King James Version

What Does Psalms 17:3 Mean?

Psalms 17:3 in the King James Version says “Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purpose...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.”

Psalms 17:3 · KJV

Context

1

A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. the right: Heb. justice not: Heb. without lips of deceit

2

Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.

3

Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

4

Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

5

Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. slip: Heb. be not moved

Read Psalms 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David submits to God's testing: 'You have tried my heart.' The Hebrew 'bachan' (tried/tested) suggests refining metal. God's night visitation and testing by fire found nothing—David resolved that his mouth would not transgress. This parallels Job's confidence in divine testing (Job 23:10) and anticipates Peter's teaching that trials prove faith's genuineness (1 Peter 1:7). Reformed theology sees trials as God's sanctifying means.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects ancient metallurgy where fire purified precious metals by burning away impurities—a common biblical metaphor for divine testing and sanctification.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you view trials—as obstacles or as God's refining process?
  2. What does your speech under pressure reveal about your heart's condition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בָּ֘חַ֤נְתָּ1 of 11

“Thou hast proved”

H974

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

לִבִּ֨י׀2 of 11

“mine heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

פָּ֘קַ֤דְתָּ3 of 11

“thou hast visited”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

לַּ֗יְלָה4 of 11

“me in the night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

צְרַפְתַּ֥נִי5 of 11

“thou hast tried”

H6884

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

בַל6 of 11
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

תִּמְצָ֑א7 of 11

“me and shalt find”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

זַ֝מֹּתִ֗י8 of 11

“nothing I am purposed”

H2161

to plan, usually in a bad sense

בַּל9 of 11
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יַעֲבָר10 of 11

“shall not transgress”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

פִּֽי׃11 of 11

“that my mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

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 17:3 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 17:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 23:10Psalms 26:2Acts 11:23Psalms 39:1Malachi 3:2Psalms 66:10

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