Psalms 51

1 “To the chief musician, a psalm of David, When Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in unto Bath-sheba'.” Be gracious unto me, O God, according to thy kindness: according to the greatness of thy mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For of my transgressions I have full knowledge; and my sin is before me continually.

4 To thee, thee only, have I sinned, and what is evil in thy eyes have I done: —in order that thou mightest be righteous when thou speakest, be justified when thou judgest.

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

6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: therefore do thou cause me to know wisdom in the recesses [of the heart].

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

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

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

10 Create unto me a clean heart, O God; and a firm spirit renew thou within me.

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

12 Restore unto me the gladness of thy salvation; and with a liberal spirit do thou support me.—

13 I will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall return unto thee.

14 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; [that] my tongue may sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15 O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall declare thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: in burnt-offering hast thou no delight.

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

18 Do good in thy favor unto Zion; build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then wilt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt-offering and entire offering: then shall bullocks be offered upon thy altar.