Psalms 25:11
Psalms 25:11 in Multiple Translations
For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, for it is great.
For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
For thy name’s sake, O Jehovah, Pardon mine iniquity, for it is great.
Because of your name, O Lord, let me have forgiveness for my sin, which is very great.
Lord, because of your nature, forgive my many sins.
For thy Names sake, O Lord, be merciful vnto mine iniquitie, for it is great.
For Thy name's sake, O Jehovah, Thou hast pardoned mine iniquity, for it [is] great.
For your name’s sake, LORD, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon my iniquity; for it is great.
But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me.
Yahweh, forgive me for all my sins, which are many, in order that I may honor you [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 25:11
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 25:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְמַֽעַן
שִׁמְ/ךָ֥
יְהוָ֑ה
וְֽ/סָלַחְתָּ֥
לַ֝/עֲוֺנִ֗/י
כִּ֣י
רַב
הֽוּא
לְמַֽעַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
שִׁמְ/ךָ֥
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְֽ/סָלַחְתָּ֥
çâlach
H5545
to forgive
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לַ֝/עֲוֺנִ֗/י
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
Prep | N-cs | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רַב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 25:11
לְמַֽעַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
שִׁמְ/ךָ֥
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְֽ/סָלַחְתָּ֥
çâlach
H5545
"to forgive"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To forgive is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's pardon and mercy towards humanity, as seen in Psalm 86:5. It involves letting go of anger or resentment towards someone who has wronged us, and is a key concept in the Bible's teachings on love and relationships.
Definition: 1) to forgive, pardon 1a) (Qal) to forgive, pardon 1b) (Niphal) to be forgiven
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: forgive, pardon, spare. See also: Exodus 34:9; 1 Kings 8:36; Psalms 25:11.
לַ֝/עֲוֺנִ֗/י
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רַב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Psalms 25:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 25:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 25:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 25:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 25:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 25:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 25:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 25:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 25:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 25:11
- Sermons on Psalms 25:11
Context — To You I Lift Up My Soul
9He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.
10All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.
11For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, for it is great.
12Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him. 13His soul will dwell in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 79:9 | Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name. |
| 2 | 1 John 2:12 | I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven through His name. |
| 3 | Isaiah 43:25 | I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more. |
| 4 | Psalms 31:3 | For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name. |
| 5 | Romans 5:20–21 | The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. |
| 6 | Psalms 143:11 | For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble. |
| 7 | Psalms 109:21 | But You, O GOD, the Lord, deal kindly with me for the sake of Your name; deliver me by the goodness of Your loving devotion. |
| 8 | Romans 5:15 | But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many! |
| 9 | Ezekiel 36:22 | Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 20:9 | But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they were living, in whose sight I had revealed Myself to Israel by bringing them out of the land of Egypt. |
Psalms 25:11 Summary
[This verse is a prayer where the psalmist asks God to forgive his sins because of who God is, not because of who he is. He knows his sins are big and hurt God's reputation, so he's asking for mercy (Psalms 51:1-4). The psalmist is showing us that when we sin, it's not just about us, but about how it affects God's name and character. We should be humble and ask for forgiveness so that God's name is honored (Proverbs 22:1). Asking for forgiveness 'for the sake of Your name' means we care about how our actions reflect on God and want to make things right with Him. It's a way of saying, 'God, I'm sorry my sin hurt Your reputation, please forgive me' (Luke 15:11-24).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to ask for forgiveness 'for the sake of Your name, O LORD'?
This phrase means that the psalmist is asking for forgiveness not just for his own benefit, but so that God's name and reputation will be honored and upheld, as seen in Exodus 32:12 and Ezekiel 36:22-23.
Why does the psalmist say his iniquity is 'great'?
The psalmist acknowledges the depth of his sin and its seriousness before a holy God, recognizing that even small sins can have great consequences, as noted in Psalms 19:12-13.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by humbly acknowledging our own sin and asking for God's forgiveness, trusting in His loving and faithful character, as described in Psalms 86:5 and Lamentations 3:22-23.
What is the relationship between forgiveness and God's name?
God's name is closely tied to His character and reputation, so when we ask for forgiveness 'for the sake of Your name', we are acknowledging that our sin reflects poorly on God and seeking to uphold His honor, as seen in Isaiah 48:9-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that my sin can reflect poorly on God's name, and how can I work to uphold His honor?
- In what ways do I need to humble myself and acknowledge the greatness of my own iniquity, as the psalmist does in this verse?
