King James Version

What Does Psalms 25:11 Mean?

Psalms 25:11 in the King James Version says “For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.”

Psalms 25:11 · KJV

Context

9

The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

10

All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

11

For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

12

What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

13

His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. dwell: Heb. lodge in goodness

Read Psalms 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The plea 'for thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great' appeals to God's honor as motivation for forgiveness. Acknowledging that 'it is great' demonstrates honest confession without minimizing sin. Reformed theology emphasizes that God forgives not because sin is small, but because His mercy is great. Forgiveness glorifies God's name—demonstrates His character—more than judgment would. This models authentic repentance: confessing sin's magnitude while trusting mercy's greater magnitude.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In biblical thought, God's 'name' represents His reputation and revealed character. Forgiving guilty sinners displays grace that magnifies God's glory more than destroying them would. Israel constantly appealed to God's name as basis for mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does praying 'for Your name's sake' change your approach to confession?
  2. What does acknowledging sin's greatness teach about authentic repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לְמַֽעַן1 of 8
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שִׁמְךָ֥2 of 8

“For thy name's”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֑ה3 of 8

“sake O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְֽסָלַחְתָּ֥4 of 8

“pardon”

H5545

to forgive

לַ֝עֲוֺנִ֗י5 of 8

“mine iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

כִּ֣י6 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רַב7 of 8

“for it is great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

הֽוּא׃8 of 8
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 25:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 25:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 79:91 John 2:12Isaiah 43:25Psalms 31:3Romans 5:20-21Psalms 143:11

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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