Psalm 51 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
- 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.
Psalms Chapter 51 continued
- 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.
More Psalms 51 KJV Below:
More Psalms Chapter 51 continued
- 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.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 51:10
Verse: בְּרָא לִי אֱלֹהִים לֵב טָהוֹר
Transliteration: Bra li Elohim lev tahor
English: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Focus Word: טָהוֹר (Tahor)
- Root: ט-ה-ר (Tet-Heh-Resh)
- Meaning: “Pure,” “clean,” “undefiled.”
- Deeper Insight: Tahor represents moral and spiritual purity, essential for reconciliation with God.
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 51 |
|---|---|---|
| John Lightfoot (Jesus College, Cambridge, 1602–1675) | Commentarius Hebraicus in Psalmos | Observes that the Psalm models deep contrition and the need for God’s mercy. |
| Matthew Poole (University of Oxford, 1624–1679) | Synopsis Criticorum | Poole emphasizes the process of confession and the spiritual restoration that follows sincere repentance. |
| Richard Baxter (University of Cambridge, 1615–1691) | Paraphrase and Notes on the Psalms | Notes that genuine sorrow for sin leads to forgiveness and renewed devotion. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Observes the Psalm teaches humility and reliance on God’s cleansing power. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Stresses that God’s mercy restores both spiritual and moral integrity in the repentant believer. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| C. H. Spurgeon – Treasury of David | Spurgeon views this psalm as Scripture’s clearest window into a broken and penitent heart. David confesses sin honestly and pleads for thorough cleansing. The prayer for a clean heart is the center of his hope. |
| Franz Delitzsch – Commentary on the Psalms | Delitzsch interprets the psalm as the deepest expression of repentance found in the Psalter. Sin is acknowledged as defilement before a holy God. Renewal and restoration are sought through divine grace alone. |
| C. F. Keil – Keil & Delitzsch Commentary | Keil sees the psalm as a personal confession rooted in genuine contrition. Ritual cannot purge guilt. God must create a new heart within the sinner. |
| E. W. Hengstenberg – Commentary on the Psalms | Hengstenberg views the psalm as a model for true repentance under God’s chastening hand. Sin is presented as rebellion requiring divine grace. Restoration leads to renewed worship. |
| J. J. Stewart Perowne – The Psalms | Perowne reads the psalm as a profound spiritual struggle toward inward purity. David acknowledges guilt without excuse. God’s mercy alone can cleanse and restore. |
| A. F. Kirkpatrick – Cambridge Bible Commentary | Kirkpatrick emphasizes the psalm’s inward focus on truth and holiness. The language of cleansing expresses deep spiritual need. God delights in contrition more than sacrifice. |
| W. T. Davison – Westminster Commentary | Davison interprets the psalm as a plea for complete spiritual renewal. The psalmist recognizes the depth of his corruption. Forgiveness leads to renewed joy. |
| James G. Murphy – Commentary on the Psalms | Murphy views the psalm as a vivid confession of guilt and longing for restoration. The psalmist seeks a purified heart. God’s gracious answer brings hope. |
| F. C. Cook – Speaker’s Commentary | Cook interprets the psalm as showing the sinner’s need for inward transformation. Sacrifices alone are insufficient. A broken and contrite heart is acceptable to God. |
| William Binnie – The Psalms: Their History, Teachings, and Use | Binnie regards the psalm as the supreme biblical example of heartfelt repentance. David longs for cleansing and renewal. The restored sinner teaches others God’s ways. |
Now, Church Fathers on This Psalm
| Church Father (Period) | View of the psalm |
|---|---|
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430) | Augustine sees this psalm as a heartfelt prayer of sorrow for sin, showing how turning to God brings cleansing. |
| John Chrysostom (c. 347–407) | According to Chrysostom, confessing sins sincerely in the psalm leads to both spiritual healing and moral strength. |
| Gregory the Great (c. 540–604) | Gregory viewed the prayer as a guide to true repentance and a reminder of God’s mercy. |
| Ambrose of Milan (c. 340–397) | For Ambrose, the song illustrates the need for inner sorrow and a humble heart to receive forgiveness. |
| Jerome (c. 347–420) | Jerome considered this psalm a model for confessing sin and seeking God’s cleansing power. |
| Origen (c. 185–253) | The psalm, Origen teaches, calls for inner purification and a return to God after sin. |
| Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373) | Athanasius highlighted the prayer as showing humanity’s need for God’s grace and mercy. |
| Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386) | Cyril interprets the psalm as a lesson in humility and the importance of admitting guilt before God. |
| Basil the Great (c. 329–379) | True contrition in this psalm, Basil emphasized, is necessary for forgiveness and spiritual renewal. |
| Augustine of Canterbury (c. 540–604) | He saw the psalm as a guide for repentance, showing how God can restore the soul. |
Prayer: We worship You and glorify You, O Mighty God for You are King of kings and Lord of lords and you are worthy of all of our worship, praise, honor, glory, and wealth.
Glorify Yourself in Your Church, the Body of Christ, we pray, perfecting her for Yourself. Thank You for in Christ Jesus You have prepared a people unto Yourself.
Thank you that we're a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people to show forth Your praises for You have called us out of darkness into your marvelous light.
Thank You King of Glory in Jesus' Name. Amen!
We hope you that enjoyed the King James Version of Psalm 51 we provided here. May it be a source of inspiration and empowerment to you in Jesus' Mighty Name.
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