Psalms 25:11 · Bible study
Psalms 25:11 Commentary: Study: For Your Name's Sake, Pardon My Great Iniquity
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does David appeal to God's name and the greatness of his sin? Commentators examine Hebrew grammar, covenant mercy, and pastoral lessons for forgiveness.
Research Summary
- Meaning: David prays for pardon based on God's character, not his own merit, and frankly admits the size of his sin.
- Key words: 'name' (shem, God's revealed character), 'pardon' (salach, divine forgiveness), 'great' (rav, abundant or massive).
- Main debate: Whether 'for it is great' is a reason ('because') or an admission of unworthiness ('although').
- Theological theme: God's glory as the ultimate ground of forgiveness; honest confession as the posture of faith.
- Best use: As a model prayer for those weighed by guilt who need to anchor hope in God's name.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, for it is great.
WEB World English Bible 2000
For your name’s sake, Yahweh, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
KJV King James Version 1769
For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
For thy name’s sake, O Jehovah, Pardon mine iniquity, for it is great.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
For Thy name's sake, O Jehovah, Thou hast pardoned mine iniquity, for it is great.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
For thy name's sake, O Jehovah, thou wilt indeed pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Por amor de tu nombre, oh Jehová, perdonarás también mi pecado; porque es grande.
Pelo teu nome, SENHOR, perdoa a minha maldade, porque ela é grande.
C’ est à cause de ton nom, ô Éternel!
Um deines Namens willen, HERR, sei gnädig meiner Missetat, die da groß ist.
Lamed. Om Uws Naams wil, HEERE! zo vergeef mijn ongerechtigheid, want die is groot.
Per amor del tuo nome, o Eterno, perdona la mia iniquità, perch’ella è grande.
Panie! dla imienia twego odpuść nieprawość moję, bo wielka jest.
А я хожу в моей непорочности; избавь меня, [Господи,] и помилуй меня.
耶和華啊，求你因 你的名 赦免 我的罪，因為我的罪 重大。
Because of your name, O Lord, let me have forgiveness for my sin, which is very great.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Psalms 25:11
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that David's plea rests on God's revealed character, His 'name', and not on David's own merits. Barnes notes that God pardons for the honor of His own name, displaying His mercy. Gill ties this to the covenantal promise of forgiveness, with David appealing for God's name's sake rather than his own worth. Matthew Henry observes that prayers for pardon are never inappropriate, and the plea 'for your name's sake' acknowledges that God acts from His own nature. The phrase 'for it is great' has prompted debate: the Hebrew particle ki can mean 'because' or 'although.' Barnes argues it may mean 'although,' while most others read it as 'because', the greatness of sin making pardon more needed and more glorious. Both interpretations affirm that David comes with nothing but his sin and God's mercy.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: The certain core of this verse is that God forgives sins based on His own character (His name), not on the merit of the petitioner.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'for your name's sake' | Christians agree David appeals to God's character rather than his own merit as the ground for pardon. | Some traditions emphasize that 'God's name' refers to His reputation among the nations (so pardon is for witness), while others focus on God's intrinsic nature of mercy. Both see it as grace. |
| 'For it is great' as reason or obstacle | All agree David acknowledges the size of his sin. | Some (Barnes) read the Hebrew particle <em>ki</em> as 'although', the greatness is an obstacle that only God can overcome. Most traditions read it as 'because', the greatness magnifies God's mercy. Both uphold God's grace. |
| The specific sin in view | The psalm is a prayer of confession for sin in general. | Some (Gill citing Kimchi) see specific reference to David's sin with Bathsheba; others see a more general confession of original sin or lifelong failings. Both agree the confession is honest and comprehensive. |
| The role of covenant in forgiveness | God's forgiveness is rooted in His covenant loyalty (<em>chesed</em>). | Reformed traditions emphasize God's sovereign choice in forgiveness; Arminian traditions highlight human response of faith and repentance. Both see forgiveness as a gift. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Psalm 25 is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This format suggests careful composition for meditation and liturgy. The psalm opens with David lifting his soul to God, expressing trust and pleading for deliverance from enemies (vv.1-3). But by verse 7, the focus shifts to confession: 'Do not remember the sins of my youth.' David's conscience is burdened, likely recalling his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12). Jewish commentator Kimchi, cited by Gill, connected this verse directly to that episode, when the prophet Nathan declared that the sword would not depart from David's house.
The verse sits at a hinge point in the psalm. Verses 8-10 affirm God's character: 'Good and upright is the LORD, therefore he will instruct sinners in the way. ... All the paths of the LORD are loving kindness and truth.' This description echoes God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7, where Yahweh proclaimed His name, His character, as 'merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.' David appeals to that same name in verse 11. The Hebrew word for 'pardon,' salach (H5545), appears almost exclusively for divine forgiveness in the Old Testament. It is a sovereign act reserved for God alone.
The phrase 'for your name's sake' (לְמַעַן־שִׁמְךָ) places the ground of forgiveness entirely outside the petitioner. The prepositional phrase is fronted for emphasis, as Keil & Delitzsch note, so that the entire plea rests on who God is rather than who David is. The word for 'great' (rav, H7227) can mean numerous or massive. David's sin is not small, and he does not minimize it, he names its size as part of his appeal. In the ancient Near East, a king's honor was shown in his ability to grant pardon to even the worst offenders. David thus calls on Yahweh to act according to His royal, merciful nature.
Textual Notes
The Hebrew text of Psalm 25:11 is well-preserved across manuscripts, with no significant variants noted in the consulted sources. The surrounding acrostic structure of the psalm shows some irregularities (as Lange observes), but these do not affect the reading of verse 11.
Reception History
Psalm 25:11 has been a touchstone for penitential prayer across Christian traditions. The early church included Psalm 25 among the seven penitential psalms, and verse 11 often served as a personal plea for mercy. During the Reformation, Calvin read it as David's cry under the dual burden of enemies and conscience, while Matthew Henry placed it at the heart of the psalm as a prayer that draws strength from God's promises. Later commentators like Barnes and Gill wrestled with whether the greatness of sin was a reason for pardon or an admission of unworthiness. In both contexts, the verse's core conviction, that forgiveness flows from God's character alone, has united interpreters.
Preaching This Verse
Three-Point Outline
- The Ground of Pardon: David appeals to God's revealed character, His name. This is not a bribe but an appeal to covenant faithfulness. God's mercy is not earned; it flows from who He is (Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 79:9).
- The Confession of Sin: David names his iniquity as great. He does not excuse or qualify it. The honesty of naming the size of sin opens the door to forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
- The Act of Prayer: 'Pardon' is a cry for divine action. David expects that God's mercy can meet the depth of his sin. Prayer itself is an act of trust that God's name is greater than our failure.
Five-Point Outline
- Who God Is: The name of Yahweh points to His self-revelation, merciful, gracious, abounding in steadfast love.
- What We Have Done: 'Iniquity' (avon) includes perversity, guilt, and the weight of sinful actions.
- How Great It Is: David does not downplay his sin. He calls it 'great' (rav), using a word that can mean numerous or abundant. He piles up the confession.
- What We Ask: 'Pardon', salach, a verb God alone can execute. This is an appeal for complete forgiveness.
- Why We Ask: 'For your name's sake.' Not for our merit, but because God's glory includes showing mercy. As Isaiah 43:25 says, 'I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake.'
Illustration Hooks
- The Physician and the Critical Patient: A person with a severe illness does not hide symptoms from the doctor. They describe the pain precisely, because the diagnosis must match the disease. David brings the full weight of his sin to the only Physician who can heal.
- The Bankrupt Debtor: A person drowning in debt cannot pay a penny. They can only appeal to the creditor's mercy or to a guarantor. David has nothing to offer but the plea that God's character would move Him to cancel the debt.
- The Child's Confession: A child who breaks an expensive vase knows the damage is great. They run to a parent not because they deserve forgiveness, but because they know the parent's love. The greatness of the mistake makes the running more urgent, not less.
Questions Your Congregation Is Asking
- How can I be sure God will forgive me when my sin feels too great?
