Old Testament · Psalms

Psalms 51

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

(2 Samuel 12:1–12)

1For the leader. A Psalm of David. 2When Nathan the prophet came to him, when he had gone in to Bathsheba.

3Be gracious to me, God, according to your kindness; according to the abundance of your compassions blot out my transgressions.
4Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and from my sin cleanse me.
5For my transgressions I know, and my sin is before me continually.
6Against you, you only, I have sinned, and the evil in your eyes I have done; so that you may be justified when you speak, and be clear when you judge.
7Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me.
8Behold, truth you desire in the inward parts; and in the hidden part you make me know wisdom.
9Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
10Make me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you crushed rejoice.
11Hide your face from my sins, and all my iniquities blot out.
12A clean heart create for me, God, and a steadfast spirit^a renew within me.
13Cast me not from before your presence, and your holy spirit take not from me.
14Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and let a willing spirit uphold me.
15I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you.
16Deliver me from bloodguilt, God, God of my salvation (Yeshuah); my tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
17My Lord^b, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
18For you do not desire sacrifice, else I would give it; a burnt offering you do not delight in.
19The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, God, you will not despise.
20Do good in your favor to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem.
21Then will you desire sacrifices of righteousness, burnt offering and whole offering; then they will offer bullocks upon your altar.