Psalms 51:3
Psalms 51:3 in Multiple Translations
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
For I know my transgressions; And my sin is ever before me.
For I am conscious of my error; my sin is ever before me.
I admit my rebellion; my sin always stares me in my face.
For I know mine iniquities, and my sinne is euer before me.
For my transgressions I do know, And my sin [is] before me continually.
For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Why dost thou glory in malice, thou that art mighty in iniquity?
I say that because I know the ways that I have disobeyed you; I cannot forget them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 51:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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 51:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָנֵּ֣/נִי
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
כְּ/חַסְדֶּ֑/ךָ
כְּ/רֹ֥ב
רַ֝חֲמֶ֗י/ךָ
מְחֵ֣ה
פְשָׁעָֽ/י
חָנֵּ֣/נִי
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
כְּ/חַסְדֶּ֑/ךָ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
רַ֝חֲמֶ֗י/ךָ
racham
H7356
womb
N-mp | Suff
מְחֵ֣ה
mâchâh
H4229
to wipe
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
פְשָׁעָֽ/י
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 51:3
חָנֵּ֣/נִי
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
כְּ/חַסְדֶּ֑/ךָ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
כְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
רַ֝חֲמֶ֗י/ךָ
racham
H7356
"womb"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to compassion or tender love, often describing God's feelings towards people. It can also mean the womb, symbolizing care and nurturing. The KJV translates it as compassion, mercy, or pity.
Definition: womb Another spelling of re.chem (רֶ֫חֶם "womb" H7358)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. See also: Genesis 43:14; Psalms 106:46; Psalms 25:6.
מְחֵ֣ה
mâchâh
H4229
"to wipe"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to erase or wipe something away. In Psalm 51:1, David asks God to blot out his sins. It can also mean to reach out or touch something.
Definition: 1) to wipe, wipe out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wipe 1a2) to blot out, obliterate 1a3) to blot out, exterminate 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be wiped out 1b2) to be blotted out 1b3) to be exterminated 1c) (Hiphil) to blot out (from memory)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: abolish, blot out, destroy, full of marrow, put out, reach unto, [idiom] utterly, wipe (away, out). See also: Genesis 6:7; Nehemiah 13:14; Psalms 9:6.
פְשָׁעָֽ/י
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-mp | Suff
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 51:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 51:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 51:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
- Sermons on Psalms 51:3
Context — Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
1Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. 5Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:13 | He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. |
| 2 | Isaiah 59:12 | For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. Our transgressions are indeed with us, and we know our iniquities: |
| 3 | Psalms 38:18 | Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. |
| 4 | Psalms 32:5 | Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah |
| 5 | Leviticus 26:40–41 | But if they will confess their iniquity and that of their fathers in the unfaithfulness that they practiced against Me, by which they have also walked in hostility toward Me— and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity, |
| 6 | Luke 15:18–21 | I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ’ |
| 7 | Jeremiah 3:25 | Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.” |
| 8 | Psalms 40:12 | For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me. |
| 9 | Job 33:27 | Then he sings before men with these words: ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right; yet I did not get what I deserved. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 9:2 | Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. |
Psalms 51:3 Summary
In Psalms 51:3, David says that he knows his transgressions and that his sin is always before him. This means that David is aware of his sins and is taking responsibility for them, which is an important step in seeking forgiveness and restoration with God, as seen in 1 John 1:9. Just like David, we can acknowledge our sins and bring them to God in prayer, asking for His mercy and forgiveness, and trusting in His promise to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, as stated in Psalm 103:12 and Romans 8:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'know' our transgressions?
To know our transgressions means to be aware of and acknowledge our sins, as David does in Psalms 51:3, and to recognize the depth of our sinfulness, as seen in Romans 3:20 and Psalm 19:12.
Why does David say his sin is 'always before' him?
David's statement that his sin is always before him indicates a deep sense of conviction and awareness of his sin, much like the conviction of sin that comes from the Holy Spirit, as seen in John 16:8, and it also reflects the idea that our sins are always before God, as stated in Psalm 90:8.
How can we, like David, have a genuine awareness of our sin?
We can have a genuine awareness of our sin by reflecting on our actions and attitudes in light of God's Word, as seen in Psalms 119:9-11, and by seeking the conviction of the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:8-11.
What is the significance of acknowledging our sin in the presence of God?
Acknowledging our sin in the presence of God, as David does in Psalms 51:3, is essential for true repentance and forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9, and it demonstrates a humble and contrite heart, which God promises to bless, as stated in Isaiah 57:15 and Psalm 34:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific ways that I am aware of my own sin, and how can I bring these to God in prayer?
