Psalm 32 2

Psalm 32:2 kjv

Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Psalm 32:2 nkjv

Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalm 32:2 niv

Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.

Psalm 32:2 esv

Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalm 32:2 nlt

Yes, what joy for those
whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

Psalm 32 verses

Psalm 32 2 Meaning

Psalm 32:2 describes a profound blessedness bestowed upon an individual by God. This blessedness consists of two inseparable aspects: the divine act of not counting one's sin against them, which signifies complete forgiveness and pardon, and the internal state of that person's spirit being free from deceit. This implies a sincerity and authenticity in their relationship with God, a genuine acknowledgment and turning from sin that allows them to receive God's grace without hypocrisy. It is a declaration of acquittal that transcends mere legal pardon, reaching into the very honesty of one's heart before the Almighty.

Psalm 32 2 Context

Psalm 32 is a profound reflection of David's personal experience of sin, guilt, and the transformative power of God's forgiveness. It is a Masoretic psalm and one of the seven penitential psalms, traditionally associated with the deep confession and repentance found in Psalm 51 after his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. The preceding verse (Ps 32:1) states the first part of blessedness: "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Verse 2 builds upon this by adding the crucial element of sincerity, without which forgiveness cannot be fully received or appreciated. The chapter then contrasts the torment of unconfessed sin (v. 3-4) with the relief of confession and the subsequent joy of pardon (v. 5-7), leading to the Lord's promise of guidance for the one who walks in integrity (v. 8). Historically, David's life showcased the stark reality of human failing alongside divine grace, serving as a powerful testimony for all who sought to live under the Old Covenant, anticipating the perfect pardon in the Messiah.

Psalm 32 2 Word analysis

• Blessed (אֶשֶׁר, ʼesher): This term conveys a deep sense of inner well-being, happiness, and favor. It is more than just external fortune; it is a profound contentment that comes from being in right standing with God. It indicates a state of divine approval and flourishing.
• man (אָדָם, ʼadam): A generic term for a human being, indicating that this blessedness is available to all humanity, not exclusive to any particular group or status, but contingent on God's terms.
• unto whom the LORD imputeth not (לֹא יַחֲשֹׁב, loʼ yaḥashob):
  • Imputeth (yaḥashob, from the root חָשַׁב, ḥashab): A crucial theological term meaning "to count, to reckon, to attribute, to charge." It is an accounting or forensic term, implying that something is placed on someone's account.
  • Not (loʼ): The negation is vital, indicating that God actively chooses not to place the sin onto the individual's record. This is the heart of forensic justification. In contrast to human accounting, divine non-imputation means a complete cancellation of the debt of sin. The New Testament extensively elaborates on this through Christ's work, where sin is imputed to Him, and righteousness is imputed to believers.
• iniquity (עָוֹן, ʻawon): This Hebrew word refers to moral perversion, guilt, or the penalty for wrongdoing. It often implies a crookedness or deviation from the straight path, pointing to the internal distortion that results in outward transgression. Its non-imputation speaks of God's complete removal of this spiritual and moral burden.
• and in whose spirit (וְרוּחוֹ, we-ruḥo):
  • Spirit (ruaḥ): This refers to the innermost being of a person – their disposition, their core identity, their mind, will, and conscience. It's the seat of their moral and intellectual faculties. The blessedness touches not only their legal standing but their inner character.
• there is no guile (אֵין רְמִיָּה, ʼein remiyyah):
  • Guile (remiyyah): This Hebrew word signifies deceit, fraud, trickery, cunning, or duplicity. It implies an intention to mislead, to hide, or to act with a hidden agenda. The absence of guile indicates transparency, honesty, and sincerity before God. It means there's no pretense, no effort to cover up or rationalize one's sins, and no hypocrisy in the acceptance of God's forgiveness. It speaks to a genuine and humble heart in the act of receiving pardon.

Psalm 32 2 Bonus section

• The two clauses in Psalm 32:2 are parallel and mutually interpretive: genuine non-imputation by God brings forth a spirit without guile, and a spirit without guile is receptive to the full blessedness of non-imputation.
• This verse underpins the biblical doctrine that true forgiveness by God impacts the conscience and results in spiritual purity and transparency. It's not just a legal status but an experiential reality that sets one free from the torment of unconfessed sin and the burden of deception.
• The connection of remithyah (guile/deceit) to the inner spirit emphasizes that God's grace targets the deepest parts of human sinfulness – the motives and hidden thoughts, not just outward actions. This speaks to God's desire for genuine reconciliation, not superficial reform.
• The theological concept of non-imputation is pivotal to understanding salvation in Christ. He took on our iniquity so that we might have His righteousness imputed to us (2 Cor 5:21), a truth Paul highlights explicitly by quoting Psalm 32 in Romans 4.

Psalm 32 2 Commentary

Psalm 32:2 brilliantly expands upon the initial declaration of blessedness, specifying two indispensable dimensions of divine pardon. Firstly, "Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity," reveals God's gracious act of declaring a sinner righteous. This non-imputation is a profound forensic act where God, despite the presence of sin, chooses not to count it against the individual, thereby cancelling the debt and removing the condemnation. This isn't just ignoring sin, but a deliberate, decisive act of acquittal. It lays the groundwork for the New Testament's doctrine of justification by faith, where Christ's perfect righteousness is credited to believers, and their sins are laid upon Him.

Secondly, "and in whose spirit there is no guile," delves into the inner disposition of the forgiven person. This isn't a precondition for God's forgiveness (which is purely by grace), but a characteristic of the heart that truly receives and understands that forgiveness. "Guile" signifies duplicity, deceit, or hypocrisy. A person whose spirit is without guile is sincere, authentic, and utterly transparent before God regarding their sin and their repentance. They do not hide or rationalize their failings, nor do they pretend a piety they do not possess. This inner integrity marks genuine repentance and trust, contrasting sharply with those who seek to conceal their sins or approach God with a false heart. This complete removal of guilt, both judicially and inwardly, brings about profound freedom and joy, allowing one to walk uprightly and sincerely with their Lord. It is a powerful reminder that God seeks not merely a change in behavior, but a transformation of the heart's attitude towards sin and His grace.