Psalms 51:13 — Word Study
WLCאֲלַמְּדָ֣ה פֹשְׁעִ֣ים דְּרָכֶ֑יךָ וְ֝חַטָּאִ֗ים אֵלֶ֥יךָ יָשֽׁוּבוּ׃
BSAnotʼal to throwshâlak facepânîym spiritrûwach Holy Placeqôdesh notʼal to takelâqach frommin
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה | I will teach | Verb, Piel, infinitive construct first person common singular |
| פֹשְׁעִ֣ים | transgressors | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural |
| דְּרָכֶ֑יךָ | ways your | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וְ֝חַטָּאִ֗ים | and sinners | Conjunction |
| אֵלֶ֥יךָ | to you | Preposition, suffix |
| יָשֽׁוּבוּ׃ | they will return | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You. |
| KJV | Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. |
| ASV | Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee. |
| YLT | I teach transgressors Thy ways, And sinners unto Thee do return. |
| WEB | Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners will be converted to you. |
| BBE | Then will I make your ways clear to wrongdoers; and sinners will be turned to you. |
The translations agree on the essential meaning of the psalmist's intent to teach others about God's ways.
The verse has a main clause followed by two phrases, indicating the teaching and the response of sinners returning to God.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectפָּנֶה
verbאַל
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 51:13
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Prayer for Restorationgenerated
Psalm 51:13 is part of a heartfelt plea for forgiveness and restoration. The psalmist, having recognized his sin, vows to instruct others in God's ways, indicating that his own experience of grace compels him to share that knowledge. This reflects a broader biblical theme where personal transformation leads to communal instruction, as seen in other psalms and prophetic writings.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 32:5–8 | Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah |
| 2 | Zechariah 3:1–8 | Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. |
| 3 | Luke 22:32 | But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” |
| 4 | John 21:15–17 | When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” |
| 5 | Acts 2:38–41 | Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 18 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה, 'a.la.me.Dahgenerated
The verb אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה ('a.la.me.Dah) is a Piel infinitive construct meaning 'I will teach'. It is derived from the root לָמַד (lamad), which encompasses the ideas of learning and teaching, often involving guidance and instruction.
This verb indicates an active role in teaching, suggesting that the psalmist intends to guide others in understanding God's ways, reflecting a commitment to share the insights gained from his own repentance and restoration.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations of this verse agree on the essential meaning, with all versions reflecting the psalmist's intention to teach others about God's ways following his own experience of forgiveness.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה ('a.la.me.Dah) governs the main action of the verse, with two phrases attached: a noun phrase identifying the object of the teaching and a clause indicating the subject who will return.
The structure places emphasis on the psalmist's commitment to teach, followed by the response of sinners returning to God, illustrating a cause-and-effect relationship in the context of repentance.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the verb אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה is rendered as ἀπορρίψῃς, suggesting a different nuance in the translation. This choice may reflect an interpretative angle, focusing on the act of casting away or rejecting sin.
This indicates a broader understanding of the psalmist's role, not just as a teacher but as one who encourages others to turn away from their transgressions.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 51:13 expresses the psalmist's desire to teach others about God's ways after experiencing forgiveness. He acknowledges his own sin and commits to guiding transgressors back to God, highlighting the importance of sharing the lessons learned from personal repentance.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means to instruct those who have sinned about how to live according to God's guidance, sharing the knowledge gained from one's own experiences of forgiveness.
Teaching often stems from personal transformation; having received grace and forgiveness, the psalmist feels compelled to share that experience with others.
It signifies repentance and the hope of restoration, illustrating the transformative power of God's mercy.
It connects with themes of repentance, teaching, and community, reflecting the idea that personal experiences of grace should lead to instructing others.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced God's forgiveness, and how can I share that with others?
- How can I actively teach others about God's ways in my community?
- What steps can I take to ensure I am living in a way that reflects God's guidance?
- How can personal transformation influence my relationships with others who may be struggling?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss themes of sin, repentance, and the role of teaching in the faith community.
