Psalm 51:15

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God · Psalm 51:1–19
Read Psalm 51

Translations

Modern
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.
Traditional
O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Literal
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.
Latin
Domine, labia mea aperies, et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam.

Original

Hebrew
English
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

Notes

This heartfelt prayer for restoration seeks God's favor, mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing. With a broken spirit, the psalmist admits his sin and takes responsibility (Psalm 51:3–6). He then asks God to remove his guilt and renew him internally (Psalm 51:7–12). The psalmist commits again to living wisely and joyfully while serving God and others (Psalm 51:13–17).

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

Bathsheba David Pure Worship

Parallels

2 Samuel 12:1–12

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Bathsheba Confession Conversion David Man, Old and New Mercy Music Prayer Psalms, Book of Repentance Sin

Topics

Conviction of Sin Desire: Spiritual Homicide: David's Repentance For, and Confession of, the Murder of Uriah Praise: Saints should Pray for Ability to offer Praise: should be offered with the Mouth Praise: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Prayer of David Remorse: General Scriptures Concerning Repentance: Exemplified