Proverbs 28:13

Authorized King James Version

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He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Original Language Analysis

מְכַסֶּ֣ה He that covereth H3680
מְכַסֶּ֣ה He that covereth
Strong's: H3680
Word #: 1 of 7
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
פְ֭שָׁעָיו his sins H6588
פְ֭שָׁעָיו his sins
Strong's: H6588
Word #: 2 of 7
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַצְלִ֑יחַ shall not prosper H6743
יַצְלִ֑יחַ shall not prosper
Strong's: H6743
Word #: 4 of 7
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
וּמוֹדֶ֖ה but whoso confesseth H3034
וּמוֹדֶ֖ה but whoso confesseth
Strong's: H3034
Word #: 5 of 7
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
וְעֹזֵ֣ב and forsaketh H5800
וְעֹזֵ֣ב and forsaketh
Strong's: H5800
Word #: 6 of 7
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
יְרֻחָֽם׃ them shall have mercy H7355
יְרֻחָֽם׃ them shall have mercy
Strong's: H7355
Word #: 7 of 7
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

Analysis & Commentary

This proverb addresses confession and repentance: 'He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.' Covering (kasah) sins—hiding, concealing, refusing to acknowledge them—prevents prosperity (tsalach—success, flourishing). Attempting to hide sin from God is futile (Psalm 139:7-12) and spiritually destructive. Conversely, confessing (yadah—acknowledging, declaring) and forsaking (azab—leaving, abandoning) sins results in mercy (racham—compassion, pity). This establishes the pattern: repentance involves both confession (admitting sin) and forsaking (turning from it). God shows mercy to those who honestly confess and genuinely repent. 1 John 1:9 promises: 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.'

Historical Context

Ancient Israel's sacrificial system required confession of sin accompanying sacrifice (Leviticus 5:5, 16:21). Confession acknowledged guilt and the need for atonement. The prophets condemned hypocritical worship that maintained outward ritual while concealing ongoing sin (Isaiah 1:11-17). True repentance involves honest confession and genuine transformation. New Covenant Christians confess to God directly through Christ our mediator.

Questions for Reflection