Psalms 19:12

Authorized King James Version

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁגִיא֥וֹת
his errors
a moral mistake
#2
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
יָבִ֑ין
Who can understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#4
מִֽנִּסְתָּר֥וֹת
thou me from secret
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#5
נַקֵּֽנִי׃
cleanse
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection