Old Testament

Psalms 69:5

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

God, you know my foolishness, and my sins are not hidden from you.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.

What Psalms 69:5 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges that God is fully aware of his shortcomings and mistakes. The term "foolishness" refers to the errors in judgment and actions that lead to sin. The psalmist expresses a deep understanding that nothing can be concealed from God, emphasizing His omniscience. This recognition of one's own failings is a crucial step in seeking forgiveness and restoration. By admitting his faults, the psalmist demonstrates humility and a desire for a closer relationship with God. This verse serves as a reminder that God sees all aspects of our lives, including our struggles and sins, and encourages believers to be honest with themselves and with God about their imperfections. It highlights the importance of confession and the need for divine grace in overcoming personal weaknesses.

How to apply Psalms 69:5 to your life

This verse encourages us to be honest with ourselves and God about our shortcomings. Recognizing our flaws can lead to personal growth and a deeper relationship with God. Regular self-reflection and confession can help us seek forgiveness and strive for improvement in our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Moses

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 69:5

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Psalms 69:5

At a Glance — the Book of Psalms

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 69:5 mean?

Psalms 69:5 expresses the psalmist's acknowledgment that God is aware of his mistakes and sins. It highlights the importance of recognizing one's own flaws and the need for honesty in seeking forgiveness from God.

What is the significance of 'foolishness' in Psalms 69:5?

In this verse, 'foolishness' refers to poor judgment and actions that lead to sin. It signifies the psalmist's awareness of his shortcomings and the need for humility before God.

How does Psalms 69:5 relate to confession?

Psalms 69:5 emphasizes the importance of confessing one's sins to God. By admitting his faults, the psalmist shows a desire for forgiveness and a closer relationship with God.

What themes are present in Psalms 69:5?

Key themes in Psalms 69:5 include God's omniscience, acknowledgment of sin, humility, confession, and the need for divine grace. These themes encourage self-awareness and honesty in one's spiritual journey.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.