Overview
The Bible addresses confession of sin across 10 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Daniel, Leviticus and Jeremiah. Closely related themes include Prayer, Answers To, Backsliders, Children and Disobedience to God. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham, Isaac and Daniel.
Key Bible verses about confession of sin
Old Testament
Leviticus
If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;
And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.
Jeremiah
O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.
O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?
Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. we: Heb. thy name is called upon us
Daniel
And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. swiftly: Heb. with weariness, or, flight
And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. to: Heb. to make thee skilful of
At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. commandment: Heb. word greatly: Heb. a man of desires
People in the Bible and confession of sin
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying confession of sin for yourself
- Begin with Leviticus 26:40, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Daniel, Leviticus and Jeremiah each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Daniel and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Prayer, Answers To, Backsliders, Children and Disobedience to God.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about confession of sin?
The Bible addresses confession of sin across 10 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Daniel, Leviticus and Jeremiah. Closely related themes include Prayer, Answers To, Backsliders, Children and Disobedience to God. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham, Isaac and Daniel.
How many Bible verses are about confession of sin?
The Bible references confession of sin in 10 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention confession of sin?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Leviticus 26:40: “If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;”
Which people in the Bible are associated with confession of sin?
Abraham, Isaac and Daniel.
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