King James Version
Psalms 32
11 verses with commentary
Blessed Is the One Whose Sin Is Forgiven
A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. A Psalm: or, A Psalm of David giving instruction
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KJV Study Commentary
This opening beatitude of Psalm 32 announces one of Scripture's most profound spiritual truths: the supreme blessedness of forgiveness. The Hebrew <strong>ashre</strong> (blessed/happy) introduces a double blessing statement, emphasizing completeness and certainty. Unlike worldly happiness based on circumstances, this blessedness flows from spiritual reality—sins dealt with, guilt removed, relatio...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1, 2) **Transgression**—**sin**—**iniquity.**—The same terms used here to express the compass and heinousness of sin are found, though in different order, in Exodus 34:7. For St. Paul’s reading of this passage, see Romans 4:6-7.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27. eagle--**It flies highest of all birds: thence called "the bird of heaven."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 32
Chapter Outline
Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his friends.(1-5)
He reproves them.(6-14)
He speaks without partiality.(15-22)
**Verses 1-5**
Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness of God. Elihu was disp...
Read full commentary →Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse extends the beatitude with even more emphatic language about complete forgiveness. The structure parallels verse 1 but intensifies—describing not just what God removes but what remains absent. <strong>'Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity'</strong> introduces the crucial concept of imputation (Hebrew <em>chashab</em>—to count, reckon, account). God does not 'count...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. abideth--**securely (Psa 91:1); it occupies the same abode mostly for life.
**crag--**literally, "tooth" (1Sa 14:5, Margin).
**strong place--**citadel, fastness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 32
Chapter Outline
Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his friends.(1-5)
He reproves them.(6-14)
He speaks without partiality.(15-22)
**Verses 1-5**
Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness of God. Elihu was disp...
Read full commentary →When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse dramatically shifts from blessing to burden—recounting the anguish of unconfessed sin. <strong>'When I kept silence'</strong> describes David's initial response: concealment, denial, suppressing conscience. The Hebrew <em>charash</em> (be silent, keep quiet) suggests deliberate refusal to confess, hoping time or circumstances would resolve guilt without repentance. This 'silence' parall...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **When I kept.**—He describes his state of mind before he could bring himself to confess his sin (the rendering of the particle *ki *by *when, *comp. Hosea 11:1, is quite correct). Like that knight of story, in whom
“His mood was often like a fiend, and rose
And drove him into wastes and solitudes
For agony, who was yet a living soul,”
this man could not live sleek and smiling in his sin, but ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29. seeketh--**is on the lookout for.
**behold--**The eagle descries its prey at an astonishing distance, by sight, rather than smell.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-7**
It is very difficult to bring sinful man humbly to accept free mercy, with a full confession of his sins and self-condemnation. But the true and only way to peace of conscience, is, to confess our sins, that they may be forgiven; to declare them that we may be justified. Although repentance and confession do not merit the pardon of transgression, they are needful to the real enj...
Read full commentary →For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse identifies the divine pressure that ultimately broke David's resistance. <strong>'For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me'</strong> describes relentless divine conviction. The <em>hand of God</em> metaphor appears throughout Scripture as instrument of divine action—blessing or judgment, protection or discipline. Here it's <strong>heavy</strong> (<em>kabad</em>—weighty, burdensome, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Thy hand was heavy.**—The verb, as in “kept silence” in Psalm 32:3, is properly present—the agony is still vividly present.
**My moisture.**—The Hebrew word is found only once besides (Numbers 11:8), where the Authorised Version has “fresh oil;” the LXX. and Vulg., “an oily cake.” Aquila has “of the breast of oil,” reading the word erroneously. Here both LXX. and Vulg. seem to have had a dif...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
30. Quoted partly by Jesus Christ (Mt 24:28). The food of young eagles is the blood of victims brought by the parent, when they are still too feeble to devour flesh.
**slain--**As the vulture chiefly feeds on carcasses, it is included probably in the eagle genus.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-7**
It is very difficult to bring sinful man humbly to accept free mercy, with a full confession of his sins and self-condemnation. But the true and only way to peace of conscience, is, to confess our sins, that they may be forgiven; to declare them that we may be justified. Although repentance and confession do not merit the pardon of transgression, they are needful to the real enj...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
This pivotal verse records the turning point from misery to blessing—the moment of confession and forgiveness. The emphatic <strong>'I acknowledged my sin unto thee'</strong> uses <em>yada</em> (acknowledge, know, confess) indicating transparent admission. After months of silence (v.3), concealment, and internal torment, David finally speaks honestly to God. The personal pronouns emphasize direct ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **I acknowledged.**—The fact that this verb is future, as also “I will confess” in the next clause, as well as the requirements of the passage, uphold Hupfeld’s suggestion that “I said” has changed its place, and should be replaced at the beginning of the verse. (Comp. Psalm 73:15, and Note.) The sense is,
“I said, ‘I will acknowledge my sin unto thee,
And I did not hide mine iniquity.
(I said...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-7**
It is very difficult to bring sinful man humbly to accept free mercy, with a full confession of his sins and self-condemnation. But the true and only way to peace of conscience, is, to confess our sins, that they may be forgiven; to declare them that we may be justified. Although repentance and confession do not merit the pardon of transgression, they are needful to the real enj...
Read full commentary →For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. when: Heb. of finding
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.</strong> David transitions from personal testimony to universal principle—all godly should seek God in times of favor, because His protection sustains through floods of judgment. This links prayer timing with divine accessibility...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **For this**—*i.e., *for this cause.
