Keraia
Psalm 51

Psalm 51:3

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

Translations

Modern
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
Traditional
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Literal
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is before me continually.
Latin
Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego cognosco, et peccatum meum contra me est semper.

Original

Hebrew
English
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

Notes

Psalms 51:3–6

The psalmist accepts the results of his sin against God. He understands that he has no goodness without God's renewal.

Psalms 51:1–19

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).

Psalms 51:1–65:13

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

Glossary

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

Topics

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Leading Us to Confession of Sin Confession of Sin: should be Full and Unreserved Conscience: Guilty Conviction of Sin Desire: Spiritual Feeling Guilty Homicide: David's Repentance For, and Confession of, the Murder of Uriah Prayer of David Prayer: Confession In Remorse: General Scriptures Concerning Repentance: Exemplified Sin: Confession of Wild Parties