Psalm 51

Book of Psalms Psalm 51

David prays for remission of sins, for sanctification, etc.

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2  Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3  For I acknowledge my transgressions : and my sin is ever before me.

4  Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight : that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

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

6  Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8  Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9  Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11  Cast me not away from thy presence ; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14  Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15  O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16  For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18  Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19  Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.