Psalms 65:3
Psalms 65:3 in Multiple Translations
When iniquities prevail against me, You atone for our transgressions.
Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
Iniquities prevail against me: As for our transgressions, thou wilt forgive them.
Evils have overcome us: but as for our sins, you will take them away.
Even though we're drowning in our sins and our disobedience, you forgive us.
Wicked deedes haue preuailed against me: but thou wilt be mercifull vnto our transgressions.
Matters of iniquities were mightier than I, Our transgressions — Thou dost cover them.
Sins overwhelmed me, but you atoned for our transgressions.
Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord! in the multitude of thy strength thy enemies shall lie to thee.
because of the sins that they have committed. Our many sins are like a very heavy burden to us, but you forgive us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 65:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 65:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֹׁמֵ֥עַ
תְּפִלָּ֑ה
עָ֝דֶ֗י/ךָ
כָּל
בָּשָׂ֥ר
יָבֹֽאוּ
שֹׁמֵ֥עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
תְּפִלָּ֑ה
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
N-fs
עָ֝דֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בָּשָׂ֥ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
יָבֹֽאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 65:3
שֹׁמֵ֥עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
תְּפִלָּ֑ה
tᵉphillâh
H8605
"prayer"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
עָ֝דֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בָּשָׂ֥ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
יָבֹֽאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Psalms 65:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 65:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 65:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 65:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 65:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 65:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
- Sermons on Psalms 65:3
Context — Praise Awaits God in Zion
1Praise awaits You, O God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled.
2O You who listen to prayer, all people will come to You.
3When iniquities prevail against me, You atone for our transgressions.
4Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in Your courts! We are filled with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple. 5With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 38:4 | For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear. |
| 2 | Psalms 79:9 | Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name. |
| 3 | Hebrews 9:14 | how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! |
| 4 | Isaiah 6:7 | And with it he touched my mouth and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.” |
| 5 | Galatians 5:17 | For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. |
| 6 | 1 John 1:7–9 | But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. |
| 7 | Psalms 40:12 | For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me. |
| 8 | Revelation 1:5 | and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood, |
| 9 | Isaiah 1:18–19 | “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. |
| 10 | Zechariah 13:1 | “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. |
Psalms 65:3 Summary
[This verse means that even when we do wrong things and they seem to be getting the best of us, God is always there to forgive us and make things right. He does this because He loves us and wants us to be close to Him, as seen in Psalm 103:12, which says that God removes our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west. This is a wonderful promise that we can trust in, and it's a reminder that God is always with us, no matter what. As it says in Romans 8:1, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because God has atoned for our transgressions.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for iniquities to prevail against us?
When iniquities prevail against us, it means that our sins and wrongdoings are having a profound impact on our lives, but as Psalm 65:3 says, God atones for our transgressions, just as He did for the Israelites in Exodus 34:7.
How does God atone for our transgressions?
According to Psalm 65:3, God atones for our transgressions, which means He pays the price for our sins, as seen in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins, as stated in Romans 5:8.
Does this verse imply that God only atones for the transgressions of believers?
While the context of Psalm 65:3 is a prayer of praise and worship, the Bible teaches that God's atonement is available to all people, as stated in John 1:29, where Jesus is described as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing that our sins have consequences, but God's love and mercy are greater, and He is always willing to forgive and atone for our transgressions, as seen in 1 John 1:9, which says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel overwhelmed by my iniquities, and how can I apply the promise of Psalm 65:3 to those areas?
- How does the knowledge that God atones for my transgressions affect my daily life and relationships?
- In what ways can I express my gratitude to God for His atonement, and how can I share this good news with others?
