Psalms 51:3
What does Psalms 51:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:3 means
David articulates the reason for his plea: a profound and persistent awareness of his sin. He states, "I know my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me." This isn't a casual acknowledgment, but a deep, inescapable realization of guilt that constantly plagues his conscience. His sin isn't forgotten or hidden; it is a burden he carries, indicating a genuine contrition rather than a mere regret over consequences. This clear recognition forms the necessary foundation for true repentance.
Psalms 51:3 in context
Psalms 51 — A Broken and Contrite Heart
The penitential psalm of David, written after Nathan the prophet confronted him over his sin with Bathsheba. There is no excuse-making here, only naked confession: 'against thee, thee only, have I sinned.' David asks not merely for forgiveness but for a clean heart and a renewed spirit. He understands that God will not despise a broken and contrite heart — and that the only sacrifice God ultimately wants is a humbled life.
- Confession
- Repentance
- Inward renewal
- True worship
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For I know my transgressions; And my sin is ever before me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For I know my transgressions; And my sin is ever before me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For I am conscious of my error; my sin is ever before me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For my transgressions I do know, And my sin <FI>is<Fi> before me continually.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Why dost thou glory in malice, thou that art mighty in iniquity?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is continually before me.
Context
This verse immediately explains *why* David so earnestly prayed for mercy and cleansing in the preceding verses. His sin is not an abstract concept but a present, vivid reality to him. This personal admission of persistent guilt sets the stage for the groundbreaking confession in verse 4, where he defines the true nature of his offense and its primary target, elevating the theological understanding of his sin.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 3:25
Let us lie down in our shame, and let our confusion cover us; for we have sinned against Jehovah our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day; and we have not obeyed the voice of Jehovah our God.
- Psalms 38:18
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
- Job 33:27
He singeth before men, and saith, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, And it profited me not:
- Psalms 32:5
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
- Luke 15:18
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight:
- Psalms 40:12
For innumerable evils have compassed me about; Mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; And my heart hath failed me.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:3
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:3 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:3 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:3 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:3 teaches us about true worship
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