Psalms 25:11

KJV

For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it [is] great.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thy name's {H8034} sake, O LORD {H3068}, pardon {H5545} mine iniquity {H5771}; for it is great {H7227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the sake of your name, ADONAI, forgive my wickedness, great though it is.

Berean Standard Bible

For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, for it is great.

American Standard Version

For thy name’s sake, O Jehovah, Pardon mine iniquity, for it is great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 25:11 presents a profound and urgent prayer from David, appealing to God for pardon not on the basis of his own merit, but solely "for thy name's sake." This plea is immediately followed by a stark confession: "for it is great," acknowledging the immense weight and severity of his iniquity. The verse thus encapsulates a foundational truth of biblical theology: human sin is grievous, yet divine forgiveness is extended by God's own character and covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His boundless mercy and upholding His glorious reputation in the process of redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 25 is an acrostic psalm, though its adherence to the Hebrew alphabet is somewhat irregular, lending a sense of deliberate reflection and comprehensive appeal to David's prayer. The psalm as a whole is a fervent supplication, marked by David's humble dependence on God amidst distress. He seeks divine guidance and instruction, as seen in his plea, "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths" ([Psalms 25:4](/psalms/25-4 "Psalms 25:4 - David's Plea for Guidance")), and protection from his adversaries ("Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred" [Psalms 25:19](/psalms/25-19 "Psalms 25:19 - Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies")). Most prominently, the psalm is permeated with a deep longing for forgiveness for his sins. Verse 11 stands as a poignant and direct confession within this broader prayer for deliverance and restoration, immediately following a plea for God to remember His tender mercies and lovingkindnesses from old, and not to remember the sins of his youth or his transgressions ([Psalms 25:6-7](/psalms/25-6-7 "Psalms 25:6-7 - God's Mercies and Sins of Youth")). The confession in verse 11 highlights the depth of David's self-awareness and his reliance on God's character rather than his own righteousness or efforts.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalms 25 is not explicitly stated, Davidic psalms often reflect periods of intense personal distress, national turmoil, or moral failure. David, as king, was not immune to sin, and his life was marked by significant moral lapses, such as the affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of Uriah ([2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba")) and the ill-advised census ([2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census")). In ancient Israelite culture, a "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) carried immense weight, representing a person's entire character, reputation, authority, and even their very essence. To act "for thy name's sake" (or "for the sake of your name") meant to act consistently with one's revealed nature and established promises. For God, this invoked His covenant faithfulness, His holiness, His justice, and His mercy. The concept of "iniquity" (Hebrew: *avon*) was understood not merely as a transgression of a law but as a twisting or perversion of God's righteous standards, carrying the profound weight of guilt and moral deformity before a holy God. David's plea reflects the understanding that sin incurred divine displeasure and required divine intervention for cleansing and restoration, often through the divinely ordained sacrificial system, but ultimately through God's sovereign act of pardon.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God's forgiveness**, demonstrating that pardon is an act of divine grace, flowing from God's intrinsic nature and commitment to His own glory, rather than from human merit or worthiness. This theme is echoed throughout the Old Testament, as seen in God's declaration of His character to Moses after the golden calf incident ([Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Character Revealed")). Secondly, it highlights the **necessity of honest confession** before God. David does not minimize his sin but acknowledges its "great" magnitude, a prerequisite for genuine repentance and the reception of divine mercy. This aligns with the wisdom tradition that encourages acknowledging sin, for "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" ([Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **centrality of God's "name"** as the ultimate ground for His redemptive actions. God acts to uphold His character and reputation, ensuring that His holiness and mercy are both glorified in the process of forgiving even great iniquity. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, as seen in God's actions on behalf of His name in the exodus ([Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession")) and in His restoration of Israel, where He declares, "I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake" ([Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Glorified Among the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It derives from the Hebrew verb "to be" (HAYAH), signifying God's self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His covenant promises. When David addresses God as "O LORD," he is appealing to the God who has revealed Himself as faithful and merciful to His people, the God of the covenant.
