Psalms 66:18 Meaning and Explanation
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will not listen if the speaker harbors sin intentionally in his heart.
The Context of Psalms 66:18
Parenthetical statement establishing the speaker's moral integrity and why God heard his prayer.
What Does Psalms 66:18 Mean?
To regard iniquity means to hold sin, to cherish it, to treat it as acceptable. This is not stumbling into sin inadvertently but deliberately choosing to harbor wickedness. The condition is clear: such a stance blocks God's hearing.
This verse operates as a parenthetical confession. The speaker is affirming his own integrity before God—he is not harboring hidden iniquity while bringing his sacrifice. The statement underscores that his prayers were heard because his heart was turned toward obedience, not toward sin.
Psalms 66:18 in the Original Language
regard (שׁמַר, shamar) — to regard, value, cherish, or hold.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 66:18
What does Psalms 66:18 mean?
God will not listen if the speaker harbors sin intentionally in his heart.
What is the context of Psalms 66:18?
Parenthetical statement establishing the speaker's moral integrity and why God heard his prayer.