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I. THE ORIGINAL OF IT. "I was shapen," etc. Original sin, wherewith the nature of man is so infected, consists in two things. First, in Adam's voluntary transgression in eating of the forbidden fruit, imputed to all his posterity. Secondly, in the hereditary corruption of nature, propagated and derived to his posterity.

II. THE MANNER OF IT, HOW IT IS CONVEYED. There are divers opinions about it, and each have their arguments for them. It is enough for us to know this, that man produces his like not only in nature, but also in corruption; and the one is consequent upon the other; so that it is impossible for a sinner to produce any other than a sinner (Job 14:4; John 3:6). The consideration of this point is thus far useful unto us.

1. As it teaches parents how to carry themselves towards their children; which, although it be not to indulge them, yet to pity corruption in them, as considering how themselves have been the occasions of conveying it to them. And further, it will hence concern parents to be so much the more careful and industrious of freeing their children from sin, so far forth as lies in their power. As they have been the occasion of corrupting them, so they should be likewise instruments of reforming them; and as they have been the conveyers of sin, so they should be also of grace. Now, this is especially done three manner of ways.

(1) By hearty and earnest prayers to God for them.

(2) By good and careful education.

(3) By godly example. I might add as an appurtenance hereunto the bringing of them to the Sacrament of Baptism, the laver of regeneration (Titus 3:5), as that which seals to all true believers their new birth in opposition to their corruption of nature.

2. Here is an item also to children from hence, not to glory too much in their pedigree and natural birth into the world. Thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite; thou wast shapen in iniquity, and in sin did thy mother conceive thee.

III. THE NOTORIOUSNESS OF IT. "Behold." David sets a mark upon this sin as being most grievous. And so it is.

1. In respect of the largeness of it; for it comprehends in it all other sins and evils.

2. in regard of the strength and power of it.

(1)  As it hinders us from good (Romans 7:18; Galatians 5:17; Romans 8:7; Jeremiah 13:28).

(2)  As it Carries forcibly to evil (Jeremiah 8:6; Genesis 11:6; Ephesians 4:19).

3. The inherence and permanency of it (Romans 7:17). As for many actual sins, they may be wholly suppressed in us so as we may never return to them again. But this corruption of nature will always more or less continue; and we shall never be freed absolutely from the actings and stirrings of it so long as we live. Now, the application of this point thus explained may be drawn forth into this improvement, namely, as matter of just abasement and humiliation to us, and that which may lay us low both in our own eyes and the eyes of God. And it may do so to two sorts of persons. First, those who are yet in their natural condition; here's a word of astonishment and advertisement also to them. By how much the more grievous original sin is in its own nature, by so much the more sad and lamentable is their estate, and they have cause to be affected with it. Now, further, there may be an improvement of it likewise to the regenerate, and that to sundry intents. First, in a way of thankfulness to God for their freedom and deliverances. The worse that original sin is, the greater mercy to be freed from such an evil. Secondly, in an endeavour to make others partakers of this birth so far forth as we are able; it is that which Paul professes of himself in the behalf of the Galatians (Galatians 4:19). Thus should ministers for their people, parents for their children, Christian friends one for another, seeing a natural condition is so grievous, therefore being renewed themselves, to endeavour likewise the conversion of others. Thirdly, in a way of caution and wariness for themselves. They should hence ha persuaded to keep a watch over their own hearts, and to remember that they have flesh in them as well as spirit, from whence they may not make too bold with the occasions and temptations to sin, but may suppress and subdue them in them betimes. And further, to have sober thoughts in themselves when they behold the enormities of others; not to be high-minded, but to fear.

(T. Horton, D. D.)

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KJV: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

WEB: Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity. In sin my mother conceived me.