Psalms 25:7

KJV

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142} not the sins {H2403} of my youth {H5271}, nor my transgressions {H6588}: according to thy mercy {H2617} remember {H2142} thou me for thy goodness {H2898}' sake, O LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't remember my youthful sins or transgressions; but remember me according to your grace for the sake of your goodness, ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellious acts; remember me according to Your loving devotion, because of Your goodness, O LORD.

American Standard Version

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: According to thy lovingkindness remember thou me, For thy goodness’ sake, O Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 25:7 is a profound prayer from King David, revealing a deep sense of humility and an unwavering reliance on God's inherent character for grace and forgiveness. In this heartfelt petition, David appeals to the LORD not to hold his past mistakes and rebellious acts against him, but rather to recall him with divine mercy and benevolent goodness, acknowledging that the basis for such favor lies entirely in God's nature, not his own merit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 25 is a prayer of David, structured as an acrostic psalm, though not perfectly preserved in all translations. It is characterized by a rich tapestry of petitions for divine guidance, deliverance from adversaries, and, most prominently, the forgiveness of sins. David appears to be facing significant distress and opposition, which compels him to seek God's mercy and wisdom. This particular verse, nestled within a broader appeal for God's steadfast love and truth, highlights David's personal awareness of his own sinfulness, extending back to his early life, and his desperate, lifelong need for divine grace. It flows from a recognition of human frailty (as seen in [Psalms 25:6](/psalms/25-6 "Psalms 25:6 - God's Mercies and Lovingkindness")) and sets the stage for further petitions for deliverance and instruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Penned by King David, this psalm reflects the life of a man chosen by God, yet prone to significant moral failures alongside great triumphs. In ancient Israel, the concept of "remembering" (Hebrew: _zakar_) was far more active than mere mental recall; it implied a bringing to mind for the purpose of action, whether for judgment or for covenant faithfulness. When David asks God to "remember not" his sins, he is pleading for God not to act upon them in judgment. Conversely, "remember thou me" is a plea for God to actively intervene on his behalf with favor. The cultural understanding of sin as a breach of covenant with a holy God underscores the gravity of David's confession and the profound nature of his appeal to God's mercy and goodness, which were foundational attributes of the covenant God revealed in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Compassion and Forgiveness").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 25 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it embodies a profound **plea for forgiveness**, with David explicitly seeking divine pardon for "the sins of my youth" and "my transgressions." This demonstrates a humble and comprehensive recognition of his lifelong need for God's cleansing. Secondly, it underscores that the basis for this plea is entirely **God's mercy and goodness**, not David's merit. He appeals "according to thy mercy" and "for thy goodness' sake," emphasizing that God's inherent character—His compassion, benevolence, and moral excellence—is the sole ground for hope and forgiveness. This highlights the unconditional nature of God's grace. Thirdly, the theme of **divine remembrance** is central. David's request "Remember not the sins of my youth" and "remember thou me" speaks to the active sense of God's remembrance. He desires God to remember him with favor and compassion, not with a record of his past offenses, illustrating a deep trust in God's willingness to overlook iniquity and extend favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zakar'_):** This word carries a much deeper meaning than simple mental recall. In biblical usage, _zakar_ implies an active bringing to mind for the purpose of action. When David pleads, "Remember not," he is asking God not to bring his sins to mind for the purpose of judgment or condemnation. Conversely, "remember thou me" is a fervent plea for God to actively consider him with favor and compassion, leading to a benevolent intervention on His behalf. It speaks to God's active engagement with His people.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _rachamim'_):** This term denotes a deep, visceral compassion, often likened to the tender, nurturing love of a parent for a child, particularly a mother's womb-love. It speaks of profound pity, tender affection, and loving-kindness that flows from the innermost being. David appeals to this deep, emotional, and foundational attribute of God, recognizing it as the wellspring of forgiveness and restoration.
* **Goodness (Hebrew, _tuwb'_):** This word refers to inherent moral excellence, benevolence, prosperity, and bounty. It encompasses all that is good, right, and beneficial. When David appeals "for thy goodness' sake," he is grounding his plea in God's generous, benevolent, and inherently righteous nature, which is the ultimate source of all blessings, including the grace of forgiveness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions:"** This opening clause is a double negative plea for God not to hold David's past against him. "Sins of my youth" (_ne'urim_) refers to the errors, follies, and perhaps less deliberate or impulsive wrongdoings committed in his earlier life, often associated with immaturity or lack of wisdom. "My transgressions" (_pesha'_) refers to more deliberate acts of rebellion, conscious breaches of God's law or covenant. By including both, David offers a comprehensive confession, acknowledging his lifelong propensity to sin, from youthful indiscretions to more mature acts of defiance. He desires God to actively choose not to reckon these against him for judgment.
* **"according to thy mercy remember thou me"** Here, David shifts from a negative plea ("remember not") to a positive one ("remember thou me"), explicitly stating the basis for his hope: God's mercy (_rachamim_). His appeal is not based on any perceived merit or righteousness of his own, but solely on God's deep, compassionate love. He asks God to actively consider him with favor, to bring him to mind for the purpose of extending grace and compassion.
* **"for thy goodness' sake, O LORD."** This final phrase reinforces and expands upon the previous clause, providing an even broader foundation for David's plea: God's inherent goodness (_tuwb_). It is for the sake of God's own character, His benevolent and righteous nature, that David asks to be remembered with favor. This underscores that forgiveness and grace are expressions of who God is, rather than responses to human worthiness. The direct address, "O LORD," signifies a personal, intimate appeal to the covenant God of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. "Sins of my youth" is paralleled with "my transgressions," creating a comprehensive scope of David's sinfulness, encompassing both early and more deliberate failings. Similarly, "according to thy mercy" and "for thy goodness' sake" form a synonymous parallelism, emphasizing that the sole basis for God's favorable remembrance is His divine character, specifically His compassion and benevolence. The use of **Repetition** (or a form of **Anaphora** with a negative and positive command) in "Remember not" and "remember thou me" highlights the active nature of God's 'remembering' and David's desperate desire for a favorable, rather than judgmental, remembrance. The direct address "O LORD" is an example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses an absent person or a personified quality, intensifying the personal and fervent nature of the prayer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 25:7 profoundly articulates the theological truth that human forgiveness is not earned but is a gracious act rooted entirely in the character of God. David's comprehensive confession of "sins of my youth" and "my transgressions" underscores the pervasive nature of human sinfulness, while his unwavering appeal to God's "mercy" and "goodness" reveals the only sure foundation for hope and reconciliation. This verse teaches that God's "remembering" is an active, volitional act—He chooses not to hold our confessed sins against us, and instead chooses to remember us with favor, for His own name's sake. This divine initiative in forgiveness is a cornerstone of biblical theology, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His own nature even when humanity is unfaithful.

