Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

PSALMS 51:13KJV
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Psalms 51:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 51:13 mean?

Psalms 51:13 expresses David’s hope that, after being forgiven by God, he will be able to teach others who have done wrong about God’s ways, leading those who sin to turn back to God. The verse shows a desire not just for personal restoration, but also to help others find their way to God.

David is speaking to God after his sin with Bathsheba, asking for forgiveness and cleansing. In this verse, David looks ahead, promising that if God restores him, he will use his experience to guide other wrongdoers and help them change. The verse highlights a shift from personal repentance to a commitment to help others understand and return to God’s path.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 51:13

  • "teach" (לָמַד, lamad): This word often means to instruct or train, suggesting David wants to actively guide others, not just tell them what is right.
  • "transgressors" (פָּשַׁע, pasha): This term refers to those who deliberately cross boundaries or rebel, showing David’s intent to reach people who have knowingly done wrong.
  • "ways" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means paths or ways of living, pointing to God’s manner of life and guidance, not just rules.
  • "sinners" (חָטָא, chata): This word describes those who miss the mark or fall short, broadening the group David hopes to help.
  • "converted" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or return, emphasizing a change of direction or repentance, not just a feeling of regret.

Why Psalms 51:13 matters

  • Psalms 51:13 clarifies that forgiveness is not only for personal benefit; it can lead to helping others find restoration.
  • The verse shows David’s understanding that genuine repentance can have a ripple effect, influencing others to seek God.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm, which is a prayer of confession, by showing that restoration can lead to renewed purpose and service.

Where else these words appear

“sinners” Hebrew H2400 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
  • Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
  • Proverbs 13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

“transgressors” Hebrew H6586 · used in 37 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:50 And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:
  • Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
  • Jeremiah 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

“teach” Hebrew H3925 · used in 80 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
  • Psalms 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
  • Proverbs 30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.