Psalms 85:2You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah.
The setting
Jerusalem, Israel, temple courts. A worship leader proclaims God's forgiveness to a community that remembers their ancestors' rebellion that led to exile...
The emotion here: amazed that such complete forgiveness is possible
The original word
kāsāh (כָּסָה) — to cover completely, like snow covering the ground until nothing underneath is visible
Why it matters
The Hebrew concept of covering sin meant it was completely hidden from God's sight, not just overlooked
Read with care
What most readers miss in Psalms 85:2
The word 'Selah' means pause and think deeply - this forgiveness deserves a moment of silent awe
Common misconceptionMany think this means God overlooks sin casually. Actually, the 'covering' required the sacrificial system - forgiveness came at great cost, previewing Christ's sacrifice.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Psalms 85:2
Bible Genome reading
Psalms 85:2 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Psalms 85:2 comes from the book of Psalms, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Sons of Korah. The dominant emotion in this verse is grateful, with a comfort power of 90% and a tone that is reverent. It belongs to the psalm genre of biblical literature. Key themes include forgiveness, atonement, grace. Notable phrases: forgiven the iniquity; covered all their sin.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grateful
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
— John 3:16
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
“It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
— Acts 2:21
“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”
— Ephesians 2:8
“So now it wasn't you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land o…”
— Genesis 45:8
Your reflection
What does Psalms 85:2 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "grateful"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.