Psalms 51:3
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵדָ֑ע
For I acknowledge
H3045
אֵדָ֑ע
For I acknowledge
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְחַטָּאתִ֖י
and my sin
H2403
וְחַטָּאתִ֖י
and my sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
5 of 7
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
Cross References
Isaiah 59:12For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;Proverbs 28:13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.Psalms 38:18For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.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.Psalms 40:12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth 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;Jeremiah 3:25We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.
Historical Context
Written after Nathan confronted David about Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 12), this psalm models genuine repentance: owning sin without excuse or blame-shifting.
Questions for Reflection
- What does keeping sin 'ever before me' contribute to genuine repentance?
- How do the three Hebrew words for sin capture different aspects of moral failure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The confession: 'For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.' David uses three words for sin: pesha (transgression, rebellion), chata'ah (sin, missing the mark), and avon (iniquity, twisted perversity). The sin is 'ever before me'--not hidden, excused, or minimized but constantly confronted.