**Shall every one.**—Better, *let every one.*
**In a time . . .**—See margin. The expression, “time of finding,”’ is, of course, elliptical. The Authorised Version explains by Isa. Iv. 6; but Isaiah 45:8 would suggest that “forgiveness” or “acceptance” is the word to be supplied. More probably still some general word, as “goal” or “object,” is required, the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 40 Job 40:1-24. God's Second Address.
He had paused for a reply, but Job was silent.
**1. the Lord--**Hebrew, "Jehovah."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-7**
It is very difficult to bring sinful man humbly to accept free mercy, with a full confession of his sins and self-condemnation. But the true and only way to peace of conscience, is, to confess our sins, that they may be forgiven; to declare them that we may be justified. Although repentance and confession do not merit the pardon of transgression, they are needful to the real enj...
Read full commentary →Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.</strong> David declares God Himself as refuge and celebrates complete surrounding by deliverance songs. This moves from defensive protection (hiding, preserving) to offensive celebration (songs of deliverance), demonstrating how God's salvation transforms fear to joy...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. he that contendeth--**as Job had so often expressed a wish to do. Or, rebuketh. Does Job now still (after seeing and hearing of God's majesty and wisdom) wish to set God right?
**answer it--**namely, the questions I have asked.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-7**
It is very difficult to bring sinful man humbly to accept free mercy, with a full confession of his sins and self-condemnation. But the true and only way to peace of conscience, is, to confess our sins, that they may be forgiven; to declare them that we may be justified. Although repentance and confession do not merit the pardon of transgression, they are needful to the real enj...
Read full commentary →I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. guide: Heb. counsel thee, mine eye shall be upon thee
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KJV Study Commentary
After personal testimony (v.1-7), David now speaks God's instruction to all believers. The verse shifts to divine direct speech: <strong>'I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go'</strong>. The promise is comprehensive—<em>sakal</em> (instruct, give insight) and <em>yarah</em> (teach, direct) ensure both understanding and practical guidance. God personally commits to lead...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **I will guide thee with mine eye.**—The Hebrew may be rendered either “I will advise—with mine eye upon thee,” or “I will fix mine eye upon thee,” which is the translation by the LXX., and to be preferred. This verse changes so abruptly to the first person that it is better, with most of the old interpreters and, among moderns, with Ewald, Hitzig, and Reuss, to suppose them the words of deliv...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Lord--**Jehovah.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-11**
God teaches by his word, and guides with the secret intimations of his will. David gives a word of caution to sinners. The reason for this caution is, that the way of sin will certainly end in sorrow. Here is a word of comfort to saints. They may see that a life of communion with God is far the most pleasant and comfortable. Let us rejoice, O Lord Jesus, in thee, and in thy sal...
Read full commentary →Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.</strong> After experiencing God's instruction (v. 8), David warns against stubbornness resisting divine guidance. This contrasts rational, willing obedience with forced compliance characteristic of unreasoning animals, establishing that believ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Whose mouth.**—Here the text has evidently suffered, and the exact meaning is lost. There are also verbal difficulties. The word translated “mouth” elsewhere (except Psalm 103:5, where see Note) means “ornament,” and the literal rendering of the text as it stands is, *with bit and bridle his ornament to hold, not approaching to thee. *This may mean that the animal is harnessed, either “that ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. I am (too) vile (to reply). It is a very different thing to vindicate ourselves before God, from what it is before men. Job could do the latter, not the former.
**lay ... hand ... upon ... mouth--**I have no plea to offer (Job 21:5; Jud 18:19).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-11**
God teaches by his word, and guides with the secret intimations of his will. David gives a word of caution to sinners. The reason for this caution is, that the way of sin will certainly end in sorrow. Here is a word of comfort to saints. They may see that a life of communion with God is far the most pleasant and comfortable. Let us rejoice, O Lord Jesus, in thee, and in thy sal...
Read full commentary →Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents stark contrast between two destinies—continued rebellion versus trusting faith. <strong>'Many sorrows shall be to the wicked'</strong> uses <em>rab</em> (many, abundant) and <em>mak'ob</em> (pain, sorrow, grief) to describe inevitable consequences of persisting in sin. The wicked (<em>rasha</em>—those morally wrong, guilty, hostile to God) accumulate sorrows through natural con...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. Once ... twice--**oftentimes, more than once (Job 33:14, compare with Job 33:29; Psa 62:11):
**I have spoken--**namely, against God.
**not answer--**not plead against Thee.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-11**
God teaches by his word, and guides with the secret intimations of his will. David gives a word of caution to sinners. The reason for this caution is, that the way of sin will certainly end in sorrow. Here is a word of comfort to saints. They may see that a life of communion with God is far the most pleasant and comfortable. Let us rejoice, O Lord Jesus, in thee, and in thy sal...
Read full commentary →Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalm concludes with exuberant call to corporate worship. <strong>'Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous'</strong> commands joy rooted in divine relationship—not circumstantial happiness but theological gladness. The imperative <em>simchu</em> (be glad) and <em>gilu</em> (rejoice) are strong, emphatic calls. Joy isn't optional for believers but commanded response to forgiveness and me...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. the Lord--**Jehovah.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-11**
God teaches by his word, and guides with the secret intimations of his will. David gives a word of caution to sinners. The reason for this caution is, that the way of sin will certainly end in sorrow. Here is a word of comfort to saints. They may see that a life of communion with God is far the most pleasant and comfortable. Let us rejoice, O Lord Jesus, in thee, and in thy sal...
Read full commentary →