Psalms 69:5
O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
Original Language Analysis
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
O God
H430
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יָ֭דַעְתָּ
thou knowest
H3045
יָ֭דַעְתָּ
thou knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְ֝אַשְׁמוֹתַ֗י
and my sins
H819
וְ֝אַשְׁמוֹתַ֗י
and my sins
Strong's:
H819
Word #:
5 of 8
guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering
מִמְּךָ֥
H4480
מִמְּךָ֥
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Historical Context
David's adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12) showed he wasn't sinless, even when suffering unjustly at other times. This psalm balances innocent suffering with honest acknowledgment of personal guilt.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between suffering due to your own sin and suffering for righteousness' sake?
- What role does confession play when you're experiencing unjust persecution?
- How does acknowledging your own foolishness and sin maintain humility even when wrongly accused?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalmist's confession 'O God, thou knowest my foolishness' acknowledges sin's reality even amid unjust suffering. This prevents victim mentality—even innocent sufferers are sinners needing grace. 'My sins are not hid from thee' affirms God's omniscience; nothing escapes His knowledge. This honesty before God demonstrates the difference between suffering for righteousness versus suffering for one's own sin. Both require God's mercy, but only righteous suffering reflects Christ's experience.