Psalms 51:13
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה
Then will I teach
H3925
אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה
Then will I teach
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
פֹשְׁעִ֣ים
transgressors
H6586
פֹשְׁעִ֣ים
transgressors
Strong's:
H6586
Word #:
2 of 6
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel
דְּרָכֶ֑יךָ
thy ways
H1870
דְּרָכֶ֑יךָ
thy ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 6
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Luke 22:32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.Isaiah 2:3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Isaiah 6:10Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.Acts 15:3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;Psalms 22:27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.Psalms 25:8Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.Psalms 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.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.Jeremiah 31:18I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God.
Historical Context
David's restoration prepared him to counsel others. His psalms of repentance became Israel's songbook for confession, teaching generation after generation about God's mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- Why are forgiven sinners often effective teachers to other sinners?
- How does personal experience of grace shape our witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The commitment: 'Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.' Forgiven David becomes evangelistic David. Having received mercy, he will lead others to find the same. 'Thy ways' are God's patterns of grace; 'conversion' is turning from sin to God. Restored sinners make effective witnesses.