The Meaning of Psalms 32:1 Explained

Psalms 32:1

KJV: {A Psalm of David, Maschil.} Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

YLT: By David. -- An Instruction. O the happiness of him whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

Darby: {Of David. Instruction.} Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!

ASV: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

{{[A Psalm] of David,  Maschil.  }} Blessed  [is he whose] transgression  [is] forgiven,  [whose] sin  [is] covered. 

What does Psalms 32:1 Mean?

Context Summary

Psalm 32:1-11 - The Song Of The Forgiven
David wrote this psalm, Romans 4:6-8. Maschil means "to give instruction." We are deeply instructed as to the working of conscience. Compare with Psalms 51:1-19. This was one of Luther's favorites.
For some time after his sin, David withheld confession and suffered terribly. But when the wound was opened and the poison pressed from it, he burst out in the words with which the psalm opens: Oh, the blessedness! Sin means missing the mark; iniquity is that which is turned aside from its course. Forgiven, covered, not imputed-each of these is true in Jesus.
The presence of God is always appreciably nearer when floods are running high. Note those three precious promises of instruction, teaching, and guidance, Psalms 32:8. Throw on God the responsibility of indicating your path. Don't wait for the sharp jerk of bit or bridle; let love prompt and inspire your every movement. Haydn said: "When I think on God, the notes dance from my pen." Remember the music and dancing that welcomed the prodigal! [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalm 32

1  Blessedness consists in remission of sins
3  Confession of sins gives ease to the conscience
8  God's promises bring joy

What do the individual words in Psalms 32:1 mean?

A Psalm of David a Contemplation Blessed [is he] [is] forgiven [whose] transgression [is] covered [Whose] sin
לְדָוִ֗ד מַ֫שְׂכִּ֥יל אַשְׁרֵ֥י נְֽשׂוּי־ פֶּ֗שַׁע כְּס֣וּי חֲטָאָֽה

לְדָוִ֗ד  A  Psalm  of  David 
Parse: Preposition-l, Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: דָּוִד  
Sense: youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel.
מַ֫שְׂכִּ֥יל  a  Contemplation 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: מַשְׂכִּיל  
Sense: (Hiphil) poem, song or poem of contemplation.
אַשְׁרֵ֥י  Blessed  [is  he] 
Parse: Interjection
Root: אֶשֶׁר 
Sense: happiness, blessedness.
נְֽשׂוּי־  [is]  forgiven 
Parse: Verb, Qal, QalPassParticiple, masculine singular construct
Root: נָשָׂא  
Sense: to lift, bear up, carry, take.
פֶּ֗שַׁע  [whose]  transgression 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: פֶּשַׁע  
Sense: transgression, rebellion.
כְּס֣וּי  [is]  covered 
Parse: Verb, Qal, QalPassParticiple, masculine singular construct
Root: כָּסָה  
Sense: to cover, conceal, hide.
חֲטָאָֽה  [Whose]  sin 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular
Root: חֲטָאָה  
Sense: sin, sin offering.