Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
Parallel translations
- WEB By David. A contemplative psalm. Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
- KJV Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
- BSB Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
- NKJV Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
- NASB How blessed is he whose wrongdoing is forgiven, Whose sin is covered!
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven and whose sin is covered. It pronounces the happiness of the forgiven sinner.
Overview
This penitential psalm opens by declaring the true blessedness of having sin forgiven and covered by God. Paul cites this verse in Romans to illustrate justification apart from works. The covering of sin points to the atonement, fully accomplished in Christ, whose righteousness covers all who believe.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 25
- Rom 4:6–8Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works,
- Isa 44:22I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
- Ps 85:2You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah.
- Acts 13:38–39Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins,
- Isa 43:25I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.
- Mic 7:18–19Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness.
- Rev 22:14Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.
- Isa 1:18“Come now, and let us reason together,” says Yahweh: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
- Jer 17:7–8“Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh, and whose confidence is in Yahweh.
- Ps 40:4Blessed is the man who makes Yahweh his trust, and doesn’t respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
- Matt 5:3–12“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Ps 119:1–2ALEPH Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to Yahweh’s law.
- Ps 106:3Blessed are those who keep justice. Blessed is one who does what is right at all times.
- Luke 11:28But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”
- Ps 1:1–2Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
- Ps 53:1For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Mahalath.” A contemplation by David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good.
- Ps 42:1For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God.
- Matt 16:17Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
- Ps 128:1A Song of Ascents. Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, who walks in his ways.
- Ps 89:15Blessed are the people who learn to acclaim you. They walk in the light of your presence, Yahweh.
- Ps 84:12Yahweh of Armies, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
- Ps 45:1For the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A contemplation by the sons of Korah. A wedding song. My heart overflows with a noble theme. I recite my verses for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.
- Ps 52:1For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, “David has come to Ahimelech’s house.” Why do you boast of mischief, mighty man? God’s loving kindness endures continually.
- Neh 4:5don’t cover their iniquity, and don’t let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have insulted the builders.”
- Ps 55:1For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David. Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication.
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Christ at the center
The Psalms are Christ's own prayer book and a gallery of his portraits — the suffering one of Psalm 22, the risen Lord of Psalm 16, the priest-king of Psalm 110, the Son to whom the nations are given.
How Psalms 32:1 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.