* [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 Forgets Sins")
* [Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God's New Covenant Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 25:7 offers profound encouragement and a model for believers today. Like David, we are called to approach God with genuine humility, acknowledging the full scope of our sinfulness—not just recent transgressions, but also the patterns and mistakes from our past, including those of our youth. This comprehensive confession is liberating, as it places our hope entirely on God's character, not on our ability to erase or compensate for our past. The verse reminds us that our hope for forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God rests solely on His boundless mercy and inherent goodness, not on our own attempts to earn or merit His favor. No matter how old or how deeply ingrained our past mistakes, God is able and willing to forgive when we genuinely turn to Him in repentance. This truth provides immense solace, assuring us that our past follies do not define our future in Christ, but rather highlight the magnificent grace of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's comprehensive confession of "sins of my youth" and "my transgressions" inform your own approach to confession and repentance?**
* **In what ways do you find yourself relying on God's mercy and goodness as the sole basis for forgiveness, rather than on your own efforts or perceived worthiness?**
* **What does it mean for God to "remember not" our sins, and how does this concept bring you comfort or challenge your understanding of divine justice?**
* **How can this verse encourage someone you know who is burdened by past mistakes or regrets, particularly those from their youth?**

### FAQ
**Does God literally forget our sins when we confess them?**

Answer: The biblical concept of God "remembering not" our sins (as in [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - I will remember their sin no more")) does not imply a literal loss of divine memory. Instead, it signifies a profound act of divine choice and relational commitment. When God says He will "remember not" our sins, it means He chooses not to hold them against us, not to reckon them for judgment, and not to allow them to hinder our relationship with Him. It's a legal and relational act of pardoning and removing the guilt and consequences of sin, effectively treating us as if we had never sinned in the first place, based on the atoning work of Christ.

**Why does David specifically mention "the sins of my youth"?**

Answer: David's mention of "sins of my youth" serves several purposes. Firstly, it indicates a comprehensive and lifelong awareness of his sinfulness, acknowledging that even in his formative years, he was prone to error and rebellion. Often, youthful sins can be impulsive, less considered, or even deeply ingrained habits formed early in life. By including them, David demonstrates a thorough and humble confession that leaves no stone unturned. Secondly, it might reflect a particular burden or regret from that period of his life. Ultimately, it underscores the universal human condition of being born into sin and the lifelong need for divine grace and forgiveness, covering all stages of life.

**Is God's forgiveness conditional on human actions?**

Answer: God's forgiveness, as expressed in Psalms 25:7, is ultimately rooted in His unconditional character—His mercy and goodness. However, the *reception* of that forgiveness by humanity is conditioned on repentance and faith. While God's willingness to forgive is boundless and flows from His very nature, it is appropriated when individuals humbly acknowledge their sin, turn away from it (repent), and place their trust in God's provision for salvation. David's prayer itself is an act of humble confession and appeal, demonstrating the human response necessary to receive God's freely offered pardon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 25:7 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's desperate plea for God to "remember not" his sins and to "remember thou me" according to His mercy and goodness is fully answered in the person and work of the Messiah. Through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). It is through Christ that God can be both just and the justifier of those who believe ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness and Justification")). The New Covenant promises that God will remember our sins and lawless deeds no more ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God's New Covenant Promise")), a promise made possible because Christ bore the full weight of our transgressions. The "mercy" and "goodness" David appeals to are perfectly demonstrated in God sending His Son to die for us while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ's Love While We Were Sinners")), effectively canceling the record of debt that stood against us ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt")). In Christ, our "sins of youth" and all our "transgressions" are truly remembered no more, for we are clothed in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")), enabling God to remember us always with favor and eternal life.

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

Isaiah 43:25

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

Isaiah 38:17

Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul [delivered it] from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

Job 13:26

For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.

Hebrews 10:16

This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Hebrews 10:18

Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin.

Jeremiah 3:25

We 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.

Ephesians 1:6

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.