- What are some ways that I can 'come to God' in prayer, as described in Psalm 65:2, and experience His atonement and forgiveness in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 65:3
Iniquities prevail against me,.... Or, "are mightier than I" (h); this may be understood either of the iniquities of others, his enemies; their "words of iniquities" (i) or iniquitous words, as in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 65:3
Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
Iniquities prevail against me; they are a burden too heavy for me, as he complains, . They are so many and great, that for them thou mightest justly reject my prayers, and destroy my person. But this is another glorious privilege granted to thy people, and that, in answer to their prayers, thou dost graciously pardon and purge away their sins.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
Psalms 65:3 Iniquities prevail against me: [as for] our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.Ver. 3. Iniquities prevail against me] And seek to choke my prayers; they prick me in the foot, as it were, that I cannot come to thee in prayer; or not with that confidence; but that is more than needs, since As for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away] So that if we turn from them they shall not hinder good things from us. No man was ever rejected by God for his confessed badness, as sundry have been for their supposed goodness: witness the publican and the Pharisee, Luke 18:9-14
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
(3) Iniquities.—Literally, Words (or, things) of iniquities, i.e., details of crime, or instances of wickedness. (Comp. Psalms 35:20; Psalms 105:27; Psalms 145:5.) Prevail.—Better, have prevailed, have overcome me, been too much for me. No doubt, though the pronoun is singular, we are to think of Israel at large here, confessing, by the mouth of the poet, its unworthiness of that Divine communion for which still (see next verse) God had chosen them. This is more in keeping with the general tone of the psalm than to refer the confession to an individual. The LXX. and Vulg. give the pronoun in the plural. There appears in this verse an antithesis between iniquity and transgression. The latter certainly sometimes seems to be applied in distinction to the violation of the covenant, and possibly the distinction is present here. The frailty and sin common to all flesh has not exempted Israel; but the chosen people have to mourn besides transgressions of their own law. These, however, will be by sacrifice purged away, and then, brought back into full covenant privilege, the offenders will approach the earthly dwelling-place of the Divine, and dwell there.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
Verse 3. Iniquities prevail against me] This is no just rendering of the original, דברי עונת גברו מני dibrey avonoth gaberu menni; "iniquitous words have prevailed against me," or, "The words of iniquity are strong against me." All kinds of calumnies, lies, and slanders have been propagated, to shake my confidence, and ruin my credit. Our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.] Whatsoever offences we have committed against thee, thou wilt pardon; תכפרם tecapperem, thou wilt make atonement for them, when with hearty repentance and true faith we turn unto thee. This verse has been abused to favour Antinomian licentiousness. The true and correct translation of the former clause will prevent this. The old Scottish Version of this verse, in their singing Psalms, is most execrable: - "Iniquities, I must confess, Prevail against me do: And as for our trans-gres-si-ons Them purge away wilt thou." O David, if thou art capable of hearing such abominable doggerel substituted for the nervous words thou didst compose by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, what must thou feel, if chagrin can affect the inhabitants of heaven!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 65:3
3. Iniquities] Lit., words, or, matters of iniquities: many various items of iniquity. Cp. for the same idiom Psalms 105:27, Psalms 145:5. Virtually the clause is a protasis to the second line: Though manifold iniquities are too strong for me, As for our transgressions, Thou wilt purge them away. In the singular ‘me’ we may hear the voice of the Psalmist himself, or of some representative of the nation, the king or high-priest, who, like Daniel or Nehemiah, confesses his own sin as well as the sin of his people (Daniel 9:20; Nehemiah 1:6 : cp. Hebrews 5:3; Hebrews 7:27): but more probably it is the assembled congregation which speaks of itself first as an individual (‘against me’), then as an aggregate of individuals (‘our transgressions’). For a similar change from sing. to plur. cp. Numbers 21:22, and many other passages. Its sins are an enemy which it cannot defeat (Genesis 4:7; cp. Psalms 38:4; Psalms 130:3; Psalms 143:2); yet God who “forgives iniquity and transgression and sin” will purge away their transgressions. thou is emphatic.
He, and He alone, can do it. The word for purge away is that commonly rendered ‘make atonement for’ (whether its primary meaning is ‘to blot out’ or ‘to cover’ is disputed), and it would be natural to see in it an allusion to the Day of Atonement which immediately preceded the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:27; Leviticus 23:34), and to suppose that the Ps. was intended for use at that Festival, did not Psalms 65:13 speak of the corn as still standing in the fields.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 65:3
Iniquities prevail against me - Margin, as in Hebrew, Words, or matters of iniquities. The literal meaning is words; and the idea may be that words spoken in iniquity, or slanderous words spoken by others, prevailed against him.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 65:3
3. Iniquities prevail—Hebrew, words or matters of iniquities have prevailed. They have been too strong. Psalms 38:4; Psalms 40:12.
Sermons on Psalms 65:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Christian on Earth, Still in Heaven by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the spiritual paradise found in the Scriptures, particularly in the book of Psalms, which offers both delight and usefulness to every Christian. He hig |
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(Revelation) the Church at Sardis by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering the glorious gospel that we have received and holding fast to it. He warns that there are many dedicated churc |
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Sin Is Heavy by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the weight of sin, highlighting how each sin adds to the burden and leads to a rotten foundation beneath us. It warns against neglecting God, hardness of hea |
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On Prayer, Homily 4 by St. Theophan the Recluse | St. Theophan the Recluse emphasizes the importance of prayer and its connection to other virtues, comparing prayer to a perfume that requires a vessel of virtue to contain it. He h |
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They Took Jesus, and Led Him Away by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the agony and suffering of Jesus as He is led away to be crucified, emphasizing the weight of our sins that He bears on the cross. He draws a parallel bet |
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The Heaviest Burden in All the World! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that sin is the heaviest burden one can carry, as it overwhelms the soul and leads to deep sorrow and despair. He reflects on the anguish caused by sin, wh |
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More on David Confessing the Lord as His God by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of confessing the Lord as our God in every circumstance, just like David did in the Psalms. David turned to the Lord in times of personal si |