Psalms 32:1

¶ [A] Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed [is he whose] transgression [is] forgiven, [whose] sin [is] covered.

A Psalm of David {H1732}, Maschil {H4905}. Blessed {H835} is he whose transgression {H6588} is forgiven {H5375}, whose sin {H2401} is covered {H3680}.

By David. A maskil: How blessed are those whose offense is forgiven, those whose sin is covered!

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

Context

Psalm 32 is a "Maschil" (מַשְׂכִּיל), a term often interpreted as an instructional or didactic psalm, offering wisdom and insight. It is traditionally attributed to King David and is widely believed to be a reflection on his personal experience with sin, guilt, and the profound relief and joy of God's forgiveness. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader psalm is often linked to David's repentance following his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, making it a powerful testament to the transformative power of divine grace. This psalm stands as one of the seven penitential psalms, alongside others like Psalm 51, emphasizing confession and spiritual restoration.

Key Themes

  • The Blessedness of Forgiveness: The opening word, "Blessed" (Hebrew: 'ashre), signifies a profound state of inner joy, spiritual prosperity, and favor. It's not merely happiness but a deep, enduring well-being that comes from being right with God. This verse immediately establishes forgiveness as the source of true blessedness.
  • God's Initiative in Covering Sin: The phrases "transgression is forgiven" and "sin is covered" highlight God's merciful action. It's not about humanity hiding sin from God, but God Himself acting to remove the guilt and penalty of sin, making it as though it never happened in His sight.
  • Freedom from Guilt and Shame: Implicit in the idea of covered and forgiven sin is the release from the heavy burden of guilt and shame that unconfessed sin brings, a theme explored further in subsequent verses of this psalm.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Blessed" (אשרי - 'ashre): This Hebrew word conveys a deep, abiding happiness and spiritual prosperity that comes from a right relationship with God, often translated as "Oh, the happiness of..." It describes a state of enviable well-being.
  • "Transgression" (פֶּשַׁע - pesha'): This term denotes rebellion, a deliberate breaking of a covenant or a revolt against authority. It emphasizes the defiant nature of sin.
  • "Forgiven" (נְשׂוּי - nesuy, from נָשָׂא - nasa'): Literally means "lifted away" or "carried off." It conveys the idea of sin being removed like a heavy burden, freeing the individual from its weight and consequences.
  • "Sin" (חֲטָאָה - chata'ah): This word signifies "missing the mark" or falling short of God's standard. It refers to a deviation from the right path or a failure to meet a divine expectation.
  • "Covered" (כְּסוּי - kesuy, from כָּסָה - kasah): To cover or conceal. In this theological context, it means God Himself covers the sin, implying atonement and the removal of its defilement and guilt from His sight. This concept foreshadows the ultimate covering provided by Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

Practical Application

Psalm 32:1 offers profound encouragement for anyone burdened by sin. It reveals that true blessedness is not found in material wealth or worldly success, but in the spiritual freedom that comes from God's complete forgiveness. This verse invites believers to seek God's grace, understanding that He is eager to forgive and to lift the heavy weight of guilt. It highlights the incredible mercy of God, who not only pardons but also covers our transgressions, allowing us to live in peace and joy. The Apostle Paul himself quotes this psalm in Romans 4:7-8 to illustrate the doctrine of justification by faith, emphasizing that forgiveness is a gift received through trust in God, leading to righteousness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 4:6

    Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

  • Romans 4:8

    Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

  • Isaiah 44:22

    I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

  • Psalms 85:2

    Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.

  • Isaiah 43:25

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

  • Acts 13:38

    Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

  • Acts 13:39

    And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

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