King James Version

What Does Psalms 139:23 Mean?

Psalms 139:23 in the King James Version says “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 139 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:”

Psalms 139:23 · KJV

Context

21

Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

22

I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

23

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. wicked: Heb. way of pain, or, grief

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This imperative prayer invites God's penetrating examination through paired synonymous verbs: 'search' (chaqar—to investigate thoroughly) and 'know' (yada—intimate knowledge). The parallel 'heart' (leb) and 'thoughts' (sar'appim—disquieting thoughts or anxieties) encompass the inner life. David's invitation for divine scrutiny reflects confidence in God's omniscience (verses 1-6) and gracious judgment. The prayer for God to 'try' (bachan—test, examine, as refining metal) demonstrates the believer's desire for sanctification. This vulnerability anticipates the Christian call to self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) and God's future judgment (1 Corinthians 4:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 139 celebrates God's omniscience, omnipresence, and creative sovereignty. David wrote from mature awareness of his own sin (Bathsheba, Uriah) and God's faithful discipline. The psalm reflects Israel's covenant relationship where God judges to purify, not merely to condemn. Ancient Near Eastern religion feared capricious gods, but Israel's God offers redemptive examination.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you willing to invite God's searching examination of your heart, or are there hidden areas you're protecting?
  2. What anxious thoughts or attitudes might God want to expose and heal in you through this prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
חָקְרֵ֣נִי1 of 7

“Search”

H2713

properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately

אֵ֭ל2 of 7

“me O God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וְדַ֣ע3 of 7

“and know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לְבָבִ֑י4 of 7

“my heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

בְּ֝חָנֵ֗נִי5 of 7

“try”

H974

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

וְדַ֣ע6 of 7

“and know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

שַׂרְעַפָּֽי׃7 of 7

“my thoughts”

H8312

cogitation

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 139:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 139:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 26:2Job 31:61 Peter 1:7Proverbs 17:3Deuteronomy 8:2Psalms 139:1

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