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.

I acknowledged {H3045} my sin {H2403} unto thee, and mine iniquity {H5771} have I not hid {H3680}. I said {H559}, I will confess {H3034} my transgressions {H6588} unto the LORD {H3068}; and thou forgavest {H5375} the iniquity {H5771} of my sin {H2403}. Selah {H5542}.

When I acknowledged my sin to you, when I stopped concealing my guilt, and said, "I will confess my offenses to ADONAI"; then you, you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Selah)

Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, โ€œI will confess my transgressions to the LORD,โ€ and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. [Selah

Commentary

Psalms 32:5 KJV is a pivotal verse in King David's psalm of repentance and forgiveness, offering profound insight into the spiritual relief found through honest confession before God. It describes the moment of turning from hidden guilt to open acknowledgement, leading to divine pardon.

Context

This psalm, often referred to as a "Maskil" (a psalm of instruction), is attributed to David and is widely believed to reflect his experience after the sin with Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12). Prior to this verse, David describes the agony of unconfessed sin, how his bones wasted away and his strength dried up (see Psalms 32:3-4). Verse 5 marks the dramatic turning point where he chooses to abandon his silence and confess, leading to immediate relief and forgiveness. It stands in stark contrast to the suffering caused by concealment.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Confession: The verse emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging sin ("I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid"). True confession involves an open, honest admission of wrongdoing to God, without reservation or attempt to conceal.
  • God's Readiness to Forgive: David's confession is met with immediate divine response: "and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." This highlights God's character as a merciful and gracious Father, eager to pardon those who genuinely repent. This truth is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in 1 John 1:9, which promises forgiveness for confessed sins.
  • Relief from Guilt: The act of confession is presented as the pathway to freedom from the heavy burden of guilt and spiritual distress. The relief described in this psalm is a direct result of God's forgiveness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses three distinct terms for sin in this verse, each carrying a slightly different nuance in the original Hebrew:

  • "Sin" (ื—ึทื˜ึธึผืึธื” - chatta'ah): Refers to missing the mark, an error or failure to meet a standard.
  • "Iniquity" (ืขึธื•ึนืŸ - avon): Implies perversity, moral distortion, or crookedness, often carrying the idea of guilt or punishment for wrongdoing.
  • "Transgressions" (ืคึถึผืฉึทืืข - pesha): Denotes rebellion, a conscious breaking of a covenant or law, an act of revolt against authority.

David's use of these terms indicates a comprehensive understanding of his wrongdoing โ€“ not just an accidental misstep, but a deliberate rebellion and a twisting of what is right. The inclusion of "Selah" at the end of the verse invites the reader to pause and reflect deeply on the profound truth and personal experience shared by the psalmist: the immense relief and blessing of God's forgiveness following genuine confession.

Practical Application

Psalms 32:5 offers timeless guidance for believers today. It underscores that:

  • Honesty with God is Essential: Hiding sin only prolongs spiritual suffering. God already knows our hearts, but our confession is an act of humility and trust in His mercy.
  • Forgiveness is Available: No sin is too great for God's forgiveness when met with sincere repentance. This verse provides hope and assurance that God is faithful to cleanse and restore.
  • Confession Leads to Freedom: Embracing the path of confession brings spiritual healing, peace, and renewed fellowship with God, transforming a burdened spirit into one of joy and praise (as highlighted in the opening verses of this very psalm).
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 28:13 (19 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 12:13 (17 votes)

    And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

  • Psalms 51:3 (13 votes)

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

  • Psalms 51:5 (13 votes)

    Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

  • Psalms 38:18 (12 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 65:24 (11 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

  • Hosea 6:1 (10 votes)

    ยถ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.