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    Psalms 51 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 51 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 51

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 51:1-2

    "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: …"

    Psalm 51:1

    "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: …"

    Psalm 51:17

    "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a co…"

    Psalm 51:10

    "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit …"

    Psalm 51:12

    "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with…"

    Popular Verses in Psalms 51

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Psalm 51:1 KJV

    Repentance

    Psalm 51:10 KJV

    Repentance

    Psalm 51:11 KJV

    Repentance

    Psalm 51:12 KJV

    Repentance

    Psalm 51:17 KJV

    Repentance

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    Psalms 51 Summary

    Psalm 51 is David's anguished prayer of repentance after his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah. It is the Bible's most profound expression of contrition and the model for all confession. David pleads for mercy, not justice: 'Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness.'

    David acknowledges his sin without excuse — 'Against thee, thee only, have I sinned.' He understands that the problem is deeper than behavior; it's his nature: 'I was shapen in iniquity.' He asks God to create a clean heart, renew a right spirit, and not take His Holy Spirit away. The psalm's theology of sacrifice is revolutionary: 'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.'

    Key Themes

    RepentanceGod's MercyInner CleansingBroken Heart

    Key Verses in Psalms 51

    "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions."

    — Psalms 51:1

    David's appeal is to God's character (mercy), not his own merit — the only grounds for forgiveness.

    "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

    — Psalms 51:10

    David asks for creation — not reformation. Only God can make something new from the wreckage of sin.

    "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

    — Psalms 51:17

    God's preferred offering isn't perfection but brokenness — a contrite heart is never rejected.

    Life Application

    Psalm 51 gives you words when your sin feels too heavy to articulate. God doesn't want your excuses, performance, or self-punishment — He wants your broken heart. That's the one offering He never refuses. Come honestly, confess fully, and let Him create something clean.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What sin prompted Psalm 51?

    David wrote this after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his adultery with Bathsheba and the arranged murder of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12). The psalm title indicates: 'when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.'

    What does 'Against thee, thee only, have I sinned' mean?

    David clearly sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, and others. But he recognizes that all sin is ultimately against God — it violates His character and commands. This isn't dismissing horizontal consequences but acknowledging the vertical reality of sin.

    Psalm 51 Commentary & Reflection

    Penitential
    Contrite, hopeful

    Best read for: Repentance, confession, renewal

    Overview of Psalm 51: Create in Me a Clean Heart

    Written after David's sin with Bathsheba, Psalm 51 is the most profound prayer of repentance in all of Scripture. David pleads for mercy, acknowledges that his sin is ultimately against God, and asks to be cleansed and restored. He recognizes that God desires a broken and contrite heart rather than burnt offerings. The psalm moves from deep guilt to the hope of restoration.

    Key Themes

    Repentance
    Mercy
    Cleansing
    Broken Heart

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
    — Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
    “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
    — Psalm 51:17 (KJV)

    Reflection

    David didn't make excuses or minimize his sin — he owned it fully and threw himself on God's mercy. True repentance isn't just feeling sorry; it's asking God to create something new within us. What needs to be made clean in your heart today?

    Historical Context

    David's prayer of repentance after Nathan confronted him about Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12). The most famous penitential psalm in Scripture, used in Christian liturgy for centuries during Lent and confession.

    How to Apply Psalm 51 Today

    Use this psalm as a template for confession. Name your sin specifically, ask for cleansing, and request a renewed spirit. True repentance isn't just feeling sorry—it's asking God to create something new inside you.

    A Prayer from Psalm 51

    Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Amen.

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