- How can I balance the desire for God's forgiveness with the recognition of the seriousness of my sin, and what role does repentance play in this process?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'fear the LORD' and seek to keep His covenant and decrees, as mentioned in the surrounding verses?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 25:11
For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity,.... Which to do is one of the promises and blessings of the covenant.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 25:11
For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. For thy name's sake (note, Psalms 23:3) - For the sake of thy manifested character.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 25:11
For thy name’ s sake, i.e. for the honour of thy goodness and truth, which is concerned herein. For it is great; and therefore none but such a God can pardon it, and nothing but thy own name can move thee to do it; and the pardoning of it will well become so great and good a God, and will tend much to the illustration of thy glory, as the greatness and desperateness of the disease advanceth the honour and praise of the physician. Or this may be urged, not as an argument to move God, but as the reason that moved him to pray so earnestly, and that for God’ s name’ s sake. Or, though (as this particle is oft rendered, as , and elsewhere) it be great. Possibly he speaks of his sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. Or, for or though it be much or manifold; for the Hebrew word signifies both great and much.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 25:11
Psalms 25:11 For thy name’ s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it [is] great. Ver. 11. For thy name’ s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity] Never did prisoner at the bar beg more earnestly for his life than David did for pardon of his great offence, especially in the matter of Uriah; for that lay heaviest. Peccatum cum Bathsheba cuius petit antehac remissionem, et nunc repeto (R. David). Could he but get off the guilt of that, it were an easy matter for him to glory in tribulations with Paul, Romans 5:3, and to cry out, with Luther, Feri Domine, feri; nam a peccatis absolutus sum: Smite, Lord, smite; for I am a pardoned sinner, and therefore all is in mercy, and for good. For it is great] But that is nothing to so great a God, who delightest in mercy, and makest thy power appear in pardoning the many and horrid sins of thy poor penitents. The high heaven covereth as well tall mountains as small mole hills. The vast ocean swalloweth up huge rocks as well as little pebbles. St Paul was (for the first table) a blasphemer, and (for the second table) a persecutor, and injurious; "but I obtained mercy," saith he; and why? that the grace of our Lord might appear to be exceeding abundant, even to an overflow, 1 Timothy 1:13-14, and that the glory of free grace might be so much the more manifested, Romans 5:20.
The more desperate was my disease the greater is the glory of my Physician, who hath fully cured me, said Austin once to one, who upbraided him with his former loose living.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 25:11
Verse 11. For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon] I have sinned; I need mercy; there is no reason why thou shouldst show it, but what thou drawest from the goodness of thy own nature.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 25:11
11. The thought of God’s requirements (Psalms 25:10) makes him feel his own shortcomings, and prompts this prayer for pardon. He appeals to Jehovah’s revelation of Himself as the God of mercy. The verse combines Psalms 25:5; Psalms 25:9 of Exodus 34. Cp. Psalms 23:3, note; Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 14:7.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 25:11
For thy name’s sake, O Lord - See the notes at Psalms 23:3. The idea here is that God would do this on His own account, or for the honor of His own name.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 25:11
11. For thy name’s sake—The name of Jehovah is identical with himself. For thy sake, is a plea for free grace alone, in honour of the righteousness of God.
Sermons on Psalms 25:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Pardon for the Greatest Sinners by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that pardon and forgiveness are offered to all sinners, regardless of the magnitude of their sins, if they come to God seeking mercy. The in |
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Pardon for the Greatest of Sinners by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches on Psalm 25:11, highlighting how David, in a time of affliction, pleads for pardon based on God's name's sake and the greatness of his sins. Edwards empha |
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Forsaken and Found by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the marvellous grace of Jehovah-Jesus revealed in the narrative of David finding an Egyptian in the field. The sermon highlights the kindness and compas |
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Desires for Pardoning and Sanctifying Grace by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the earnest desires for pardoning and sanctifying grace, emphasizing the need for sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. He reflects on the p |
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(Through the Bible) Joel 1-2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Joel in the Bible and how it describes a future battle. The nation of Israel needs to be established again in order for the prophe |
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God's Great Name, the Ground and Reason of Saving Great Sinners by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine emphasizes that God's salvation of sinners is fundamentally for His own name's sake, rather than for any merit on the part of the sinners themselves. He explains that |
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(1 John #12) Correcting Confusion by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the believer's closeness to God through the blood of Christ. The speaker emphasizes that every believer has a measure of knowledge of God, wh |