Psalm 51

1To the Overseer. — A Psalm of David, in the coming in unto him of Nathan the prophet, when he hath gone in unto Bath-Sheba. Favour me, O God, according to Thy kindness, According to the abundance of Thy mercies, Blot out my transgressions.

2Thoroughly wash me from mine iniquity, And from my sin cleanse me,

3For my transgressions I do know, And my sin is before me continually.

4Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, And done the evil thing in Thine eyes, So that Thou art righteous in Thy words, Thou art pure in Thy judging.

5Lo, in iniquity I have been brought forth, And in sin doth my mother conceive me.

6Lo, truth Thou hast desired in the inward parts, And in the hidden part Wisdom Thou causest me to know.

7Thou cleansest me with hyssop and I am clean, Washest me, and than snow I am whiter.

8Thou causest me to hear joy and gladness, Thou makest joyful bones Thou hast bruised.

9Hide Thy face from my sin. And all mine iniquities blot out.

10A clean heart prepare for me, O God, And a right spirit renew within me.

11Cast me not forth from Thy presence, And Thy Holy Spirit take not from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, And a willing spirit doth sustain me.

13I teach transgressors Thy ways, And sinners unto Thee do return.

14Deliver me from blood, O God, God of my salvation, My tongue singeth of Thy righteousness.

15O Lord, my lips thou dost open, And my mouth declareth Thy praise.

16For Thou desirest not sacrifice, or I give it, Burnt-offering Thou acceptest not.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A heart broken and bruised, O God, Thou dost not despise.

18Do good in Thy good pleasure with Zion, Thou dost build the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then Thou desirest sacrifices of righteousness, Burnt-offering, and whole burnt-offering, Then they offer bullocks on thine altar!