- How does the knowledge of my sin affect my relationship with God, and what steps can I take to restore and deepen our relationship?
- In what ways can I, like David, cultivate a sense of conviction and awareness of my sin, and how can this lead to greater spiritual growth and maturity?
- What does it mean for my sin to be 'always before' me, and how can I use this awareness to live a more godly and obedient life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:3
For I acknowledge my transgressions,.... Before God and man. Acknowledgment of sin is what the Lord requires, and promises forgiveness upon, and therefore is used here as a plea for it; and moreover
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:3
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. I acknowledge my transgressions.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
I acknowledge, with grief and shame, and abhorrency of myself and of my sins; which hitherto I have dissembled and covered. And being thus truly penitent, I hope and beg that I may find mercy with thee. My transgressions; for it was not a single, but a complicated wickedness, adultery, murder, injustice, perfidiousness; and frequent repetition of and long and stupid continuance in abominable filthiness, and that with public scandal. My sin is ever before me; that which I had cast behind my back is now constantly in my view, and fixed in my thoughts and memory.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
Psalms 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me.Ver. 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions] And therefore look for pardon, according to thy promise. Homo agnoseit, Deus ignoscit. And my sin] My twisted sin and sadly accented; mine accumulative sin, voluminous wickedness, that hath so many sins bound up in it, as Cicero saith of parricide. Is ever before me] To my great grief and regret, my conscience twitteth me with it, and the devil layeth it in my dish. This maketh him follow God so close, resolved to give him no rest till he hath registered and enrolled the remission of his sins in the book of life, with the bloody lines of Christ’ s soul saving sufferings, and golden characters of his own eternal love.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
(3) For I.—There is an emphatic pronoun in the first clause which we may preserve, at the same time noticing the difference between the violation of the covenant generally in the term transgressions in the first clause, and the offence which made the breach in the second. (See Note Psalms 51:1.) Because I am one who is conscious of my transgressions, and (or, possibly, even) my offence is ever before me.The thought that he had been unfaithful to the covenant was an accusing conscience to him, keeping his sin always before his eyes, and until, according to his prayer in Psalms 51:1-2, he was received back into conscious relationship again, his offence must weigh upon his mind. This explanation holds, whether an individual or the community speaks.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
Verse 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions] I know, I feel, I confess that I have sinned. My sin is ever before me.] A true, deep, and unsophisticated mark of a genuine penitent. Wherever he turns his face, he sees his sin, and through it the eye of an angry God.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:3
3. For I acknowledge] Lit., I know. The pronoun is emphatic. His sins have all along been known to God. They are before His eyes (Psalms 90:8). But now he has come to know them himself; they are unceasingly present to his conscience. Such consciousness of sin is the first step towards the repentance and confession which are the indispensable conditions of forgiveness. David refused to acknowledge his sin to himself and to God—yet not, apparently, without sharp pangs of remorse, see Psalms 32:3-4—until Nathan’s message awoke his conscience. Cp. the confession of the nation in Isaiah 59:12.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 51:3
For I acknowledge my transgressions - literally, I know, or make known. That is, he knew that he was a sinner, and he did not seek to cloak or conceal that fact.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 51:3
3. In Psalms 51:3-5 are brought out more distinctly the psalmist’s clear sense of guilt, and his free confessions. I acknowledge—Literally, I will know. The word is expressive of clear internal perception of sin.
Sermons on Psalms 51:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Repent, Repent, Repent by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for the final judgment. He mentions preaching for three and a half hours on the judgment seat and expresses his |
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Jesus Stayed Away Sin by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basic teachings of Christianity and pursuing a deeper level of spiritual maturity. He uses the analogy of |
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Sin and Calvary the Need and the Solution by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the enslaving nature of sin and its consequences. He highlights how sin blinds people, making it easier to see faults in others but not in o |
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Psalm 51:10 by Earle Maxwell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a pure heart in order to see visions of God. He shares a story about a lady who arranged a special meeting where 500 |
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Marriage Is Honourable in All by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honoring and keeping marriage pure. He refers to the story of the wedding at Canaan where Jesus turned water into wine, sy |
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(Debate) Satanic Group Walks Out During Closing Statement by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the need for repentance, acknowledging rebellion against God, and the desire for restoration through a relationship with Him. It discusses the human struggle |
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Walking in the Fear of the Lord by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the fear of the Lord, highlighting the confrontational nature of this topic and the need to understand God's attributes beyond j |