RT Article T1 The anthropological function of the outcry "When God searches my heart" in Psalm 139:1 and 23 and its later use in Romans 8:27 JF Stellenbosch theological journal VO 4 IS 2 SP 243 OP 263 A1 Sutton, Lodewyk LA English PB Stellenbosch University YR 2018 UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1696745098 AB Psalm 139 is viewed as a possible ritual or individual (though representing a group) meditative confession after some possible trial. This is said due to the "sapiential language and a reflective mood that are the most salient features of most elements" in the psalm, and also the psalm's perspective of YHWH as creator (Gerstenberger, 2001:406; Maré, 2010:697). Within Psalm 139 and throughout its creation imagery, the psalm makes use of multiple imageries relating to the human body. According to Psalm 139:1 and 23, God is searching the inmost being (the heart) of the one praying the psalm. Many scholars use these verses of Psalms 139 as in intertextual text for Romans 8:27. In this article an anthropological comparison between Psalm 139:1 and 23 on "when God searches our hearts" and its later use in Romans 8:27 is made to determine the relevance of the function of the outcry "when God searches my heart" and its intertextual importance or relevance. K1 Bibel : Psalmen : 139,23 K1 Bibel : Psalmen : 139,1 K1 Bibel : Römerbrief : 8,27 K1 Psalm 139 K1 Romans 8:27 K1 Anthropology K1 Heart K1 Intertextuality DO 10.17570/stj.2018.v4n2.a12