Bible Commentary

Psalm 32:1 is a Bible verse in the Book of Psalms where David is thanking God for the happiness and protection found in His forgiveness.

Note that there is an exclamation point at the end of the verse. David is quite excited about these wonderful gifts. Let’s look at them more closely.

The Hebrew meaning for the word “blessed” in this verse is: happiness, happy. The word “blessing” is used so much that maybe we don’t recognize what it means to us personally.

In God’s forgiveness, we can be happy! Not just sometimes, but always, no matter what our circumstances are. How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.

Let’s look at the word “transgression”. The Hebrew meaning is: a revolt, rebellion, sin. Webster’s dictionary defines the word “sin” as: any offense or fault.

All of us have transgressions or faults in our lives. We are human. David said that those of us whose transgressions are forgiven are blessed--happy.

So how do we receive forgiveness for all our faults and offenses?

Simply accept the gift God made available through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Jesus is the bridge between us and God.

Jesus died in order to reconcile mankind back to God, the Father. With our belief in Jesus and our acceptance of Him into our life, we can be forgiven and blessed—happy.

Unlocking the Truth – Forgiveness

Let’s look at the last part of Psalm 32:1. David made a distinction between the words “forgiven” and “covered”. The Hebrew meanings of the word “covered” are: to plump, to fill up hollows, clothe, conceal, cover (self).

This seems to imply that sin creates a void, like a hole that needs to be filled up, or a bareness, which needs to be covered up.

If you have felt naked or bare on the inside, like you want to hide from someone or some situation, that might indicate shame in your soul from sin or transgression. Similarly, if you have felt empty on the inside (a continual attitude of indifference or apathy), that might indicate a barrenness or a void that is yet unfilled.

Think on this. By our willingness and acceptance of Jesus Christ, our emptiness can be richly filled and the nakedness of our soul covered forever by the love of the Father (Deuteronomy 33:27).

There is a supernatural quality in the love of God, which can remove the deepest sorrow, heal the deepest wound and fill the biggest void. God’s forgiveness and mercy bring healing and peace, and with it happiness. That’s why David was thanking and praising Him in this Psalm. He experienced it, as many believers have.

Study the Bible verse of Psalm 32:1, and drink in the truth and blessings that are yours in Jesus Christ.