Psalms 51:3

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me.

For I acknowledge {H3045}{H8799)} my transgressions {H6588}: and my sin {H2403} is ever {H8548} before me.

For I know my crimes, my sin confronts me all the time.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

For I know my transgressions; And my sin is ever before me.

Commentary

Psalm 51:3 is a profound expression of personal conviction and the foundational step toward spiritual restoration. It reads, "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me." This verse comes from one of the most significant penitential psalms in the Bible, often referred to as David's prayer of repentance.

Context

Psalm 51 is traditionally attributed to King David, composed after his grievous sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite, as recorded in 2 Samuel 11. This psalm follows the prophet Nathan's confrontation with David, which led to David's deep remorse and confession (2 Samuel 12:13). Verse 3 specifically highlights David's immediate and unreserved acceptance of guilt, setting the stage for his plea for cleansing and renewal.

Key Themes

  • Honest Confession: The verse emphasizes the necessity of genuine self-awareness and direct admission of wrongdoing. It's not about making excuses but facing the truth about one's actions before God.
  • Internal Awareness of Sin: David states his sin is "ever before me," signifying a constant, inescapable awareness of his offense. This isn't just intellectual knowledge but a deep, persistent burden on his conscience, indicating true remorse rather than superficial regret.
  • Foundation for Repentance: Acknowledging transgressions is the crucial first step in the process of biblical repentance, leading to a desire for forgiveness and spiritual renewal, as explored throughout the rest of this psalm (Psalm 51:10).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse add layers of meaning:

  • "Acknowledge" (Hebrew: yada') implies more than just intellectual recognition; it suggests a deep, experiential knowledge and a full, personal admission. It's an active embracing of the truth about one's moral state.
  • "Transgressions" (Hebrew: pesha') refers to rebellion or revolt against a higher authority, signifying a deliberate breaking of a covenant or relationship, a willful act of defiance against God's law.
  • "Sin" (Hebrew: chatta'ah) means "missing the mark" or falling short of God's perfect standard. While pesha' highlights the rebellious aspect, chatta'ah emphasizes the failure to meet divine expectations.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 51:3 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honest self-examination and confession. Just as David’s acknowledgment paved the way for his restoration, our own willingness to genuinely confess our sins is vital for spiritual healing and a renewed relationship with God. This verse underscores that true repentance begins with seeing our sin as God sees it—a constant reality that separates us from Him until confessed. As 1 John 1:9 assures us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 59:12

    For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions [are] with us; and [as for] our iniquities, we know them;

  • Proverbs 28:13

    ¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

  • Psalms 38:18

    For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

  • Psalms 32:5

    I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

  • Luke 15:18

    I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

  • Luke 15:21

    And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

  • Leviticus 26:40

    ¶ If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;
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