Psalms 51

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

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

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

4 Against you only have I sinned, and done evil before you: that you might be justified in your sayings, and might overcome when you are judged.

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

6 For, behold, you love truth: you have manifested to me the secret and hidden things of your wisdom.

7 You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be purified: you shall wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

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

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

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

11 Cast me not away from your presence; and remove not your holy Spirit from me.

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

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

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

15 O Lord, you shall open my lips; and my mouth shall declare your praise.

16 For if you desired sacrifice, I would have given [it]: you will not take pleasure in whole burnt offerings.

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

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

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