Psalms 66:18

KJV

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:

KJV (with Strong's)

If I regard {H7200}{H8804)} iniquity {H205} in my heart {H3820}, the Lord {H136} will not hear {H8085}{H8799)} me:

Complete Jewish Bible

Had I cherished evil thoughts, Adonai would not have listened.

Berean Standard Bible

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

American Standard Version

If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 66:18 delivers a profound theological truth regarding the efficacy of prayer, asserting that if an individual harbors or cherishes sin within their heart, the Lord will not incline His ear to their petitions. This verse underscores the intrinsic connection between one's inner moral disposition and their communion with a holy God, highlighting that genuine spiritual access and responsive divine hearing are contingent upon a heart free from willful adherence to iniquity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 66 is a vibrant song of communal and personal thanksgiving, celebrating God's mighty acts of deliverance and faithfulness. The psalm opens with a universal call to worship, recounting God's awe-inspiring deeds in creation and Israel's history, particularly the Exodus and crossing of the Red Sea ([Psalms 66:1-12](/psalms/66-1-12 "Psalm 66:1-12 - God's Mighty Deeds")). The latter half of the psalm (verses 13-20) shifts to the psalmist's personal testimony, detailing his fulfillment of vows made in distress and, crucially, God's personal answer to his prayer. Verse 18 is embedded within this personal declaration, serving as a reflective aside that explains *why* his prayer was heard: because he did not cherish sin. This verse acts as a theological underpinning for the psalmist's confidence in God's hearing, contrasting his own righteous heart posture with one that would hinder divine response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prayer was understood as a direct communication with God, often offered in the context of covenant relationship. Access to God was always predicated on His holiness and the worshiper's purity. While animal sacrifices and rituals provided atonement for unintentional sins, deliberate and unrepentant sin was seen as a profound breach of the covenant, creating a barrier between the individual and God. The concept of the "heart" (לֵב, _lev_) in Hebrew thought encompassed the totality of a person's inner being—their intellect, will, emotions, and moral core. Thus, "regarding iniquity in one's heart" was not merely about committing an outward act, but about an internal disposition, a willful embrace or fondness for sin, which was fundamentally incompatible with approaching a holy God. This understanding permeated Israelite worship and legal codes, emphasizing the need for inward integrity alongside outward obedience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the Psalms and broader Scripture. It highlights the **holiness of God**, emphasizing that His nature is utterly separate from and intolerant of sin, particularly cherished sin. It underscores the **integrity of the human heart** as foundational to genuine worship and effective prayer, aligning with calls for a pure heart in other passages like [Psalms 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3-4 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?"). The verse also speaks to the **efficacy of prayer**, defining a critical condition under which divine hearing is withheld, thereby by implication, affirming that prayer from a righteous or repentant heart *is* heard. Finally, it addresses the pervasive theme of **sin as a barrier to fellowship with God**, a concept echoed in prophetic warnings such as [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Sins Have Separated You from Your God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Regard (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַר (_shamar_) means "to keep, guard, preserve, observe, cherish." When used in this context, it implies more than just being aware of sin or accidentally falling into it. It suggests a deliberate, intentional act of holding onto, protecting, or even delighting in iniquity within one's inner being. It speaks to a settled disposition of the heart, a willful refusal to relinquish sin, rather than a momentary lapse or struggle. This "guarding" of sin makes it a cherished possession, not a regretted transgression.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _'aven'_):** The Hebrew noun אָוֶן (_'aven_) refers to "iniquity, wickedness, trouble, sorrow, evil." It often carries the connotation of moral evil, mischief, or even idolatry, and can describe both the act of wrongdoing and its resulting guilt or trouble. Here, it signifies moral evil that is contrary to God's will and character. The combination of _shamar_ and _'aven_ paints a vivid picture of a heart that actively embraces and cultivates moral evil.
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (_shama'_) means "to hear, listen, obey, understand." While God is omniscient and "hears" everything in the sense of being aware of it, in this context, _shama'_ implies a responsive, favorable, and attentive hearing—a hearing that leads to action or positive engagement. It is not merely the physical act of perceiving sound, but the act of taking heed and responding affirmatively. Thus, "the Lord will not hear [me]" means He will not respond favorably or grant the petition of one who deliberately clings to sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I regard iniquity in my heart":** This protasis (the "if" clause) sets the condition for the consequence that follows. The phrase "in my heart" (בְלִבִּי, _b'libbi_) is crucial, indicating that the issue is not primarily external behavior but the internal disposition and intention. It refers to the core of one's being—the will, desires, and moral choices. To "regard iniquity" means to cherish, hold onto, or have a fondness for sin, to treat it as something valuable or permissible rather than detestable. This implies a conscious, unrepentant attitude towards wrongdoing.
* **"the Lord will not hear [me]:"** This apodosis (the "then" clause) states the direct consequence of the condition. "The Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, _Adonai_) refers to God as sovereign master. His refusal to "hear" signifies a withholding of favorable attention, responsive action, or intimate communion. It does not mean God is unaware of the prayer, but that He will not answer it in a way that demonstrates approval or grants the petitioner's request, because the heart's posture is contrary to His holy nature. This emphasizes God's righteousness and His demand for moral integrity from those who seek Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. It is primarily a **Conditional Statement**, structured as an "if-then" proposition, clearly outlining the cause-and-effect relationship between a person's inner moral state and God's response to their prayer. The phrase "regard iniquity in my heart" uses **Metaphor** and **Personification** to describe the heart as a place where sin can be "regarded" or cherished, as if it were an object one holds dear. The term "heart" itself is a **Synecdoche**, representing the entire inner person, including their will, intentions, and moral character. Furthermore, the statement "the Lord will not hear [me]" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (hearing/not hearing) to God, not to suggest a physical limitation but to convey His moral stance and refusal to engage favorably with unrepentant sin. The starkness of the consequence creates a powerful **Contrast** between a pure heart and a heart cherishing sin, underscoring the absolute necessity of the former for genuine communion with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 66:18 articulates a fundamental principle of divine-human interaction: God's holiness demands a corresponding integrity of heart from those who approach Him. This verse does not imply that God is unwilling to hear the cry of a repentant sinner, but rather that a heart that deliberately clings to sin, refusing to acknowledge or forsake it, establishes a barrier to intimate fellowship and responsive prayer. It underscores that true communion with God is not merely a ritualistic act but flows from a genuine desire to walk in His ways and align one's will with His. This principle is consistently woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing that a righteous life and a pure heart are prerequisites for enjoying God's favor and seeing His answers to prayer.
* [Proverbs 28:9](/proverbs/28-9 "Proverbs 28:9 - Turning from the Law Makes Prayer an Abomination")
* [Isaiah 59:1-2](/isaiah/59-1-2 "Isaiah 59:1-2 - Sin Separates from God")
* [1 John 3:21-22](/1_john/3-21-22 "1 John 3:21-22 - Confidence in Prayer and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful verse serves as a profound call to introspective honesty and spiritual integrity. It compels us to examine the deepest recesses of our hearts, asking if there are any areas where we are knowingly, willingly, or even fondly holding onto sin. It's not about achieving sinless perfection, which is unattainable in this life, but about the posture of our heart towards sin—whether we are fighting against it, confessing it, and seeking deliverance, or secretly cherishing it, making excuses for it, or refusing to let it go. When we harbor unconfessed or unrepentant sin, it creates a spiritual static that hinders our communication with God, making our prayers feel unheard or ineffective. The application is clear: cultivate a heart that is quick to confess, eager to repent, and genuinely desirous of holiness. This posture opens the channels of divine communication, allowing us to experience the profound joy and power of a God who truly hears and responds to the cries of His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "regard iniquity in my heart" truly mean for my daily life and thought patterns?**
* **Are there any areas of my life where I am consciously or unconsciously clinging to sin, rather than seeking to surrender it to God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of prayer and my relationship with a holy God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more aligned with God's will and less prone to cherishing sin?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God never hears the prayers of non-believers or those struggling with sin?**

