King James Version

What Does Psalms 20:3 Mean?

Psalms 20:3 in the King James Version says “Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. accept: Heb. turn to ashes: or, make fat” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. accept: Heb. turn to ashes: or, make fat”

Psalms 20:3 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; defend: Heb. set thee on an high place

2

Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; thee help: Heb. thy help strengthen: Heb. support

3

Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. accept: Heb. turn to ashes: or, make fat

4

Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

5

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Read Psalms 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prayer that God 'remember' offerings and 'regard' burnt offerings uses sacrificial language. The Hebrew 'zakar' (remember) means to act on behalf of, not merely recall. 'Dashen' (regard/accept as fat) indicates approval of sacrifice. This anticipates Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10) that secured God's favor. Reformed theology sees Old Testament sacrifices as types pointing to Christ's atoning work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Before battle, Israel's king would offer sacrifices seeking divine favor. God remembering sacrifices meant granting victory based on covenant relationship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's sacrifice give you confidence in prayer?
  2. In what ways do you 'remember' Christ's offering in worship and petition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִזְכֹּ֥ר1 of 6

“Remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

כָּל2 of 6
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִנְחֹתֶ֑ךָ3 of 6

“all thy offerings”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וְעוֹלָתְךָ֖4 of 6

“thy burnt sacrifice”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

יְדַשְּׁנֶ֣ה5 of 6

“and accept”

H1878

to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)

סֶֽלָה׃6 of 6

“Selah”

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

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 20:3 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 20:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 51:192 Chronicles 7:1Acts 10:41 Chronicles 21:26Ephesians 5:2Genesis 4:4

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