140-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm">Search</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Secrets</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Test</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/psalms/145-5.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-30.htm">Try</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-26.htm">Uncovered</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-23.htm">Wandering</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 139</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">David praises God for his all-seeing providence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/139-17.htm">And for this infinite mercies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/139-19.htm">He defies the wicked</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">He prays for sincerity</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/139.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/139.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Search me, O God, and know my heart;</b><br>This phrase is a plea for divine examination and introspection. The psalmist invites God to search his innermost being, reflecting a deep desire for purity and alignment with God's will. In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of one's thoughts, emotions, and will (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>). The request for God to "know" the heart underscores the belief in God's omniscience, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>, where God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. This mirrors the New Testament teaching in <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12-13</a>, where the Word of God is described as discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Theologically, this reflects the believer's desire for sanctification and a life that is transparent before God.<p><b>test me and know my concerns.</b><br>Here, the psalmist asks for testing, which implies a refining process similar to the testing of metals (<a href="/zechariah/13-9.htm">Zechariah 13:9</a>). This request acknowledges that trials and tests can reveal true character and faith, as seen in <a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a>. The term "concerns" can be understood as anxieties or worries, indicating a desire for God to understand and address the deepest fears and burdens of the heart. This aligns with <a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a>, which encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God because He cares for them. The psalmist's openness to divine scrutiny and testing is a model of humility and trust, recognizing that God’s knowledge and guidance are essential for righteous living.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/139.htm">Psalm 139</a>, King David, is expressing a deep desire for God to examine his innermost thoughts and intentions. David is known for his close relationship with God and his heartfelt psalms.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The omniscient and omnipresent Creator, whom David is addressing. God is portrayed as the one who knows all things and is capable of searching the depths of the human heart.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/heart.htm">Heart</a></b><br>In Hebrew, the word "heart" (lev) often refers to the inner self, including thoughts, emotions, and will. David is asking God to examine his true self.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/concerns.htm">Concerns</a></b><br>The Hebrew word used here can also be translated as "anxieties" or "cares," indicating the burdens or worries that David is asking God to know and understand.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/testing.htm">Testing</a></b><br>The process of examining or proving something. David is inviting God to test his motives and desires, akin to refining metal to reveal its purity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/invitation_for_divine_examination.htm">Invitation for Divine Examination</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to invite God to search their hearts, acknowledging His omniscience and seeking His guidance in revealing hidden sins or motives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transparency_with_god.htm">Transparency with God</a></b><br>Like David, Christians should strive for transparency with God, understanding that He already knows our innermost thoughts and desires.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_refining_process.htm">Trust in God's Refining Process</a></b><br>Allowing God to test us can lead to spiritual growth and maturity, as He refines our character and aligns our will with His.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/casting_anxieties_on_god.htm">Casting Anxieties on God</a></b><br>By asking God to know our concerns, we are reminded to cast our anxieties on Him, trusting in His care and provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_a_pure_heart.htm">Pursuit of a Pure Heart</a></b><br>This verse challenges believers to pursue purity of heart, seeking to align their desires and actions with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_139.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 139</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_intrusive_thoughts.htm">What are intrusive thoughts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_missionary_adoniram_judson.htm">What defines emotional intelligence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_you_self-examining_in_faith.htm">Are you examining yourself in faith and truth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_clear_conscience.htm">What defines having a clear conscience?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/139.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Search.</span>--The same word with which the psalm opens. The inevitable scrutiny of the Divine Being is invited.<p><span class= "bld">Thoughts.</span>--As in <a href="/psalms/94-19.htm" title="In the multitude of my thoughts within me your comforts delight my soul.">Psalm 94:19</a>; a word meaning (<a href="/ezekiel/31-5.htm" title="Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth.">Ezekiel 31:5</a>) <span class= "ital">branches, </span>and so expressing the <span class= "ital">ramifications </span>of thought.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/139.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.</span> Examine me, and see if I have not represented my feelings as they really are. Keep on always searching me out (comp. ver. 1), and "trying my reins and my heart" (<a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Psalm 26:2</a>). My desire is to be proved and tested. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/139-23.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">Search me,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָקְרֵ֣נִי</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·qə·rê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2713.htm">Strong's 2713: </a> </span><span class="str2">To penetrate, to examine intimately</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֭ל</span> <span class="translit">(’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_410.htm">Strong's 410: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and know</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my heart;</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבָבִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇā·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> </span><span class="str2">Inner man, mind, will, heart</span><br /><br /><span class="word">test</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֝חָנֵ֗נִי</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḥā·nê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common 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">me and know</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my concerns.</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂרְעַפָּֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(śar·‘ap·pāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8312.htm">Strong's 8312: </a> </span><span class="str2">Disquieting thoughts</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 139:23 Search me God and know my heart (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/139-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 139:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 139:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/139-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 139:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 139:24" /></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>