Psalms 25:11
For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַֽעַן
H4616
לְמַֽעַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
שִׁמְךָ֥
For thy name's
H8034
שִׁמְךָ֥
For thy name's
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
2 of 8
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֑ה
sake O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
sake O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 79:9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.1 John 2:12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.Psalms 31:3For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Isaiah 48:9For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.Psalms 109:21But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.Psalms 143:11Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.Romans 5:15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.Ezekiel 36:22Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.Ezekiel 20:9But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.
Historical Context
In biblical thought, God's 'name' represents His reputation and revealed character. Forgiving guilty sinners displays grace that magnifies God's glory more than destroying them would. Israel constantly appealed to God's name as basis for mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does praying 'for Your name's sake' change your approach to confession?
- What does acknowledging sin's greatness teach about authentic repentance?
Analysis & Commentary
The plea 'for thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great' appeals to God's honor as motivation for forgiveness. Acknowledging that 'it is great' demonstrates honest confession without minimizing sin. Reformed theology emphasizes that God forgives not because sin is small, but because His mercy is great. Forgiveness glorifies God's name—demonstrates His character—more than judgment would. This models authentic repentance: confessing sin's magnitude while trusting mercy's greater magnitude.