Psalms 20:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 20:3 mean?

Psalms 20:3 is a prayer asking God to remember all the offerings and accept the burnt sacrifices made by the person being prayed for. The verse expresses a hope that God will look favorably on the worship and devotion shown through these sacrifices.

In this psalm, the people are praying for their king, likely before he goes into battle. They ask God to recall the king’s acts of worship—his offerings and burnt sacrifices—and to accept them. The word "Selah" at the end signals a pause, inviting the listener to reflect on the importance of God’s acceptance.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 20:3

• זָכַר (zākar, H2142) — "Remember": This word often means more than just recalling; it can imply acting in response to what is remembered, so the prayer is for God to act favorably because of the offerings.
• מִנְחָה (minḥāh, H4503) — "offerings": This refers to general offerings, often grain or gifts, not just animal sacrifices, highlighting a broad range of worship acts.
• דָּשֵׁן (dāshēn, H1878) — "accept": This word carries the sense of making something fat or rich, and in this context, it means to accept or delight in the sacrifice, not just to receive it.
• עֹלָה (ʿōlāh, H5930) — "burnt sacrifice": This is a specific type of offering that is completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God.
• סֶלָה (selāh, H5542) — "Selah": This term’s exact meaning is uncertain, but it often signals a pause for reflection, emphasizing the importance of what was just said.

Why Psalms 20:3 matters

• Psalms 20:3 shows that the people’s prayers for their leader include a desire for God to honor the leader’s past faithfulness and worship, not just his present needs.
• The verse connects the king’s relationship with God—expressed through offerings and sacrifices—to the hope for God’s help and favor in a time of trouble.
• The use of "Selah" encourages the reader or listener to pause and consider the weight of seeking God’s acceptance, not just performing religious acts.