Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 17:3
To test or examine something, like gold or a person's heart, is what this word means. It appears in stories like Job's trials, where his faith is tested by God, and in Proverbs 17:3, which talks about refining silver.
Definition: 1) to examine, try, prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to examine, scrutinise 1a2) to test, prove, try (of gold, persons, the heart, man of God) 1b) (Niphal) to be tried, proved 1c) (Pual) to make a trial
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). See also: Genesis 42:15; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 7:10.
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
To refine means to purify something, like metal, by removing impurities. In the Bible, God refines his people like silver, testing and purifying them through trials. This process makes them stronger and more faithful.
Definition: 1) to smelt, refine, test 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smelt, refine 1a2) to test 1a3) to test (and prove true) 1a4) smelter, refiner, goldsmith (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be refined 1c) (Piel) to be a refiner 1c1) refiner (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. See also: Judges 7:4; Isaiah 1:25; Psalms 12:7.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
This Hebrew word means to plan, often with bad intentions, like plotting or scheming. It appears in the Bible when someone is thinking of doing something evil. In the KJV, it's translated as 'consider, devise, imagine, plot, purpose, think evil'.
Definition: 1) to have a thought, devise, plan, consider, purpose 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to consider, fix thought upon 1a2) to purpose, devise 1a3) to plot (of evil intent)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: consider, devise, imagine, plot, purpose, think (evil). See also: Genesis 11:6; Proverbs 31:16; Psalms 17:3.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Context — Hear My Righteous Plea
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Acts 11:23 |
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. |
| 2 |
Job 23:10 |
Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. |
| 3 |
Psalms 26:2 |
Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind. |
| 4 |
Psalms 39:1 |
I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” |
| 5 |
Malachi 3:2 |
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. |
| 6 |
Psalms 119:106 |
I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments. |
| 7 |
Psalms 139:1 |
O LORD, You have searched me and known me. |
| 8 |
Zechariah 13:9 |
This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” |
| 9 |
Psalms 66:10 |
For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver. |
| 10 |
Proverbs 13:3 |
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. |
Psalms 17:3 Summary
[This verse means that God looks deep into our hearts to see what's truly there, and He wants to help us become more like Him. The psalmist is saying that God has looked into his heart and found no evil, and he's making a promise to only speak kind and truthful words. This is something we can all strive for, by asking God to search our hearts and help us live a life that pleases Him, as we see in Jeremiah 17:10 and Psalms 139:23-24. By doing so, we can experience a deeper sense of freedom and joy in our relationship with God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'try' or 'test' our hearts?
This means that God examines our innermost thoughts and intentions, as seen in Psalms 17:3, to purify and refine us, much like a refiner tests and purifies silver, as described in Psalms 66:10 and Malachi 3:3.
How can we be sure we are living a life free of evil, like the psalmist claims?
We can be confident in our righteousness when we have surrendered our lives to God and are walking in obedience to His Word, as encouraged in Psalms 119:9 and 1 John 1:7-9.
What does it mean to 'resolve not to sin with my mouth'?
This means making a conscious decision to control our speech and only speak words that are pleasing to God, as taught in Ephesians 4:29 and James 1:26, recognizing the power of our words to either build up or tear down others.
How can we apply the principle of God's nighttime visitation to our own lives?
We can apply this principle by being open to God's conviction and guidance, even in the stillness of the night, and seeking to align our thoughts and actions with His will, as seen in Psalms 42:8 and Isaiah 26:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like God is 'trying' or 'testing' me, and how can I surrender to His refining process?
- In what ways can I intentionally control my speech to only speak words that are pleasing to God and uplifting to others?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and humility, recognizing that God sees my heart and knows my true intentions?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'avoid the ways of the violent' and instead follow the paths of righteousness, as mentioned in Psalms 17:4?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:3
Thou hast proved mine heart,.... This properly belongs to God, who is the searcher of the heart and reins, and is desired by all good men; and though God has no need to make use of any means to know
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 17:3
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 17:3
Proved, or searched, or tried it, by many and sore temptations and afflictions, whereby the sincerity or hypocrisy of men’ s hearts are easily and commonly discovered, and especially by thy all-seeing eye. And that is my great comfort, that thou art witness of my innocency. Thou hast visited me; thou hast made an inspection and inquiry into my heart. In the night; either, 1. Metaphorically, i.e. in the time of trouble. Or, 2. Properly; when men’ s minds being freed from the encumbrance and distraction of business, and from the presence and society of men, (which either lays a restraint upon them, or tempts them to use dissimulation,) do act most vigorously and freely, either upon good or evil, according to their several inclinations. Thou hast tried me, accurately and severely, as goldsmiths do metals. Shalt find nothing, i.e. nothing of unrighteousness. Heb. shalt not find, to wit, that whereof mine enemies accuse me, namely, hypocrisy towards thee, and evil design against Saul, covered under fair pretences, as they allege.