- Why does God forgive us for His own sake? Doesn't that seem self-centered?
- What does it mean to pray 'for your name's sake' in my daily life?
Leading a Discussion
Psalm 25:11 is a short verse that packs profound theology into a prayer. David teaches us to ground our plea for forgiveness in God's character, not our own worth. As you discuss, consider how the 'greatness' of sin and the 'greatness' of God's name relate.
Discussion Questions
- Read Psalm 25:11 aloud. What stands out to you about the order of David's requests?
- In the context of verses 8-10, what does 'your name' refer to? How does God reveal His name in Exodus 34:6-7?
- Why do you think David says his iniquity is great? How does that confession help his prayer rather than hinder it?
- The Hebrew salach is used almost only for God's forgiveness. What does that tell us about the source and nature of pardon?
- Compare this verse to Psalm 79:9 and Isaiah 43:25. What do these passages say about God's motive for forgiving?
- When have you hesitated to pray because your sin felt too great? How does this verse speak to that hesitation?
- How can you make 'for your name's sake' part of your regular prayer life, even beyond confession?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Numbers 14:17 | Now please let the power of the Lord be great, according as you have spoken, saying, |
| Numbers 14:19 | Please pardon the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of your loving kindness, and just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.” |
| Psalms 31:3 | For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me. |
| Psalms 79:9 | Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake. |
| Psalms 109:21 | But deal with me, Yahweh the Lord, for your name’s sake, because your loving kindness is good, deliver me; |
| Psalms 143:11 | Revive me, Yahweh, for your name’s sake. In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble. |
| Isaiah 43:25 | I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins. |
| Isaiah 48:9 | For my name’s sake, I will defer my anger, and for my praise, I hold it back for you so that I don’t cut you off. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke stresses that the sinner's plea for pardon rests entirely on God's own character. There is no reason outside of God's nature why He should show mercy. The appeal is not to anything in the sinner but solely to the goodness inherent in God Himself.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes suggests the Hebrew word usually translated "for" might better be read as "although" here. The psalmist is not arguing that his great sin deserves pardon. Instead he pleads for mercy in spite of its greatness, fully aware that the magnitude of his offense makes him utterly undeserving of forgiveness.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin's distinctive point is that David's act of lifting up his soul means he refuses to look anywhere else for help, unlike the ungodly who waver between God and the world. The psalmist directs every desire and prayer to God alone, making this the essence of sincere prayer.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator grounds the psalmist's plea in a specific scriptural revelation of God's character. The prayer for pardon arises from a sharp awareness of personal failure, measured against God's own revealed standards. The appeal relies on God's self-declaration as merciful, linking the psalm to Exodus 34.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The note highlights that David asks forgiveness not because his sin is small, but because it is great. He grounds his plea entirely in God's own character and reputation, making the greatness of his transgression the very reason to appeal for mercy.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill emphasizes that David seeks pardon not through his own merits but for God’s name’s sake, resting on covenant promises and Christ’s propitiation. The greatness of the sin, far from being a barrier, becomes an urgent plea for mercy—the worse the disease, the more desperate the need for the physician.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB emphasizes that God's character is most clearly revealed when He pardons sin. His love, mercy, goodness, and truth are all displayed in the act of forgiveness. The greater the sin, the more powerfully these perfections shine, because pardon is needed all the more.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch highlight that the psalmist pleads for forgiveness solely on the basis of God's name, that is, His character revealed in mercy and truth, not because of any personal merit. They observe that the word for iniquity used here is a collective term encompassing all sins and guilt, making the burden universal. The urgency of the petition stems from the greatness of this sin, but God's name alone grounds the hope for pardon.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry sees the promises of God as both the foundation for prayer and the present answer to it. A prayer made according to the promise can be read as already returned, and a sinner's plea for pardon is never out of place because sin mingles with every action.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that the word "great" in this confession carries the sense of "manifold" or "much" rather than simply size. He suggests the specific sin in view may be David's offense against Uriah and Bathsheba. The Hebrew term supports both meanings, but context points to a complex, layered transgression.