Psalm 139:23
New International Version
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

New Living Translation
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

English Standard Version
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

Berean Standard Bible
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

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

New King James Version
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;

New American Standard Bible
Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts;

NASB 1995
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

NASB 1977
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

Legacy Standard Bible
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

Amplified Bible
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts;

Christian Standard Bible
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

American Standard Version
Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts;

Contemporary English Version
Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Examine me, O God, and know my mind. Test me, and know my thoughts.

Good News Translation
Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts.

International Standard Version
Examine me, God, and know my mind, test me, and know my thoughts.

Majority Standard Bible
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

NET Bible
Examine me, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns!

New Heart English Bible
Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.

Webster's Bible Translation
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts:

World English Bible
Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Search me, O God, and know my heart, "" Try me, and know my thoughts,

Young's Literal Translation
Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me, and know my thoughts,

Smith's Literal Translation
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Prove me, O God, and know my heart: examine me, and know my paths.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Examine me, O God, and know my heart. Question me, and know my paths.

New American Bible
Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my thoughts.

New Revised Standard Version
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my ways,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Search me, oh God, and know my heart, and prove me and know my steps
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me, and know my thoughts;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Prove me, O God, and know my heart; examine me, and know my paths;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
You Have Searched Me and Known Me
22I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies. 23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. 24See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 17:10
I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

Hebrews 4:12-13
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.

Proverbs 21:2
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

1 Chronicles 28:9
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.

1 Samuel 16:7
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.”

Romans 8:27
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.

1 Corinthians 4:5
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.

Revelation 2:23
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.

Psalm 26:2
Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.

Job 31:6
let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity.

Lamentations 3:40
Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.

2 Corinthians 13:5
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?

James 1:5
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.

Philippians 4:6-7
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.

Matthew 6:8
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.


Treasury of Scripture

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

search me

Psalm 139:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.

Psalm 26:2
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

know

Deuteronomy 8:2,16
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no…

Job 31:6
Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.

Proverbs 17:3
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

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Anxious Heart Prove Search Secrets Test Tested Thoughts Try Uncovered Wandering
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Anxious Heart Prove Search Secrets Test Tested Thoughts Try Uncovered Wandering
Psalm 139
1. David praises God for his all-seeing providence
17. And for this infinite mercies
19. He defies the wicked
23. He prays for sincerity














Search me
The phrase "Search me" is a direct appeal to God, inviting Him to examine the innermost parts of one's being. The Hebrew word for "search" is "חָקַר" (chaqar), which implies a deep, thorough investigation. This request reflects a profound trust in God's omniscience and a desire for purity and righteousness. It acknowledges that God knows us better than we know ourselves and invites His divine scrutiny to reveal any hidden faults or sins. Historically, this reflects the ancient practice of seeking divine insight, akin to a spiritual audit, ensuring one's life aligns with God's will.

O God
The invocation "O God" is a direct address to the Almighty, emphasizing a personal relationship with the Creator. The Hebrew term used here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This name for God underscores His sovereignty and authority over all creation. In the context of the Psalms, it reflects a deep reverence and acknowledgment of God's supreme power and presence. The psalmist's appeal to God highlights the belief that only the divine can truly understand and judge the human heart.

and know my heart
The phrase "and know my heart" is a plea for God to understand the true intentions and desires within. The Hebrew word for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada), which signifies an intimate, experiential knowledge. The "heart" in Hebrew thought, "לֵב" (lev), represents the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This request is for God to discern the true nature of the psalmist's inner life, beyond outward appearances. It reflects a desire for authenticity and integrity, seeking divine insight into one's deepest motivations and feelings.

test me
"Test me" is a call for God to examine and prove the psalmist's faith and character. The Hebrew word "בָּחַן" (bachan) means to try or examine, often used in the context of refining metals. This implies a process of purification and strengthening through trials. The psalmist is asking God to put him through situations that reveal his true character and faithfulness. It is a courageous request, showing a willingness to undergo divine scrutiny and correction, trusting that such testing will lead to spiritual growth and maturity.

and know my concerns
The phrase "and know my concerns" invites God to understand the anxieties and worries that burden the psalmist. The Hebrew word for "concerns" is "שַׂרְעַפִּים" (saraphim), which can also mean thoughts or disquieting thoughts. This reflects a desire for God to be aware of and address the inner turmoil and fears that may not be visible to others. It is an acknowledgment that God is not only interested in our actions but also in our mental and emotional state. By inviting God into these areas, the psalmist seeks peace and reassurance, trusting that God cares deeply about every aspect of our lives.

(23) Search.--The same word with which the psalm opens. The inevitable scrutiny of the Divine Being is invited.

Thoughts.--As in Psalm 94:19; a word meaning (Ezekiel 31:5) branches, and so expressing the ramifications of thought.

Verse 23. - Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. 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" (Psalm 26:2). My desire is to be proved and tested.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Search me,
חָקְרֵ֣נִי (ḥā·qə·rê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 2713: To penetrate, to examine intimately

O God,
אֵ֭ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

and know
וְדַ֣ע (wə·ḏa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

my heart;
לְבָבִ֑י (lə·ḇā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

test
בְּ֝חָנֵ֗נִי (bə·ḥā·nê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 974: To test, to investigate

me and know
וְדַ֣ע (wə·ḏa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

my concerns.
שַׂרְעַפָּֽי׃ (śar·‘ap·pāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8312: Disquieting thoughts


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OT Poetry: Psalm 139:23 Search me God and know my heart (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 139:22
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