Answer: This verse primarily addresses the ongoing relationship of prayer for those who seek to walk with God. While God is omniscient and hears everything, the "hearing" referred to here is a responsive, favorable, and intimate hearing that leads to answers and deeper communion. God certainly hears the cry of a sinner seeking salvation or initial repentance, as seen in countless biblical narratives where He responds to the desperate pleas of those outside the covenant or in profound spiritual brokenness (e.g., [Jonah 2:1-10](/jonah/2-1-10 "Jonah's Prayer from the Belly of the Fish"), [Luke 18:13-14](/luke/18-13-14 "The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector")). However, for those who claim to follow God but willfully cherish sin, this verse warns that their prayers for fellowship, guidance, or blessing may go unanswered because their heart's disposition is contrary to God's holiness. It's about the quality of the relationship and the integrity of the heart in seeking God's favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 66:18, with its stark warning about cherished sin hindering prayer, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, the barrier of sin, particularly willful iniquity, created a chasm between humanity and a holy God. No amount of self-effort or human striving could perfectly cleanse the heart to ensure consistent divine hearing. However, Jesus, as the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the righteous demands of the Law and bore the full penalty for our iniquity on the cross. His sacrifice provides the complete and final atonement for all sin, including those we "regard" in our hearts. Through faith in Him, we are not only forgiven but also imputed with His righteousness, allowing us to approach God's throne not based on our own imperfect heart condition, but on Christ's perfect work. The New Testament invites us to come boldly to the [throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace") with confidence, knowing that our High Priest, Jesus, sympathizes with our weaknesses and has removed the barrier of sin ([Hebrews 2:17-18](/hebrews/2-17-18 "Hebrews 2:17-18 - Jesus, Our Merciful and Faithful High Priest")). While the call to a pure heart remains for believers, our ability to confess our sins and receive forgiveness ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")) and maintain open communion with God is now secured by Christ's finished work, enabling us to pray effectively even amidst our ongoing struggles with sin, as long as we are not willfully cherishing it but actively seeking to surrender it to Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 9:31

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Proverbs 28:9

¶ He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.

Proverbs 15:29

¶ The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs 15:8

¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

James 4:3

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.

Proverbs 21:13

¶ Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.