Psalms 25:18 (KJV)

What does Psalms 25:18 mean?

Psalms 25:18 is a prayer where the writer asks God to notice his suffering and pain and to forgive all his sins. The verse shows a deep connection between the psalmist’s hardships and his awareness of personal wrongdoing, seeking both compassion and pardon from God.

King David is speaking directly to God in this psalm, describing his troubles and asking for mercy. The verse comes in the middle of a larger prayer for guidance, protection, and forgiveness. David links his physical or emotional pain with his need for forgiveness, showing that he sees his struggles and his sins as things only God can truly address.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 25:18

• "Look" (רְאֵה, ra’eh): This word is a direct plea for God’s attention, not just a casual glance but an active, caring notice. David is asking God to truly see and care about his situation.
• "Affliction" (עָנְיִי, ‘onyi): This word often refers to misery or oppression, highlighting that David feels weighed down by real troubles, not just minor discomforts.
• "Pain" (עֲמָלִי, ‘amali): This word can mean toil, trouble, or suffering, emphasizing the depth of David’s distress.
• "Forgive" (נָשָׂא, nasa’): This word literally means “to lift” or “to carry away.” David is asking God to remove the burden of his sins, not just overlook them.
• "Sins" (חַטָּאת, chatta’ot): This word refers to offenses or failures, underlining that David is aware of specific wrongs and is seeking full forgiveness.

Why Psalms 25:18 matters

• The verse shows that David does not separate his suffering from his spiritual life; he brings both his pain and his guilt to God, trusting that God cares about both.
• By using the word for “forgive” that means “to lift away,” the verse gives a vivid picture of forgiveness as a real release from a heavy burden.
• This verse connects to the wider psalm, where David repeatedly asks for God’s guidance and mercy, showing that seeking forgiveness is part of a larger relationship with God, not just a one-time request.