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Psalms 51

Psalms 51 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 51 is David's heartfelt prayer after being confronted with serious sin. He asks God for mercy, cleansing, and renewal rather than trying to excuse himself. This chapter is often read as a model of honest repentance, where shame leads to confession, hope, and a fresh beginning with God.

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What happens in Psalms 51?

David pleads with God to blot out his wrongdoing and cleanse him completely. He admits his sin, recognizes that God is right in judging it, and asks for a clean heart and a renewed spirit. He does not rely on ritual alone, but asks for restored joy and a willing heart to obey. The prayer also looks outward: once forgiven, David promises to teach others and praise God openly. The chapter ends by linking true worship with a humble, broken heart and with the restoration of Zion.

This psalm is tied to the time after Nathan confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba. Within the book of Psalms, it stands out as one of the clearest prayers of repentance and renewal. It also shows that honest confession belongs among the songs of God's people, not only private regret.

Themes to notice

  • Mercy and cleansingDavid asks God to wash away sin and deal with it according to His compassion.
  • Repentance and renewalThe prayer moves from confession to a request for a new heart and a steadfast spirit.
  • True worshipGod values humble sorrow and sincere praise more than outward sacrifice alone.

Questions for Psalms 51

  • What does David's prayer show about how to confess sin honestly before God?
  • Why does David ask for a clean heart instead of only asking for forgiveness?
  • How do verses about sacrifice and a broken spirit shape the way you think about worship?

Read the full text of Psalms 51 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 51

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba.

1Have mercy on me, O God,

according to Your loving devotion;

according to Your great compassion,

blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me clean of my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

3For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me.

4Against You, You only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in Your sight,

so that You may be proved right when You speak

and blameless when You judge.

5Surely I was brought forth in iniquity;

I was sinful when my mother conceived me.

6Surely You desire truth in the inmost being;

You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones You have crushed rejoice.

9Hide Your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

11Cast me not away from Your presence;

take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

and sustain me with a willing spirit.

13Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

and sinners will return to You.

14Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God,

the God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.

15O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare Your praise.

16For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

You take no pleasure in burnt offerings.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and a contrite heart,

O God, You will not despise.

18In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper;

build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices,

in whole burnt offerings;

then bulls will be offered on Your altar.

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