Psalms 19:13
What does Psalms 19:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 19:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 19:13 means
Building on the previous plea for cleansing from hidden faults, this verse continues the personal prayer by asking God for protection from 'presumptuous sins.' These are deliberate, defiant acts against God's known commands, committed with a high hand and a rebellious spirit. The psalmist prays that these intentional sins would not 'have dominion' over him, meaning they would not gain control and lead him away from God. His hope is that by being kept from such grave transgressions, he might remain 'upright' and 'clear from great transgression,' demonstrating a commitment to righteous living.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be clear from great transgression.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be clear from great transgression.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep your servant back from sins of pride; let them not have rule over me: then will I be upright and free from great sin.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Also--from presumptuous ones keep back Thy servant, Let them not rule over me, Then am I perfect, And declared innocent of much transgression,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be perfect, and I shall be innocent from great transgression.
Context
This verse directly follows the prayer concerning hidden faults, expanding the psalmist's plea for deliverance from sin to address more severe, intentional transgressions. The progression from unconscious errors to deliberate rebellion demonstrates a thorough spiritual self-examination. This desire for freedom from the *dominion* of sin, and the aspiration to be upright and clear, sets the immediate context for the final, comprehensive prayer for his words and thoughts to be pleasing to God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:133
Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
- Deuteronomy 17:12
And the man that doeth presumptuously, in not hearkening unto the priest that standeth to minister there before Jehovah thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.
- Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof:
- Genesis 20:6
And God said unto him in the dream, Yea, I know that in the integrity of thy heart thou hast done this, and I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
- Numbers 15:30
But the soul that doeth aught with a high hand, whether he be home-born or a sojourner, the same blasphemeth Jehovah; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
- Acts 24:16
Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
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