Psalms 32:1 - Exposition

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, and whose sin is covered. There are three aspects under which sin is viewed in Holy Scripture:

1 . As an offence against God's Law. This is "transgression"— ἀνομία .

2 . As an offence against the eternal and immutable rule of right. This is "sin"— ἁμαρτία .

3 . As an internal depravation and defilement of the sinner's soul. This is "iniquity "— ἀδικία (comp. Exodus 34:7 ). Each aspect of sin has its own especial remedy, or manner of removal. The "transgression" is "lifted up," "taken away,"— αἵρεται ἀφαίρεται —more vaguely ἀφίεται . The "sin" is "covered, …. hidden"— καλύπτετα ἐπικαλύπτεται . The "iniquity" is "not imputed"— οὐ λογίζεται . The union of all three, as here in Psalms 32:1 , Psalms 32:2 , is complete remission or forgiveness.