CINXE.COM

<!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 39:3 My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/39-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/19_Psa_039_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 39:3 - I Will Watch My Ways" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:" /><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/39-3.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/39-3.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/39.htm">Chapter 39</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/39-2.htm" title="Psalm 39:2">◄</a> Psalm 39:3 <a href="/psalms/39-4.htm" title="Psalm 39:4">►</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/39.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/39.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/39.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/39.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/39.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/39.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: <i>then</i> spake I with my tongue,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/39.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me; While I was musing, the fire burned. <i>Then</i> I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/39.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me, While I was musing the fire burned; <i>Then</i> I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/39.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me, While I was musing the fire burned; Then I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/39.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />My heart was hot within me; While I was musing the fire burned; <i>Then</i> I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/39.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />My heart was hot within me, While I meditated the fire was burning; <i>Then</i> I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/39.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me. While I was musing the fire burned; Then I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/39.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, a fire burned. I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/39.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, a fire burned. I spoke with my tongue:&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/39.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me; While I was musing the fire burned: Then spake I with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/39.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I felt a fire burning inside, and the more I thought, the more it burned, until at last I said: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/39.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me; while I was musing the fire kindled: then spake I with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/39.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />My heart burned like a fire flaring up within me. Then I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/39.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and I was overcome with anxiety. The more I thought, the more troubled I became; I could not keep from asking: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/39.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />My heart within me became incensed; as I thought about it, the fire burned. Then I spoke out:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/39.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/39.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />my anxiety intensified. As I thought about it, I became impatient. Finally I spoke these words: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/39.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/39.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then I spoke with my tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/39.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned. I spoke with my tongue: <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/39.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />My heart [is] hot within me, "" In my meditating the fire burns, "" I have spoken with my tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/39.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Hot is my heart within me, In my meditating doth the fire burn, I have spoken with my tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/39.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My heart was hot in the midst of me; in my heat the fire will burn: I spake with my tongue.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/39.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />My heart grew hot within me : and in my meditation a fire shall flame out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/39.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 38:4>My heart grew hot within me, and, during my meditation, a fire would flare up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/39.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />my heart smolders within me. In my sighing a fire blazes up, and I break into speech: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/39.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />my heart became hot within me. While I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/39.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My heart was hot within me; and my body was on fire; then spoke I with my tongue,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/39.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My heart is hot within me and fire is renewed in my body; I meditated with my tongue.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/39.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />My heart waxed hot within me; While I was musing, the fire kindled; Then spoke I with my tongue:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/39.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />My heart grew hot within me, and a fire would kindle in my meditation: I spoke with my tongue,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/39-3.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=4570" 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/39.htm">I Will Watch My Ways</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><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/2552.htm" title="2552: ḥam- (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be or become warm. A primitive root; to be hot.">grew hot</a> <a href="/hebrew/7130.htm" title="7130: bə·qir·bî (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Inward part, midst. From qarab; properly, the nearest part, i.e. The center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial.">within me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1901.htm" title="1901: ba·hă·ḡî·ḡî (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- A whisper, musing, murmuring. From an unused root akin to hagah; properly, a murmur, i.e. Complaint.">as I mused,</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ’êš (N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">the fire</a> <a href="/hebrew/1197.htm" title="1197: ṯiḇ·‘ar- (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To kindle, consume, to be, brutish. A primitive root; to kindle, i.e. Consume; also to be(-come) brutish.">burned.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bar·tî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">Then I spoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: bil·šō·w·nî (Prep-b:: N-csc:: 1cs) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">with my tongue:</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>“Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is.…<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/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</a></span><br />If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/32-18.htm">Job 32:18-20</a></span><br />For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. / Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. / I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-32.htm">Luke 24:32</a></span><br />They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-11.htm">Jeremiah 6:11</a></span><br />But I am full of the LORD’s wrath; I am tired of holding it back. “Pour it out on the children in the street, and on the young men gathered together. For both husband and wife will be captured, the old and the very old alike.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20</a></span><br />For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23</a></span><br />The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a></span><br />The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a></span><br />I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">1 Corinthians 9:16</a></span><br />Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/45-1.htm">Psalm 45:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-14.htm">2 Corinthians 5:14</a></span><br />For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-27.htm">Isaiah 30:27</a></span><br />Behold, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, with burning anger and dense smoke. His lips are full of fury, and His tongue is like a consuming fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-29.htm">Jeremiah 23:29</a></span><br />“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spoke I with my tongue,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</a></b></br> Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But <i>his word</i> was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not <i>stay</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/3-14.htm">Ezekiel 3:14</a></b></br> So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/24-32.htm">Luke 24:32</a></b></br> And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/22-14.htm">Breast</a> <a href="/psalms/2-12.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/psalms/38-7.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/psalms/38-2.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/psalms/29-7.