Lexical Summary shegiah: Error, mistake, inadvertent sin Original Word: שְׁגִיאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance error From shagah; a moral mistake -- error. see HEBREW shagah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shagah Definition error NASB Translation errors (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׁגִיאָה Köii. 1. 197] noun feminine error; — plural absolute שְׁגִיאוֺת Psalm 19:13; read שְׁגָגוֺת ?. Topical Lexicon Definition and ContextShᵉgiʾah denotes an “error,” an unintentional or unwitting act that deviates from the revealed will of God. The noun appears a single time, in David’s prayerful meditation on the Word of God: “Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.” Psalm 19:12 Although rare in form, the concept it conveys permeates Scripture, distinguishing sins of ignorance from willful transgressions and underscoring humanity’s deep-seated need for divine cleansing. Relationship to Other Old Testament Terms for Sin 1. ḥaṭṭāʾt / ḥaṭṭāʾâ – the most common term for “sin,” covering both deliberate and accidental acts. Shᵉgiʾah narrows the focus to lapses that arise from ignorance, negligence, or moral blindness rather than open rebellion. Old Testament Theology of Unintentional Sin Leviticus 4–5 and Numbers 15:22-29 require specific offerings for sins committed “in error.” These laws teach that: Psalm 19:12 gathers these principles into personal devotion. David humbly acknowledges that even a godly conscience cannot detect every misstep; therefore he pleads for cleansing that only God can supply. Personal Piety and Spiritual Formation 1. Self-examination – David’s question, “Who can discern his own errors?” invites believers to pray for Spirit-illumined insight (Psalm 139:23-24). Liturgical and Historical Usage • Jewish worship: The Day of Atonement confessions enumerate “sins we have committed unknowingly,” echoing the concern expressed by shᵉgiʾah. Christological Fulfillment Hebrews 9:7 observes that the high priest entered the Most Holy Place “not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.” The once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ surpasses these annual offerings, securing redemption “for all wrongdoing” (1 John 1:7), whether hidden or overt. Thus the plea of Psalm 19:12 reaches its consummation in the cross, where even unintended guilt is fully atoned. Pastoral and Ministry Implications • Preaching – Shᵉgiʾah warns against complacency; sermons should press hearers to examine motives, attitudes, and blind spots. Summary Though occurring only once, Shᵉgiʾah captures a vital biblical reality: humanity’s propensity to err unknowingly and the consequent need for divine purification. Psalm 19:12 models humble self-distrust combined with confident appeal to God’s grace, a pattern fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ and perpetually relevant for the believer’s walk of sanctification. Forms and Transliterations שְׁגִיא֥וֹת שגיאות šə·ḡî·’ō·wṯ šəḡî’ōwṯ shegiotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 19:12 HEB: שְׁגִיא֥וֹת מִֽי־ יָבִ֑ין NAS: can discern [his] errors? Acquit KJV: Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse INT: error Who discern 1 Occurrence |
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