Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for Bible-translators and others doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still early looks into the drafted texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

WEBBE By David. A contemplative psalm.

WMBB (Same as above)

NET By David; a well-written song.

FBV A psalm of David.

BBE Of David. Maschil.

Moff An ode of David.

ASV A Psalm of David. Maschil.

Drby Of David. Instruction.

RV A Psalm of David. Maschil.

KJB-1769 A Psalm of David, Maschil.

KJB-1611 ¶ A Psalme of Dauid, Maschil.
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above, apart from marking of added words (and possibly capitalisation and punctuation))

UTN uW Translation Notes:

Psalm 32 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Psalm 32 is a psalm about confession of sin. It is considered to be one of the “penitential” psalms. See the Introduction to Psalms for more information about the penitential psalms. (See: confess and sin) 1. The type of person who God says is blessed (1–2) 2. The results of concealing one’s sin (3–4) 3. David confesses his sin to Yahweh and Yahweh forgives his sin (5) 4. David gives reasons for confessing one’s sin to Yahweh (6–7) 5. David instructs his readers (8–9) 6. Conclusion (10–11)The superscription to this psalm identifies it as a “maskil.” See the discussion of that term in the introduction to Psalms.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Psalm

Confession of sin

This Psalm tells of the sorrow of unconfessed sin. It also tells of the blessing of confession and of receiving God’s forgiveness. It is a blessing when God forgives sin. Trouble comes when sin is hidden and not confessed. (See: bless and forgive)

Translation Issues in This Psalm

Who is speaking in verses 8–9?