Psalms 19:12
What does Psalms 19:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 19:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 19:12 means
This verse transitions into a deeply personal prayer, acknowledging the pervasive nature of sin. The psalmist questions who can fully perceive their own 'errors,' referring to unconscious or unintentional faults that we commit without realizing them. Recognizing human fallibility and blindness to self, he then humbly asks God to 'clear' him from these 'hidden faults.' This plea reveals a sincere desire for complete purity and a recognition that only God can reveal and cleanse the less obvious blemishes of the heart and life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who can discern his errors? Clear thou me from hidden faults.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who can discern his errors? Clear thou me from hidden faults.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who has full knowledge of his errors? make me clean from secret evil.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Errors! who doth understand? From hidden ones declare me innocent,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who understandeth [his] errors? Purify me from secret [faults].
Context
Following the statements about the Law's warnings and rewards, this verse marks a significant shift to personal application and prayer. It moves from general statements about God's revelation to the psalmist's own spiritual condition, particularly his awareness of sin. This initial plea for cleansing from hidden faults naturally progresses to a prayer concerning more intentional sins in the next verse, showing a comprehensive desire for holiness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 4:4
For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
- Leviticus 4:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any one shall sin unwittingly, in any of the things which Jehovah hath commanded not to be done, and shall do any one of them:
- Isaiah 64:6
For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
- Psalms 90:8
Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, Our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
- Psalms 65:3
Iniquities prevail against me: As for our transgressions, thou wilt forgive them.
- Psalms 139:6
Suchknowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.
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