Psalms 51

1For the end, a Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, when he had gone in to Bersabee. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of thy compassions blot out my transgression.

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

3For I am conscious of mine iniquity; and my sin is continually before me.

4Against thee only have I sinned, and done evil before thee: that thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

5For, behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother conceive me.

6For, behold, thou lovest truth: thou hast manifested to me the secret and hidden things of thy wisdom.

7Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be purified: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

8Thou shalt cause me to hear gladness and joy: the afflicted bones shall rejoice.

9Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit in my inward parts.

11Cast me not away from thy presence; and remove not thy Holy Spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of thy salvation: establish me with thy directing Spirit.

13[Then] will I teach transgressors thy ways; and ungodly men shall turn to thee.

14Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation: [and] my tongue shall joyfully declare thy righteousness.

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

16For if thou desiredst sacrifice, I would have given [it]: thou wilt not take pleasure in whole-burnt-offerings.

17Sacrifice to God is a broken spirit: a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.

18Do good, O Lord, to Sion in thy good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.

19Then shalt thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, offering, and whole-burnt-sacrifices: then shall they offer calves upon thine altar.