* **Pardon (Hebrew, _çâlach'_):** This primitive root specifically refers to divine forgiveness, an act that only God can perform. Unlike other Hebrew words for forgiveness that might denote "lifting" or "covering," *çâlach* emphasizes God's sovereign act of setting aside the penalty for sin and restoring a right relationship. It implies a complete and authoritative remission of guilt, not merely an overlooking or a temporary reprieve. David is not asking for a mere overlooking of his sin, but a full, divine act of forgiveness that brings reconciliation.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term denotes not just a transgression or a wrong deed, but often carries the nuance of guilt, perversity, or the crookedness of sin. It speaks to the moral distortion or deviation from God's straight path, emphasizing the internal corruption and the resulting culpability. The "greatness" of this *ʻâvôn* highlights the profound weight and severity of David's sin, making the need for divine pardon all the more urgent and a testament to God's boundless mercy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thy name's sake, O LORD":** This opening clause establishes the sole basis for David's plea for forgiveness. It is not based on any merit, ritual, or righteousness of his own, but entirely on God's character and reputation. David appeals to God to act in a manner consistent with His revealed nature as a merciful, faithful, and holy God who keeps covenant. To do otherwise, David implies, would diminish God's glory or contradict His established character. The appeal is deeply personal, addressing the covenant God directly.
* **"pardon mine iniquity;":** This is the direct petition. David is not just confessing; he is actively seeking God's unique, divine act of forgiveness (*çâlach*). The request is intensely personal ("mine iniquity"), indicating a deep sense of ownership and responsibility for his sin. The imperative "pardon" is a desperate cry for God's intervention to remove the guilt and consequences of his moral failing, acknowledging that only God possesses the power to truly forgive.
* **"for it [is] great.":** This concluding phrase provides the paradoxical justification for the plea. The magnitude of David's sin is not presented as a barrier to forgiveness but, astonishingly, becomes a reason for it. It underscores the desperate need for a pardon that transcends human capacity and highlights the immensity of God's mercy. Only a God whose mercy is as great as human sin is capable of offering true pardon. It is an honest, humble acknowledgment of the severity of his offense, which is a necessary step towards genuine repentance and receiving grace. It emphasizes that the greater the sin, the more gloriously God's boundless mercy is displayed in its forgiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 25:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Supplication**, as the entire verse functions as a direct, earnest plea to God for mercy. This is intensified by the use of **Apostrophe**, directly addressing "O LORD," making the prayer intimate and personal, as if speaking directly to the divine presence. There is an implicit **Contrast** between the "great" iniquity of humanity and the even greater, boundless mercy of God, which is the only force capable of pardoning such sin. The phrase "for thy name's sake" utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "name" stands for the entirety of God's character, attributes, and covenant faithfulness, representing His entire being. This phrase also functions as a form of **Rhetorical Justification**, where the very greatness of the sin paradoxically serves as the reason for the plea, emphasizing the desperate need for a divine intervention that only God's immense mercy, consistent with His glorious name, can provide.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 25:11 is a theological cornerstone, revealing that God's forgiveness is rooted in His very nature, not in human merit. It posits that the magnitude of human sin, far from being an insurmountable obstacle, highlights the necessity and glory of God's boundless mercy. David's plea "for thy name's sake" underscores that God's honor and reputation are intrinsically linked to His acts of redemption and pardon. This truth assures believers that God's character compels Him to forgive those who humbly confess, thereby magnifying His glory. It is a profound declaration that divine grace is not earned but freely given, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant and His unwavering commitment to His own holy name. This verse also implicitly foreshadows the New Covenant, where God's name is ultimately glorified through the perfect atonement for sin.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Character Revealed")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "Isaiah 43:25 - God Forgives for His Own Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 25:11 offers a timeless and profound model for approaching God in confession and seeking forgiveness. It calls us to absolute honesty about the depth and breadth of our sin, refusing to minimize its gravity or make excuses. David's willingness to declare "for it is great" invites us to confront our own iniquities with similar humility, recognizing that true repentance begins with a clear-eyed acknowledgment of our fallenness. This verse powerfully redirects our hope for pardon away from our own efforts or perceived goodness and firmly onto the unshakeable foundation of God's character. Our forgiveness is not earned; it is a gracious act of God, flowing from His very essence and His commitment to His own glory. For those burdened by the weight of significant sin, this passage offers immense comfort and assurance: no iniquity is too great for the God whose name is synonymous with mercy, faithfulness, and boundless love. We are encouraged to appeal to His nature, trusting that He delights to pardon for His own glorious name's sake, transforming our guilt into grace and our brokenness into restoration, and enabling us to live lives that reflect His great mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to minimize or excuse my own "great" iniquities before God?**
* **How does understanding that God forgives "for His name's sake" deepen my appreciation for His grace and sovereignty?**
* **What specific sins do I need to honestly confess to God, trusting in His character to pardon, even when they feel overwhelming?**
* **How can I live in a way that reflects the glory of God's name, especially in light of His willingness to pardon my great sins?**

### FAQ

**Why does David say "for thy name's sake" when asking for pardon?**

Answer: David appeals "for thy name's sake" because God's "name" represents His entire revealed character, attributes, and covenant faithfulness. It's an appeal to God to act consistently with who He is—merciful, gracious, and just. David understands that God's honor and glory are upheld when He demonstrates His power and mercy by forgiving sin, even great sin. This plea acknowledges that forgiveness is not earned by human merit but flows from God's intrinsic nature and His commitment to His own reputation. It emphasizes that God's actions are ultimately for His own glory, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "Isaiah 48:11 - God Acts for His Own Name"), where God declares, "For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another."

**What does it mean that David's iniquity "is great"?**

Answer: When David states his iniquity "is great," he is making a profound and honest confession of the severity and magnitude of his sin. He is not minimizing his offense but acknowledging its significant weight, moral deformity, and the deep guilt it incurs before a holy God. This frank admission is crucial for genuine repentance, as it demonstrates a recognition of the seriousness of violating God's perfect standards. It highlights that the problem of sin is immense, requiring an equally immense act of divine mercy for pardon. It underscores the paradox that the very greatness of the sin becomes the reason for the desperate plea for God's great forgiveness, demonstrating that no sin is too large for God to pardon when approached with a contrite heart and genuine humility.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice if He pardons great iniquity?**

Answer: This verse, while emphasizing God's mercy, does not negate His justice. Instead, it points to the tension between God's holiness (which demands justice for sin) and His love (which desires to pardon). In the Old Testament, God often demonstrated His justice through various forms of atonement, sacrifices, and the consequences of sin. However, His mercy, rooted in His character, also provided a way for forgiveness. The full resolution of this tension is found in the New Testament through the person and work of Jesus Christ, where God's justice is perfectly satisfied through Christ's atoning sacrifice. By bearing the penalty for sin on the cross, Jesus allowed God to be both perfectly just in punishing sin and the gracious justifier of those who believe in Him ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and Justifier")). Thus, God's pardon of great iniquity is not a bypass of justice but a profound fulfillment of it through a greater, divine means.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 25:11, with its earnest plea for pardon "for thy name's sake" in the face of "great" iniquity, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices and appeals to God's name provided a temporary covering and a glimpse of God's willingness to forgive, but they could not fully take away sin or perfectly reconcile a holy God with a sinful humanity. It is in Christ that God's "name" – His very character of justice and mercy – is fully revealed and eternally satisfied. God's great name is most profoundly glorified not just by His willingness to pardon, but by the means through which He accomplishes it: the sacrificial death of His Son. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the "great" iniquity of humanity upon Himself, becoming sin for us, "that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His shed blood, God's righteous demands were met, allowing Him to be both perfectly just and the gracious justifier of all who believe ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - Propitiation Through Faith")). Thus, when we confess our great iniquities today, we appeal not merely to God's general character, but specifically to the finished work of Christ, in whose name alone is salvation found, for "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). His sacrifice is the ultimate "for thy name's sake" act, ensuring that God's glory is maximally displayed in the pardon of our greatest sins.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 79:9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

1 John 2:12

¶ I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

Psalms 31:3

For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Ezekiel 20:9

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

Romans 5:20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Romans 5:21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.