Psalms 25:7
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
David's confession of youthful sins likely includes specific memories: shepherding years with unrecorded failures, early court life with its temptations, times of presumption or pride. The emphasis on youth doesn't mean David only sinned when young—he committed adultery and murder as king. But awareness of accumulated transgressions over a lifetime weighs on the conscience.
The distinction between remembering and not remembering relates to covenant theology. When God "remembers" His covenant, He acts on behalf of His people (Exodus 2:24, Genesis 9:15-16). When God forgets sins, He chooses not to hold them against us. Jeremiah 31:34 promises: "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." Hebrews 8:12 and 10:17 cite this, showing Christ's atonement achieves what David pleaded for.
The appeal to God's mercy (chesed) rather than human merit permeates Old Testament faith. Israel's deliverance from Egypt wasn't earned (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). God's patience with rebellious Israel demonstrated loyal love beyond what they deserved. This foundational understanding prepares for New Testament revelation that salvation is entirely by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Paul later wrote: "When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). David's plea that God remember him according to mercy rather than sin anticipates the gospel—Christ bearing our transgressions so God can remember us in grace.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does David specifically mention 'sins of my youth' rather than just 'my sins,' and what does this suggest about the lasting impact of early moral choices?
- How does appealing to God's mercy and goodness rather than our own worthiness change the nature of confession and repentance?
- What is the difference between God 'remembering' our sins (holding them against us) and God 'remembering' us according to His mercy?
- How does Christ's atonement accomplish what David prayed for—God choosing not to remember our sins while remembering us in grace?
- Are there past sins you need to trust God to 'remember not,' and how does understanding His merciful character enable you to let go of guilt?
Analysis & Commentary
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. This verse shifts from petition for guidance to plea for forgiveness, recognizing that past sins can obstruct relationship with God and hinder receiving His direction. The structure contrasts what David asks God NOT to remember with what he asks God TO remember.
"Remember not the sins of my youth" (chattot ne'urai, חַטֹּאות נְעוּרַי) uses chata (חָטָא), meaning to miss the mark, sin, offend. "Sins of my youth" refers to offenses from earlier years—the foolishness, rebellion, and moral failures of immaturity. David doesn't specify particular sins but acknowledges a category of youthful transgression. This includes both known sins and forgotten offenses—the accumulation of a lifetime's failures.
"Nor my transgressions" (pesha'ai, פְּשָׁעַי) uses pesha (פֶּשַׁע), meaning rebellion, revolt, willful transgression. This is stronger than chata—not mere missing the mark but deliberate violation, conscious rebellion against known standards. Together, these terms encompass the full range of sin—from weakness to willfulness, from ignorance to rebellion.
The contrast "according to thy mercy remember thou me" (ke'chasdekha zokhreni-attah, כְּחַסְדְּךָ זָכְרֵנִי־אַתָּה) is crucial. David appeals not to his worthiness but to God's chesed (חֶסֶד)—covenant love, loyal faithfulness, steadfast mercy. "Remember me" means regard me favorably, act toward me in grace, maintain covenant relationship despite my failures.
"For thy goodness' sake" (lema'an tuvekha, לְמַעַן טוּבְךָ) provides the ultimate basis: not David's merit but God's own character. Tuv (טוּב) means goodness, kindness, moral excellence. God acts according to His own nature—showing mercy because He IS merciful, forgiving because He IS good. This appeal to God's character rather than human worthiness anticipates New Testament grace theology.