Psalm 51:10 – Meaning & Devotional
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
What This Verse Means
David doesn't ask God to repair his heart but to create a new one. The Hebrew word 'bara' (create) is used exclusively for divine creation — only God can do this work. David recognizes that his sin requires not renovation but re-creation.
The parallel request for a 'right spirit' (or steadfast spirit) acknowledges that inner renewal must be ongoing. A clean heart needs a renewed spirit to sustain it.
Historical Context
David wrote this after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah. It is one of the most honest and vulnerable prayers of repentance in all of Scripture.
How to Apply This Today
Don't try to clean up your own heart — ask God to create a new one. True transformation comes from divine re-creation, not self-improvement. Pray this prayer regularly.
Related Verses
Ezekiel 36:26
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you."
Psalm 51:17
"A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. I cannot fix myself — only You can re-create what sin has broken. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
Read answerHow Can I Know the Will of God?
God reveals His will through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, wise counsel, circumstances, and the peace of Christ in the heart.
Read answerWhat Is True Worship?
True worship is honoring God in spirit and truth — not merely through rituals or music, but through a heart fully surrendered to Him in every area of life.
Read answerHow Does the Holy Spirit Convict of Sin?
The Holy Spirit convinces people of their sin, Christ's righteousness, and coming judgment — creating awareness of spiritual need and drawing them toward repentance.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Lust?
Jesus taught that lust begins in the heart and constitutes adultery in God's eyes. Scripture calls believers to flee lustful desires and pursue purity through the Spirit's power.
Read answerWhat Is Conviction in the Bible?
Conviction is the Holy Spirit's work of convincing sinners of their sin, righteousness, and coming judgment, leading them to repentance and faith in Christ.
Read answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Psalm 51:10-12 — Meaning & Devotional
Repentance & Renewal
Psalm 51:10 Commentary
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Joel 2:12-13 Commentary
In-depth study • Repentance & Restoration
Joel 2:25 — Meaning & Devotional
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Psalm 23:2-3 — Meaning & Devotional
Rest & Restoration
Prayer for a Clean Heart
David's cry for inner purification.
Free printable companion
The Armour of God Poster
Ephesians 6:10–18 — the six pieces of spiritual armor on a single printable poster.
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30 KJV scripture cards on God's forgiveness, mercy, and forgiving others — for confession, healing, and reconciliation.
Download freeMore Devotionals on Repentance
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
More Verse Devotionals on Repentance
Explore more KJV verse meanings, contexts, and applications.
- Psalm 51:10-12 — Repentance & Renewal
- Acts 2:38 — Repentance
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Repentance
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Repentance
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Repentance
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Repentance
- Luke 15:10 — Repentance
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Repentance
- Acts 2:38 — Salvation
- Acts 2:38 — Salvation
- Acts 2:38 — Salvation
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Revival
- 2 Peter 3:9 — God's Patience
- 2 Peter 3:9 — God's Patience
- 2 Peter 3:9 — God's Patience
- Matthew 9:12-13 — Grace for Sinners
- Psalm 51:1 — Mercy
- 2 Peter 3:9 — God's Patience
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