Psalms 69:5
Psalms 69:5 in Multiple Translations
You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You.
O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
O God, thou knowest my foolishness; And my sins are not hid from thee.
O God, you see how foolish I am; and my wrongdoing is clear to you.
God, you know how foolish I am! My sins are not hidden from you.
O God, thou knowest my foolishnesse, and my fautes are not hid from thee.
O God, Thou — Thou hast known Concerning my overturn, And my desolations from Thee have not been hid.
God, you know my foolishness. My sins aren’t hidden from you.
O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; and let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.
O God, ◄you see the sins that I have committed/my sins are not hidden from you►. You know that I have foolishly disobeyed your laws.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 69:5
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 69:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַבּ֤וּ
מִ/שַּׂעֲר֣וֹת
רֹאשִׁ/י֮
שֹׂנְאַ֪/י
חִ֫נָּ֥ם
עָצְמ֣וּ
מַ֭צְמִיתַ/י
אֹיְבַ֣/י
שֶׁ֑קֶר
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹא
גָ֝זַ֗לְתִּי
אָ֣ז
אָשִֽׁיב
רַבּ֤וּ
râbab
H7231
to multiply
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִ/שַּׂעֲר֣וֹת
saʻărâh
H8185
hair
Prep | N-fp
רֹאשִׁ/י֮
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
שֹׂנְאַ֪/י
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal | Suff
חִ֫נָּ֥ם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
עָצְמ֣וּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
be vast
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מַ֭צְמִיתַ/י
tsâmath
H6789
to destroy
V-Hiphil | Suff
אֹיְבַ֣/י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
שֶׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
גָ֝זַ֗לְתִּי
gâzal
H1497
to plunder
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
אָשִֽׁיב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 69:5
רַבּ֤וּ
râbab
H7231
"to multiply"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to multiply or increase, used in Genesis to describe God's promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous.
Definition: 1) to be or become many, be or become much, be or become great 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be or become many 1a2) to be or become great 1a3) to be long (of journey) 2) (Pual) ten thousands
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: increase, be many(-ifold), be more, multiply, ten thousands. See also: Genesis 6:1; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 3:2.
מִ/שַּׂעֲר֣וֹת
saʻărâh
H8185
"hair"
Prep | N-fp
This word means hair or hairiness, describing something covered in hair. In the Bible, hair was a symbol of strength and beauty. It's mentioned in the story of Samson.
Definition: a single hair
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: hair. See also: Judges 20:16; 1 Kings 1:52; Psalms 40:13.
רֹאשִׁ/י֮
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
שֹׂנְאַ֪/י
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
חִ֫נָּ֥ם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
עָצְמ֣וּ
ʻâtsam
H6105
"be vast"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to shut one's eyes tightly or to become powerful, and can also mean to break or crunch bones. It is used in various contexts, including in the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The idea of being strong is central to this word.
Definition: 1) to be vast, be numerous, be mighty 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be mighty 1a2) to be numerous 1b) (Hiphil) to make strong, make mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er). See also: Genesis 26:16; Isaiah 31:1; Psalms 38:20.
מַ֭צְמִיתַ/י
tsâmath
H6789
"to destroy"
V-Hiphil | Suff
To destroy something means to completely get rid of it, like God destroying evil in Psalm 37:38. This word appears in the Bible to describe total annihilation. It is often used in a literal sense, such as in war, but also figuratively, like in Ezekiel 28:16.
Definition: 1) to put an end to, cut off, destroy, exterminate, extirpate 1a) (Qal) to put an end to, terminate 1b) (Niphal) to be ended, be annihilated, be exterminated 1c) (Piel) to put an end to 1d) (Pilel) to be exterminated, be annihilated 1e) (Hiphil) to exterminate, annihilate
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: consume, cut off, destroy, vanish. See also: 2 Samuel 22:41; Psalms 88:17; Psalms 18:41.
אֹיְבַ֣/י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
שֶׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
גָ֝זַ֗לְתִּי
gâzal
H1497
"to plunder"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to take something by force, like plundering or robbing, and is used in stories like David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It can also mean to strip or flay something, and is often associated with violence.
Definition: 1) to tear away, seize, plunder, tear off, pull off, rob, take away by force 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear away, rob 1a2) to seize, plunder (with acc cognate) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be robbed 1b2) to be taken away
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: catch, consume, exercise (robbery), pluck (off), rob, spoil, take away (by force, violence), tear. See also: Genesis 21:25; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:10.
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
אָשִֽׁיב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 69:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 69:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 69:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 69:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 69:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 69:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
- Sermons on Psalms 69:5
Context — The Waters Are up to My Neck
3I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.
4Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me— my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.
5You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You.
