Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

PSALMS 25:7KJV
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Psalms 25:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 25:7 mean?

Psalms 25:7 is a prayer asking God not to remember or hold against the speaker the sins and mistakes made in youth, but instead to remember the speaker with kindness and mercy. The verse appeals to God’s goodness, asking for forgiveness based on God’s character rather than the speaker’s past actions.

King David is speaking directly to the LORD, expressing regret over past wrongs and seeking forgiveness. The verse comes in the context of a larger prayer for guidance and mercy, where David acknowledges his faults and relies on God’s steadfast love. The focus is on God’s mercy (not strict justice), highlighting a humble and honest relationship between the speaker and God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 25:7

  • "Remember" (זָכַר, zakar, H2142): This word is used twice, first asking God not to "remember" sins and then to "remember" the speaker with mercy. It carries the sense of actively calling something to mind, not just passive memory.
  • "Sins" (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah, H2403): This word refers to offenses or failures, especially moral failings. Here, it highlights the speaker’s awareness of personal wrongdoing.
  • "Transgressions" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha', H6588): This word often means willful rebellion or breaking of trust, suggesting more serious or intentional wrongdoing than "sins."
  • "Mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed, H2617): This word means steadfast love, kindness, or loyal love. David appeals to God’s chesed, emphasizing that forgiveness is rooted in God’s faithful character.
  • "Goodness’" (טוּב, tuv, H2898): This word points to God’s inherent goodness or generosity, reinforcing that the request is based on who God is, not on the speaker’s merit.

Why Psalms 25:7 matters

  • Psalms 25:7 clarifies that forgiveness in this prayer is sought not because the speaker deserves it, but because of God’s merciful and good nature.
  • The verse distinguishes between different kinds of wrongdoing ("sins" and "transgressions"), showing an honest and thorough confession.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of Psalms 25, where David repeatedly asks for guidance and forgiveness, modeling humility and trust in God’s character rather than personal righteousness.

Where else these words appear

“goodness'” Hebrew H2898 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 24:10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.
  • Nehemiah 9:35 For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
  • Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

“youth” Hebrew H5271 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Psalms 129:1 A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
  • Jeremiah 48:11 Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

“transgressions” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
  • Lamentations 1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.