Psalms 51:13

KJV

[Then] will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then will I teach {H3925}{H8762)} transgressors {H6586}{H8802)} thy ways {H1870}; and sinners {H2400} shall be converted {H7725}{H8799)} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I will teach the wicked your ways, and sinners will return to you.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.

American Standard Version

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 51:13 articulates a profound commitment from a heart transformed by divine forgiveness: the repentant individual, having experienced God's restorative grace, vows to actively share God's truth with others, anticipating their spiritual conversion. This verse, arising from David's deep contrition over his grievous sin, powerfully illustrates that genuine repentance naturally overflows into a desire for others to encounter the same redemptive power and be reconciled to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 51:13 is situated within Psalm 51, a penitential psalm widely attributed to King David following his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, as recounted in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David's Sin") and [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan's Rebuke"). The preceding verses (1-12) are a raw outpouring of David's confession, a desperate plea for cleansing, renewal, and the restoration of joy and a steadfast spirit. He acknowledges his sin as primarily against God ([Psalms 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalms 51:4 - Against You Only Have I Sinned")) and appeals to God's steadfast love and abundant mercy. Verse 13 marks a significant pivot: having sought and anticipated divine restoration, David now declares the fruit of that restoration—a commitment to mission. His personal experience of profound sin and even more profound grace compels him to become an instrument of God's redemptive work in the lives of others. The psalm moves from personal lament and confession to a corporate hope and missional resolve.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, this psalm reflects the unique position of a monarch in ancient Israel who was not only a political leader but also a spiritual shepherd of his people. His sin carried immense public and theological weight, impacting the nation and violating God's covenant ([2 Samuel 12:14](/2_samuel/12-14 "2 Samuel 12:14 - The Sword Shall Never Depart")). The confrontation by the prophet Nathan underscores the accountability of even kings before God's law. In this context, David's public confession and subsequent commitment to teach "transgressors" and see "sinners converted" would have been a powerful act of leadership and humility. It demonstrated that even the most egregious sin could be forgiven by God, and that such forgiveness led not to quiet shame but to a renewed zeal for God's ways. The concept of "ways" (derekh) was central to Israelite understanding, referring to a person's conduct, moral path, and adherence to God's covenant instructions, often contrasted with the "way of the wicked" ([Psalms 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalms 1:6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")).
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 51:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Transformative Power of Repentance and Forgiveness**. David's journey from profound guilt to a renewed desire for ministry illustrates that God's grace not only cleanses but also empowers for service. Secondly, it underscores the **Missional Outflow of a Restored Relationship with God**. True spiritual renewal is not an end in itself but compels the believer to share the path to reconciliation with others. This foreshadows the New Testament call to discipleship and evangelism, where those who have received grace are commissioned to proclaim it ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Lastly, the verse emphasizes **God's Sovereignty in Conversion**. While David commits to teaching, the ultimate turning ("converted unto thee") is attributed to God, affirming that human effort is an instrument, but divine power is the agent of true spiritual change, aligning with the prophetic call for Israel to "return to the Lord" ([Jeremiah 24:7](/jeremiah/24-7 "Jeremiah 24:7 - A Heart to Know the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **transgressors (פֹּשְׁעִים, _posh'im_):** This Hebrew term refers to those who rebel, revolt, or act defiantly against established authority, particularly God's law. It implies a deliberate and often presumptuous breaking of covenant or moral boundaries, distinguishing it from unintentional sin. David, having been a "transgressor" himself, now identifies with those who have similarly rebelled, indicating a compassionate desire to guide them back to God's path.
* **thy ways (דְרָכֶיךָ, _derakheykha_):** This phrase signifies God's paths, His moral principles, His statutes, and His established method of dealing with humanity. It encompasses His character, His righteous requirements, and the divine wisdom for living. David's commitment is to teach not merely abstract theology, but the practical, relational, and ethical dimensions of living in alignment with God's will and experiencing His redemptive acts.
* **converted (יָשׁוּבוּ, _yashuvu_):** Derived from the Hebrew root _shuv_, this word means "to turn back," "to return," or "to repent." It denotes a complete change of direction—a turning away from sin, rebellion, or a wrong path, and a turning back towards God. This is not merely an intellectual assent but a fundamental reorientation of one's life, implying both remorse for past actions and a commitment to a new way of living in relationship with God. The passive voice ("shall be converted") highlights that while human teaching is involved, the ultimate act of turning is divinely enabled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then will I teach transgressors thy ways":** This clause reveals the immediate and natural consequence of David's anticipated restoration. "Then" (אֲלַמְּדָה, _alammedah_ - a cohortative form, expressing resolve) indicates that once cleansed and renewed, his first impulse will be to share God's truth. His teaching is directed at "transgressors," those who have strayed from God's path, implying a ministry born out of empathy and shared experience. The content of his teaching is "thy ways"—God's righteous principles, the path of life, and the experience of divine grace and forgiveness he has just received. This is a commitment to practical instruction in godly living and the means of reconciliation with God.
* **"and sinners shall be converted unto thee."**: This second clause expresses the desired outcome and the ultimate goal of David's teaching. "Sinners" (חַטָּאִים, _chatta'im_) refers to those who miss the mark, err, or fall short of God's standards. The expectation is that through David's teaching, empowered by God, these individuals "shall be converted unto thee"—they will turn back to God. This highlights that while human agency is involved in the teaching, the actual "conversion" is God's work, a turning *to Him*. It underscores the divine power to transform lives and bring people into a right relationship with their Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 51:13 employs several effective literary devices. Most prominently, it utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synonymous Parallelism** where the two clauses express similar ideas using different but related terms. "Transgressors" parallels "sinners," and "teach thy ways" parallels "converted unto thee," reinforcing the core message of instruction leading to spiritual transformation. This structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the desired outcome. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: David's personal experience of repentance and forgiveness (the implied cause from the preceding verses) leads to his resolve to teach, which in turn leads to the conversion of others (the effect). This highlights the missional imperative that flows from genuine spiritual renewal. There is also an element of **Metonymy** in "thy ways," where "ways" stands for the entire body of God's truth, character, and redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 51:13 stands as a powerful testament to the missional heart of God, demonstrating that divine forgiveness is not merely for personal comfort but for empowering believers to participate in God's redemptive work. David's vow illustrates that true repentance, far from leading to isolation, propels the forgiven individual into a ministry of reconciliation. It underscores the biblical principle that those who have received mercy are uniquely positioned to extend it, sharing the path of God's "ways" with those still lost in "transgression." This verse foreshadows the New Covenant reality where all believers, having been reconciled to God through Christ, become ambassadors for Him, pleading with others to be reconciled ([2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - Ministry of Reconciliation")). It affirms that God uses human instruments, transformed by His grace, to bring about the spiritual turning of hearts towards Himself.

* [Isaiah 2:3](/isaiah/2-3 "Isaiah 2:3 - Teaching the Ways of the Lord")
* [Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Peter's Restoration and Strengthening")
* [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 51:13 offers a profound blueprint for the life of a truly repentant and restored believer. It challenges the notion that past failures disqualify us from future service; rather, our very experiences of sin and God's boundless grace become the most potent tools for witness. David, having fallen spectacularly, did not retreat into shame but emerged with a burning desire to guide others to the same source of forgiveness he had found. This verse calls us to move beyond a self-focused understanding of salvation and embrace our role as conduits of God's truth. Our personal testimonies of transformation are not just stories for ourselves but powerful narratives that can illuminate "God's ways" for "transgressors" and lead "sinners" to "be converted." It reminds us that the ultimate goal of our spiritual journey is not just personal holiness but participation in God's ongoing mission to reconcile the world to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal experience of God's forgiveness motivate me to share His "ways" with others?**
* **In what specific ways can I "teach transgressors God's ways" in my daily life, whether through words or actions?**
* **What are the "transgressions" or "sins" in my community or sphere of influence that God might be calling me to address with His truth?**
* **How does the understanding that conversion is ultimately God's work influence my approach to evangelism and discipleship, fostering both diligence and dependence?**

### FAQ

**Does Psalms 51:13 suggest that David, a sinner, is qualified to teach others about God's ways?**

Answer: Absolutely. This verse powerfully suggests that it is precisely *because* David has experienced profound sin and even more profound forgiveness that he is uniquely qualified to teach. His personal journey from rebellion to repentance, and his direct encounter with God's mercy, provide an authentic and empathetic foundation for his teaching. He teaches not from a position of sinless perfection, but from the transformative power of God's grace. This aligns with the biblical principle that those who have been forgiven much love much ([Luke 7:47](/luke/7-47 "Luke 7:47 - She Who Is Forgiven Much Loves Much")) and are therefore compelled to share that transformative grace. His teaching would be a living testimony to the very "ways" of God he proclaims—ways of justice, mercy, and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 51:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's vow to "teach transgressors thy ways" and see "sinners converted unto thee" prefigures the very mission of the Messiah. Jesus himself is the embodiment of "God's ways"—He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He came not to call the righteous, but "sinners to repentance" ([Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly revealed God's character and provided the ultimate means for the conversion of sinners, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "conversion" David longed for is fully realized in the new birth brought about by the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ ([John 3:3-8](/john/3-3 "John 3:3-8 - Born Again")). Furthermore, Jesus commissioned His followers, those who have experienced His forgiveness, to continue this very mission: to "go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, David's repentant promise becomes the Church's enduring mandate, empowered by the Christ who perfectly fulfilled the call to teach God's ways and convert sinners unto Himself.

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

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Acts 26:20

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

John 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jeremiah 31:18

¶ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.

Psalms 25:8

¶ Good and upright [is] the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.