But see what he annexes: "With Principal Spirit," he says, "confirm Thou me." Wherein "confirm"? Because You have pardoned me, because I am secure, that what You have forgiven is not to be ascribed,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 51 →
So then Rome, the head of the nations, has these two lights of the nations lit by the one who enlightens every person who comes into this world47—one light in which God has exalted the most abject lowliness,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 51 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 51:13 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible[Then] will I teach transgressors thy ways,.... David was a prophet as well as a king; see Acts 2:30; and taught men the fear of the Lord, Psalms 34:11, and instructed them in his ways, as he here
Read John Gill on Psalms 51 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 51 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThy ways; either, 1. Thy will and their duty, and the way to their eternal happiness; or rather, 2. The manner of thy dealing with sinners; whom thou dost so severely chastise for their sins, and yet so graciously receive to mercy upon their repentance; both which I will show them in my own example, which I will declare unto them, although I shall therewith publish my own shame; which I shall most willingly bear, that I may in some measure repair the injury which I have done to thee and others by my public and scandalous crimes. Sinners shall be converted unto thee; and I persuade myself that my endeavours shall not want success; and that either thy justice or severity, or thy goodness and…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 51 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 51:13 [Then] will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.Ver. 13. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways] Instruunt nos Patres tum docentes, tum labentes, saith Augustine: Two ways the saints teach us. First, By their doctrine. Secondly, By their falls and failings. David had taught men this last way to his cost, that it is triste mortalitatis privilegium licere aliquando peccare; now he promiseth by his example and instruction to teach transgressors, those that are in the very bonds and hands of the devil, God’ s ways of mercy to the penitent; and that they must either turn to God or burn for ever in hell. And sinners shall be converted unto thee]…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 51 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(13) Shall be converted.—Better, shall turn to thee. (See Note Psalms 50:23.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 51 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 13. Then will I teach transgressors] I will show myself to be grateful; I will testify of thy loving-kindness; I will call on transgressors to consider the error of their ways; and shall set before them so forcibly thy justice and mercy, that sinners shall be converted unto thee. With a little change I can adopt the language of Dr. Delaney on this place: "Who can confide in his own strength, when he sees David fall? Who can despair of Divine mercy when he sees him forgiven? Sad triumph of sin over all that is great or excellent in man! Glorious triumph of grace over all that is shameful and dreadful in sin!"
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 51 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThen will I teach transgressors thy ways - As an expression of gratitude, and as the result of his own painful experience.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 51 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible13. Will I teach transgressors—Thus the psalmist would show forth his gratitude for that renewal and establishment in righteousness for which he agonizes.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 51 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners will be converted to you.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.
Then I will teach rebels your merciful ways, and sinners will turn to you.
Tyndale line
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted to thee.
Then shall I teache thy wayes vnto the wicked, and sinners shalbe conuerted vnto thee.
Strictly literal
I will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall return unto thee.
I teach transgressors Thy ways, And sinners unto Thee do return.
I teach transgressors Your ways, || And sinners return to You.
(51:15) I will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall return unto thee.
Then will I teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will be converted to you.
Simplified
Then I will teach your ways to rebellious people, and these sinners will come back to you.
Then will I make your ways clear to wrongdoers; and sinners will be turned to you.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree closely in their wording for this verse, with all six words matched, indicating a consistent transmission of the text through these traditions.
אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה פֹשְׁעִ֣ים דְּרָכֶ֑יךָ וְ֝חַטָּאִ֗ים אֵלֶ֥יךָ יָשֽׁוּבוּ׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 51:13
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
לָמַד (lamad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to learn or teach. It encompasses the ideas of exercising in a skill, being trained, and instructing others. The root suggests a connection to motivation or incentive, as seen in the context of teaching with a rod. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal (to learn), Piel (to teach), and Pual (to be taught).
לָמַד vb. exercise in, learn
Qal learn something
Piel teach
Pual trained; taught
base
H3925 לָמַד exercise in, learn .learn something
.teach
.trained; taught
3925 lamad law-mad'
a primitive root; properly, to goad, i.e. (by implication) to
teach (the rod being an Oriental incentive):(un-) accustomed,
X diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -
ing).
לָמַד (la.mad) — to learn: teach.
: teach
1) to learn. teach, exercise in
1a) (Qal) to learn
1b) (Piel) to teach
1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained
Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
לָמַד (la.mad) — to learn: learn.
