Psalms 38:18
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 5
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 32:5I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.Proverbs 28:13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.Psalms 51:3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.Job 33:27He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;
Historical Context
In Israel, confession could be private (to God) or public (before community), depending on the sin's nature. David's public sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) required public acknowledgment. Psalm 51, likely written after Nathan's confrontation, exemplifies this transparent confession. Concealed sin perpetuates curse; declared sin opens the door to forgiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'iniquity' do you need to 'declare' (confess openly) rather than keeping private between you and God?
- How does true 'sorrow for sin' differ from regret over consequences or embarrassment at being caught?
- Why does genuine repentance require both confession (verbal acknowledgment) and contrition (emotional grief)?
Analysis & Commentary
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. David commits to two actions: declare iniquity (נָגַד עָוֹן, nagad avon, make known perversity) and be sorry (דָּאַג, da'ag, be anxious/grieved) for sin (חַטָּאת, chatta't, missing the mark). Confession plus contrition—both public acknowledgment and internal grief.
The future tense 'I will' signals resolve to continue what he's already begun. Nagad implies open declaration, not private admission—David won't hide or minimize. Da'ag conveys anxious grief, the godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). This verse demonstrates the penitent's proper posture: transparent confession + genuine contrition, without excuse or self-justification.