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Verse Takeaways
1
Acknowledgment is Key
Commentators stress that David's acknowledgment of his sin is not a meritorious act, but a necessary first step for receiving mercy. True repentance involves a deep, honest awareness of our wrongdoing, without excuses. As John Calvin notes, this painful consciousness is what drives a genuine plea for God's grace, proving the prayer is not insincere. Acknowledging sin is the starting point for forgiveness.
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Psalms
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Commentaries
17
Albert Barnes
On Psalms 51:3
18th Century
Theologian
For I acknowledge my transgressions - literally, I know, or make known. That is, he knew that he was a sinner, and he did not seek …
Charles Ellicott
On Psalms 51:3
19th Century
Bishop
For I. —There is an emphatic pronoun in the first clause that we can preserve, while also noting the difference between the genera…
Charles Spurgeon
On Psalm 51:3
19th Century
Preacher
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
It is thrown out on the surface. Health comes back when the dise…
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John Calvin
On Psalms 51:3
16th Century
Theologian
For I know my sins. He now reveals his reason for imploring pardon with such vehemence: namely, the painful distress his sins caused him, …
John Gill
On Psalms 51:3
17th Century
Pastor
For I acknowledge my transgressions
Before God and man. Acknowledgment of sin is what the Lord requires, and promise…
Matthew Henry
On Psalms 51:1–6
17th Century
Minister
David, being convinced of his sin, poured out his soul to God in prayer for mercy and grace. Where should backsliding children return, but to the L…