: learn
1) to learn. teach, exercise in
1a) (Qal) to learn
1b) (Piel) to teach
1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained
HVpc1cs — Verb · Piel · infinitive construct first person common singularHVpc1cs
פָּשַׁע (pasha`) means to rebel or transgress, indicating a break from authority. It encompasses actions like revolt and apostasy, and can also refer to being offended in a relational context. The term appears in various forms, including Qal and Niphal, suggesting both active rebellion and passive offense.
פָּשַׁע vb. rebel, transgress
Qal
rebel, revolt, of nations
transgress against
Niph. a brother (who has been) offended
base
H6586 פָּשַׁע rebel, transgress
6586 pasha` paw-shah'
a primitive root (identical with 6585 through the idea of
expansion); to break away (from just authority), i.e.
trespass, apostatize, quarrel:--offend, rebel, revolt,
transgress(-ion, -or).
see HEBREW for 06585
פָּשַׁע (pa.sah) — to transgress.
1) to rebel, transgress, revolt
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to rebel, revolt
1a2) to transgress
1b) (Niphal) to be rebelled against
HVqrmpa — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine pluralHVqrmpa
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: road/route
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
HNcmpc/Sp2ms — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp2ms
חַטָּא (chatta') refers to someone who is sinful or a sinner, indicating a state of being guilty or condemned. It is derived from a root meaning to miss the mark or err. The entries consistently describe this term as relating to offenders and those exposed to condemnation.
[חַטָּא] adj. and n.m. 1. sinful. 2. sinners
base
H2400 חַטָּא 1. sinful. 2. sinners
2400 chatta' khat-taw'
intensively from 2398; a criminal, or one accounted
guilty:--offender, sinful, sinner.
see HEBREW for 02398
חַטָּא (chat.ta) — sinner.
1) sinners
adj
2) sinful
3) exposed to condemnation, reckoned as offenders
HC/Aampa — ConjunctionHC/Aampa
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
HR/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp2ms
The Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuwb) means to turn back or return, covering a wide range of contexts including physical, spiritual, and relational. It can denote returning to a previous state, repenting, or even apostatizing. The entries describe various forms and uses, including bringing back, restoring, and refreshing. Notably, it can also imply a change in course of action.
שׁוּב 1056 vb. turn back, return
Qal 683;—turn back, return:
turn back
return, come or go back
esp. return unto
of dying
of revival from death
fig. of human relations:
return to leader, king
= change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)
turn, i.e. resort to
return to a physical condition
abs. = change course of action
fig., specif. of spiritual relations:
turn back from God = apostatize
of י׳, turn away
turn back to God (= seek penitently)
abs. repent
turn back from evil
of י׳
of י׳, return (to shew favour)
of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):
denoting repetition, etc.
trans.
Pō‛l.
bring back
fig. restore, refresh
restore, repair
lead away (enticingly)
shew turning = apostatize
Hiph. 353 cause to return, bring back
bring back into bondage
put back
= draw back
= give back, restore
= relinguish
= give in payment, requital
bring one back (from dead)
bring back heart
= refresh
H7725 שׁוּב turn back, return .—turn back, return: . turn back
. return, come or go back
. esp. return unto
. . of dying
. of revival from death
. fig. of human relations: . return to leader, king
. = change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)
. turn, i.e. resort to
. return to a physical condition
. abs. = change course of action
. fig., specif. of spiritual relations: . turn back from God = apostatize
. of י׳, turn away
. turn back to God (= seek penitently)
. abs. repent
. turn back from evil
. of י׳
. of י׳, return (to shew favour)
. of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):
. denoting repetition, etc.
. trans.
. . bring back
. . fig. restore, refresh
. restore, repair
. lead away (enticingly)
. shew turning = apostatize
. cause to return, bring back . . bring back into bondage
. put back
. = draw back
. = give back, restore
. = relinguish
. = give in payment, requital
7725 shuwb shoob
a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or
intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily
with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to
retreat; often adverbial, again:--((break, build, circumcise,
dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge,
make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) X again, (cause to) answer
(+ again), X in any case (wise), X at all, averse, bring
(again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back),
cease, X certainly, come again (back), X consider, +
continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back,
fetch home again, X fro, get (oneself) (back) again, X give
(again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see)
more, X needs, be past, X pay, pervert, pull in again, put
(again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh,
relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve,
שׁוּב (shuv) — to return: return.
: 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)
HVqi3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp