Bhagavad Gita 9.30 — Api Chet Su-duracharo — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ९.३० — अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अपि
api
even
चेत्
chet
if
सुदुराचारः
su-durāchāraḥ
one of very sinful conduct, the vilest sinner
भजते
bhajate
worships, adores
माम्
mām
Me
अनन्यभाक्
ananya-bhāk
with exclusive, undivided devotion
साधुः
sādhuḥ
righteous, a saint
एव
eva
certainly, indeed
सः
saḥ
he, that person
मन्तव्यः
mantavyaḥ
is to be considered, should be regarded
सम्यक्
samyak
rightly, properly
व्यवसितः
vyavasitaḥ
resolved, determined
हि
hi
certainly
सः
saḥ
he, that person
Complete Translation
Even if the most sinful person worships Me with exclusive, undivided devotion, he is to be regarded as righteous, for he has rightly resolved.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 30
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the ninth chapter, the Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret (Raja-Vidya Raja-Guhya Yoga), Krishna reveals the supreme glory and accessibility of devotion. Having promised that those who worship Him with love are never lost, He declares this great assurance: even the most sinful, by exclusive devotion, become righteous through the right resolve, for divine grace redeems all who sincerely turn to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Bhagavad Gita 9.30?▼
Krishna declares that even the most sinful person, if he worships God with exclusive and wholehearted devotion, must be regarded as righteous, because he has made the right resolve. The verse reveals the redeeming power of sincere devotion and offers hope to everyone.
Does this verse mean past wrongdoing does not matter?▼
It means that wholehearted devotion has the power to transform a person and redeem their past. The very act of turning sincerely and exclusively to God is itself the 'right resolve' that begins to wash away former faults and set the soul on the path to righteousness.
What does the next verse (9.31) add to this?▼
Krishna continues that such a devotee quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace, and he boldly proclaims that His devotee never perishes. Verse 9.30 and 9.31 together form one of the Gita's strongest promises of grace and protection for the sincere devotee.
Why is this verse so beloved?▼
Because it assures every seeker, no matter how flawed or fallen, that the door to God is never closed. Sincere, exclusive devotion can lift anyone. It is a profound message of compassion, hope, and the redeeming grace of the Divine.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →