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.