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/psalms/38-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">Hot</a> <a href="/psalms/18-8.htm">Kindled</a> <a href="/psalms/18-8.htm">Lighted</a> <a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Meditated</a> <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Mused</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">Musing</a> <a href="/psalms/36-4.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/32-3.htm">Waxed</a> <a href="/psalms/36-1.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/131-2.htm">Breast</a> <a href="/psalms/46-9.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/psalms/50-3.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/psalms/40-2.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/psalms/46-9.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/78-48.htm">Hot</a> <a href="/psalms/78-21.htm">Kindled</a> <a href="/psalms/77-18.htm">Lighted</a> <a href="/psalms/77-12.htm">Meditated</a> <a href="/psalms/77-3.htm">Mused</a> <a href="/psalms/104-34.htm">Musing</a> <a href="/psalms/40-17.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/45-1.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-27.htm">Waxed</a> <a href="/psalms/40-8.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 39</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">David's care of his thoughts</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">The consideration of the brevity and vanity of life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/39-7.htm">the reverence of God's judgments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/39-10.htm">and prayer, are his bridles of impatience</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/39.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/39.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My heart grew hot within me;</b><br>This phrase reflects an intense emotional and spiritual state. In biblical context, the heart often symbolizes the center of one's emotions and thoughts. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, experiences a deep internal struggle. This internal heat can be seen as a metaphor for righteous anger or conviction. Similar expressions of internal turmoil are found in <a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</a>, where the prophet describes God's word as a fire in his heart. The heart's heat may also symbolize the Holy Spirit's work, convicting and stirring the believer towards action or repentance.<p><b>as I mused, the fire burned.</b><br>The act of musing suggests deep contemplation or meditation. In the Hebrew tradition, meditation often involves reflecting on God's law and His works. The burning fire can be seen as a symbol of passion or divine inspiration. This imagery is reminiscent of the burning bush in <a href="/exodus/3.htm">Exodus 3</a>, where God's presence is revealed through fire. The fire burning within the psalmist may indicate a growing urgency to speak or act, driven by divine prompting. This internal fire can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as a refining fire in <a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Malachi 3:2-3</a>, purifying and preparing His people.<p><b>Then I spoke with my tongue:</b><br>The culmination of the internal struggle and contemplation leads to verbal expression. In biblical culture, speaking is often seen as an act of authority and revelation. The tongue, as described in <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>, has the power to bless or curse, to build up or destroy. The psalmist's decision to speak suggests a release of the internal pressure and a move towards addressing the issue at hand. This moment can be connected to the prophetic tradition, where prophets, after receiving a message from God, are compelled to speak it forth. It also reflects the importance of speaking truth and righteousness, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a>, where believers are encouraged to speak the truth in love.<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/39.htm">Psalm 39</a>, David is expressing his inner turmoil and the struggle to maintain silence in the face of his emotions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate audience of David's prayer and reflection, highlighting the relationship between the psalmist and the divine.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart.htm">The Heart</a></b><br>Symbolic of the inner self, emotions, and thoughts, which are central to the psalmist's experience.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tongue.htm">The Tongue</a></b><br>Represents the act of speaking, which David initially restrains but eventually uses to express his feelings.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fire.htm">The Fire</a></b><br>A metaphor for the intense emotions and thoughts that build up within David, leading to his eventual outburst.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_reflection.htm">The Power of Reflection</a></b><br>Reflecting on our emotions and thoughts is crucial before speaking. David's musing led to a deeper understanding of his feelings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_suppressed_emotions.htm">The Danger of Suppressed Emotions</a></b><br>Suppressing emotions can lead to an eventual outburst. It's important to find healthy ways to process and express our feelings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer_in_emotional_turmoil.htm">The Role of Prayer in Emotional Turmoil</a></b><br>Turning to God in prayer, as David does, can provide guidance and peace when we are overwhelmed by our emotions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart_and_tongue.htm">Guarding the Heart and Tongue</a></b><br>We must be vigilant about what we allow to dwell in our hearts, as it will eventually influence our words and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_timing_in_speech.htm">The Importance of Timing in Speech</a></b><br>There is wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. Seeking God's guidance can help us discern the right time.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_39.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 39</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_sexual_temptation.htm">What does the Bible say about sexual temptation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_'fire'_reconciled_with_god's_love.htm">If 'fire goes before Him' (Psalm 97:3), how is that reconciled with the Bible's portrayal of a loving God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/psalm_50_3__literal_fire_tempest_proof.htm">In Psalm 50:3, how can a consuming fire and tempest be taken literally if no historical account exists of such a phenomenon?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_atavism_mean.htm">What does 'Call on the Lord to be saved' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/39.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">The fire burned.</span>--The attempt at repression only makes the inward flame of feeling burn the more fiercely, till at last it is too much for the resolution that has been formed, and the passion of the heart breaks out in words. Like the modern poet, the Hebrew bard had felt<p>"Twere better not to breathe or speak<p>Than cry for strength, remaining weak,<p>And seem to find, but still to seek."<p>"But thought is too much for him, and he breaks into speech, not, however, fretfully, still less with bitter invective against others. It is a dialogue with the ruler of destiny, in which frail man wants to face his condition, and know the worst.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/39.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">My heart was hot within me</span>; or, <span class="accented">grew hot</span> (Kay). <span class="cmt_word">And while I was musing the fire burned</span>; or, <span class="accented">kindled</span> (Revised Version). <span class="cmt_word">Then spake I with my tongue</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> aloud, articulately. I could not - at any rate, I did not - refrain myself. I burst out in speech, and made my moan to God <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/39-3.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">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">grew hot</span><br /><span class="heb">חַם־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2552.htm">Strong's 2552: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become warm</span><br /><br /><span class="word">within me;</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּקִרְבִּ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·qir·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_7130.htm">Strong's 7130: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nearest part, the center</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as I mused,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּהֲגִיגִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ba·hă·ḡî·ḡî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1901.htm">Strong's 1901: </a> </span><span class="str2">A whisper, musing, murmuring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the fire</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֑שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’êš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">burned.</span><br /><span class="heb">תִבְעַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiḇ·‘ar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1197.htm">Strong's 1197: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kindle, consume, to be, brutish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Then] I spoke</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּ֝בַּ֗רְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(dib·bar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with my tongue:</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְשֽׁוֹנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(bil·šō·w·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/39-3.htm">Psalm 39:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/39-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 39:3 My heart was hot within me (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/39-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 39:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 39:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/39-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 39:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 39:4" /></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>