I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

PSALMS 32:5KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 32:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 32:5 mean?

Psalms 32:5 describes how the writer openly admits his wrongdoing to God, choosing not to hide his faults but instead to confess them, and as a result, God forgives him. The verse highlights the relief and restoration that comes from honest confession and receiving forgiveness.

In this verse, King David is speaking directly to God about his personal experience with sin and forgiveness. David explains that he stopped trying to cover up his mistakes and instead decided to confess them to the LORD (the personal name for God in Hebrew). The verse shows a turning point where David’s honesty leads to God’s gracious response of forgiveness, which is a central theme in the psalm.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 32:5

  • "acknowledged" (יָדַע, yadaʿ): This word means more than just admitting; it carries the idea of making something known or clear, showing David’s openness before God.
  • "sin" (חַטָּאָה, ḥaṭṭāʾāh), "iniquity" (עָוֹן, ʿāwōn), and "transgressions" (פֶּשַׁע, peshaʿ): Each word points to a different aspect of wrongdoing—missing the mark, guilt or twistedness, and rebellion—emphasizing the full range of David’s confession.
  • "confess" (יָדָה, yadah): This word often means to acknowledge or praise, but here it is used for openly admitting faults, showing a humble attitude.
  • "forgavest" (נָשָׂא, nasaʾ): This word means to lift or carry away, painting a picture of God removing the burden of guilt from David.
  • "Selah" (סֶלָה, selah): This term likely signals a pause for reflection, inviting the reader to consider the weight of what has just been said.

Why Psalms 32:5 matters

  • Psalms 32:5 clears up the idea that forgiveness from God is automatic or assumed; it shows that honest confession is an important step.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s forgiveness is complete, using strong language to show that the burden of guilt is truly lifted.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm by showing the contrast between the misery of hiding sin and the freedom found in being open with God.

Where else these words appear

“Selah” Hebrew H5542 · used in 74 verses

  • Psalms 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
  • Psalms 50:6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.
  • Psalms 76:9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.

“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.

“confess” Hebrew H3034 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
  • Psalms 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
  • Psalms 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

“hid” Hebrew H3680 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • Judges 4:19 And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
  • Proverbs 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.