Confess (Heb. Yadah) This Hebrew verb conveys 2 distinct meanings. The first is related to the offering of thanksgiving or praise to God. The second is that of confession, such as the confession of God’s greatness and the confession of sin before God.
The basic meaning of the word yadah is “to throw” or “to cast off.” In one sense, confession is the “casting off” of sin by acknowledging our transgressions of God’s commandments for holy living. In another sense, confession of sin is thanksgiving because it recognizes that forgiveness of sin is accomplished only by the grace and goodness of God.