Psalms 51:3 - For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Psalms 51:3" mean?
Psalm 51:3, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me," is a powerful statement of remorse and confession from King David. Let's break down its meaning:
"For I know my transgressions..." This is a direct admission of guilt. David acknowledges that he is fully aware of the wrongdoings he has committed. He isn't trying to excuse, minimize, or deny his actions. The word "transgressions" implies a deliberate crossing of boundaries, a conscious violation of God's laws and moral principles.
"...and my sin is always before me." This speaks to the profound impact of his sin on his conscience and his psyche. It's not just a fleeting moment of guilt; it's a persistent, haunting awareness that weighs heavily on him. The phrase "always before me" suggests:
Constant Reminder: He cannot escape the memory of his sin. It's a constant reminder of his moral failure.
Deep Regret: The sin is a source of deep regret and anguish. It torments him and prevents him from experiencing peace.
Sense of Separation: He feels separated from God and from his own sense of integrity. The sin creates a barrier between him and the divine.
In essence, the verse conveys:
Full Acknowledgment: David takes full responsibility for his sins.
Haunting Guilt: He experiences intense guilt and remorse that consume his thoughts.
Desperate Need for Forgiveness: The verse sets the stage for his plea for mercy and cleansing in the rest of Psalm 51. He is aware of the gravity of his actions and the need for God's intervention to restore him.
Context is Key:
It's important to remember the context of Psalm 51. It was written after the prophet Nathan confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba and his role in the death of her husband, Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11-12). David's sins were particularly grievous because he was a king and a leader, and his actions had far-reaching consequences. This context gives added weight to the depth of his remorse.
Psalms 51:3 - For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me.
What does "Psalms 51:3" mean?
Psalm 51:3, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me," is a powerful statement of remorse and confession from King David. Let's break down its meaning:
"For I know my transgressions..." This is a direct admission of guilt. David acknowledges that he is fully aware of the wrongdoings he has committed. He isn't trying to excuse, minimize, or deny his actions. The word "transgressions" implies a deliberate crossing of boundaries, a conscious violation of God's laws and moral principles.
"...and my sin is always before me." This speaks to the profound impact of his sin on his conscience and his psyche. It's not just a fleeting moment of guilt; it's a persistent, haunting awareness that weighs heavily on him. The phrase "always before me" suggests:
Constant Reminder: He cannot escape the memory of his sin. It's a constant reminder of his moral failure.
Deep Regret: The sin is a source of deep regret and anguish. It torments him and prevents him from experiencing peace.
Sense of Separation: He feels separated from God and from his own sense of integrity. The sin creates a barrier between him and the divine.
In essence, the verse conveys:
Full Acknowledgment: David takes full responsibility for his sins.
Haunting Guilt: He experiences intense guilt and remorse that consume his thoughts.
Desperate Need for Forgiveness: The verse sets the stage for his plea for mercy and cleansing in the rest of Psalm 51. He is aware of the gravity of his actions and the need for God's intervention to restore him.
Context is Key:
It's important to remember the context of Psalm 51. It was written after the prophet Nathan confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba and his role in the death of her husband, Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11-12). David's sins were particularly grievous because he was a king and a leader, and his actions had far-reaching consequences. This context gives added weight to the depth of his remorse.