Psalm 51

A Plea for Cleansing from Sin

For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time Nathan the prophet came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1Have mercy on me, O God,

because of your unfailing love.

Because of your great compassion,

blot out the stain of my sins.

2Wash me clean from my guilt.

Purify me from my sin.

3For I recognize my rebellion;

it haunts me day and night.

4Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;

I have done what is evil in your sight.

You will be proved right in what you say,

and your judgment against me is just.*51:4 Greek version reads and you will win your case in court. Compare Rom 3:4.

5For I was born a sinner—

yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.

6But you desire honesty from the womb,*51:6 Or from the heart; Hebrew reads in the inward parts.

teaching me wisdom even there.

7Purify me from my sins,*51:7 Hebrew Purify me with the hyssop branch. and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8Oh, give me back my joy again;

you have broken me—

now let me rejoice.

9Don’t keep looking at my sins.

Remove the stain of my guilt.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God.

Renew a loyal spirit within me.