6May those who hope in You not be ashamed through me, O Lord GOD of Hosts; may those who seek You not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel. 7For I have endured scorn for Your sake, and shame has covered my face.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 38:9 | O Lord, my every desire is before You; my groaning is not hidden from You. |
| 2 | Psalms 17:3 | You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 16:17 | For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes. |
| 4 | Psalms 19:12 | Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. |
| 5 | Psalms 38:5 | My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly. |
| 6 | Psalms 44:20–21 | If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart? |
Psalms 69:5 Summary
[This verse means that God knows everything about us, including our mistakes and wrongdoings, and He still loves us and wants us to come to Him for forgiveness and guidance, as seen in 1 John 1:9. It's like having a parent who knows when we've done something wrong, but still wants us to talk to them about it so they can help us make things right. We can be honest with God about our mistakes because He already knows, and He wants to help us learn from them and become better people, as promised in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to know our folly?
This means God is fully aware of our foolish actions and decisions, as seen in Psalms 69:5, and He still chooses to love and care for us, as demonstrated in Jeremiah 29:11, where He says He has plans to prosper us, not to harm us.
How can we be assured that God sees our guilt?
The Bible assures us that God is all-knowing, as stated in Psalms 139:1-6, and our guilt is not hidden from Him, as seen in Psalms 69:5, so we can come to Him honestly and seek forgiveness, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9.
What is the relationship between knowing God and acknowledging our guilt?
Recognizing our guilt before God, as in Psalms 69:5, is a step towards healing and restoration, as seen in Psalms 51:1-17, where David acknowledges his sin and seeks God's mercy and cleansing.
How does this verse apply to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that God is aware of all our actions and thoughts, so we should strive to live honestly and transparently before Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 28:13, and seek His forgiveness and guidance when we fail, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have been foolish, and how can I seek God's wisdom and guidance?
- How does knowing that God sees my guilt affect my willingness to come to Him in prayer and seek forgiveness?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of acknowledging my guilt before God, as seen in this verse, to my relationships with others and with myself?
- What does it mean for me to 'come clean' before God, and how can I do this in a way that brings healing and restoration to my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 69:5
O God, thou knowest my foolishness,.... Not that there was real foolishness in him, who, as man, from his infancy was filled with wisdom, and increased in it; and, as Mediator, had the spirit of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 69:5
O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
This is added, either, 1. As a proof of his innocency, which he had now asserted by way of appeal to God. Do thou, O Lord, judge between me and them, whether I be guilty of those rallies and sins which they lay to my charge. And such appeals indeed David useth, ,4, and elsewhere; but then they are delivered in form of a supposition, and not a positive assertion, as this is. Or rather, 2. As an exception to what he last said. But, O Lord, although I have been innocent to mine enemies, and have given them no cause to hate or persecute me, as they do; yet I must confess I am guilty of many sins and follies against thee, and have given thee just cause to punish me, and to give me up into their hands, and to deny or delay thine help unto me. By foolishness he means sin, as he explains it, which is commonly so called in Scripture; or by his foolishness he means lesser sins, committed through ignorance or inconsiderateness, and by sins those of a grosser nature.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
Psalms 69:5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.Ver. 5. O God, thou knowest my foolishness] Secundum dici, non secundum esse; ironica enim est locutio. Thou knowest mine innocence, and how free I am of that folly, and those foul faults, wherewith they falsely charge me.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
(5) My foolishness.—This does not conflict with a true Messianic application of the Psalm, but is fatal to that which would see in the author not an imperfect type, but a prophetic mouthpiece of Christ.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
Verse 5. Thou knowest my foolishness] Though we have been brought into captivity in consequence of the crimes of our fathers, yet we have guilt enough of our own to merit a continuation of our miseries. How can such words as are in this verse be attributed to our blessed Lord, however they may be twisted or turned?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 69:5
1–6. The Psalmist appeals to God for help, pleading the extremity of his plight.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 69:5
O God, thou knowest my foolishness - The errors and follies of my life.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 69:5
5. Thou knowest my foolishness—Suddenly complaint turns to confession. Suffering connects with remembered sin, which, though now forgiven, still develops its consequences.
Sermons on Psalms 69:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jehovah Rohi - the Lord Is My Shepherd by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of walking on a beach at night during a financial crisis. He expresses his need for God's presence, love, and assurance. As |
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On Desires by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the power of desires in our relationship with Jesus, emphasizing that even when we fall short in our actions, our sincere desires to love, honor, and glo |
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Psalm 38 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the Psalmist's deep sense of sin and the just chastisement he faces, acknowledging that sin leads to various afflictions and suffering, even for God's chil |
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God's Eye by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's watchful eye is always upon His people, even in their darkest and most secret moments. He reassures believers that no matter where they find the |
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Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 1 by Will Graham | This sermon challenges believers to not just talk the Christian walk but to also live it out through their actions. It emphasizes the importance of genuine faith that is reflected |
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Two Infamous Strumpets by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the omnipresence and omniscience of God, asserting that no sin, whether secret or open, can escape His watchful eye. He illustrates that even the most hidd |
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The Discipline of Defeat by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on 'The Discipline of Defeat' using the story of Achan's sin in the Bible to illustrate how even the smallest sin can have significant consequences, affecting n |