So this general phrase is to be limited from the context, as other generals most frequently are. For he was so far from thinking himself sinless, that he often acknowledgeth his many and great sins, and particularly, that if God should enter into judgment with him, and be severe to mark iniquities, no living man could be justified, or stand before him, 143:2. I am purposed, or, I have resolved upon deliberation, as the word implies, that my mouth shall not transgress; I am so far from practising against Saul’ s life, as they charge me, that I will not wrong him so much as in a word. Some join these words with the next foregoing, and render the place thus, That which I have thought, my mouth shall not transgress, or rather, hath not transgressed, i.e. my thoughts and words always agree together. I abhor falsehood and dissimulation.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 17:3
Psalms 17:3 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.Ver. 3. Thou hast proved my heart] And knowest me to be no dissembler and traitor, as they wrongfully charge me, while they muse as they use. Thou hast visited me in the night] In which God is wont to stir up and inmind men of his will, Job 4:13-14, as being all gathered within themselves; and when the darkness doth unmask them of worldly dissimulation. Thou hast tried me] As metallaries do their gold and silver. And shall find nothing] Heb. hast not found, èåí deficit, saith Aben Ezra; no blot or blemish, that is, not the spot of God’ s children, Deuteronomy 32:5, no dross or deceit that may not well consist with godliness. I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress] My general purpose is such, though I may have my particular failings. I speak my whole heart, so far as I know it. Magna est concordia cordis et oris.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 17:3
(3) In the night (as Psalms 16:7).—The time of calm reflection and self-examination. Some, however, taking this verse in connection with Psalms 17:15, think the poem was composed at night. I am purposed.—The Hebrew word presents a difficulty. It is better to take it as a noun—counsels, and here, as generally, evil counsels—and join it to the preceding, not (as in the Authorised Version) the following words. “Thou hast proved my heart, Thou hast visited me in the night, Thou hast found no malice in me, My mouth doth not transgress, or It (malice) doth not pass my mouth.” “I offend”—that is, “neither in thought nor word.” The LXX., Vulg., Syr., Chald., and Arab. versions support this arrangement.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 17:3
Verse 3. Thou hast proved mine heart] Thou well knowest whether there be any evil way in me. Thou hast given me to see many and sore trials; and yet, through thy mercy, I have preserved my integrity both to thee and to my king. Thou hast seen me in my most secret retirements, and knowest whether I have plotted mischief against him who now wishes to take away my life. Thou hast tried me] צרפתני tseraphtani; Thou hast put me to the test, as they do metals, in order to detect their alloy, and to purify them: well expressed by the Vulgate, Igne me examinasti, "Thou hast tried me by fire;" and well paraphrased in my old Psalter, - Thu examynd me the lykkenyng of the fournas, that purges metal, and imang al this, wykednes es nout funden in me: that es, I am funden clene of syn, and so ryghtwis.-He who is saved from his sin is right wise; he has found the true wisdom. My mouth shall not transgress.] This clause is added to the following verse by the Vulgate and Septuagint: "That my mouth may not speak according to the works of men, I have observed difficult ways because of the words of thy lips." That is, So far from doing any improper action, I have even refrained from all words that might be counted inflammatory or seditious by my adversaries; for I took thy word for the regulation of my conduct, and prescribed to myself the most painful duties, in order that I might, in every respect, avoid what would give offence either to thee or to man. Among the genuine followers of God, plots and civil broils are never found.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 17:3
3–5. The bold language of a good conscience. See Introd. p. lxxxvii. Cp. Acts 23:1; Acts 24:16.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 17:3
Thou hast proved mine heart - In this verse he refers to his own character and life in the matter under consideration, or the consciousness of his own innocence in respect to his fellow-men who are persecuting and opposing him.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 17:3
3. Proved mine heart—He accepts his afflictions as tests of his sincerity. The word prove is applied to the trying of metals. Jeremiah 9:7; Zechariah 13:9. In the night—See Psalms 16:7.
Sermons on Psalms 17:3
| Sermon | Description |
|
Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 1
by Will Graham
|
This sermon challenges believers to not just talk the Christian walk but to also live it out through their actions. It emphasizes the importance of genuine faith that is reflected |
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Availability and Angels
by Paris Reidhead
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In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who had blood on his hands and darkness in his heart. He was told by a figure in white that someone with a face like his woul |
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Comfort of the Spirit
by Stephen Olford
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with truth, passion, and clarity. He believes that exhortation, which includes a compassionate p |
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How God Prepares Us (Part 9)
by Jim Cymbala
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action and making sacrifices for others. He uses the example of Barnabas, who saw a need in the early church and so |
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Progress of Redemption #12
by David Shirley
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inseparable connection between the natural and spiritual realms. The central theme is the power and purpose of Jesus Christ, with the ke |
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Beauty and Bonds
by Dick Brogden
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Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of having a generous heart that God blesses, contrasting it with a stingy heart that restricts ministry and seeks to minimize influence. He h |
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The Living One
by H.J. Vine
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H.J. Vine preaches about the significance of believers having a living Saviour, a living Lord, and a living Head in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and holds all authority, build |