Keraia
Psalm 51

Psalm 51:5

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

Translations

Modern
Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.
Traditional
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Literal
Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth, and in sin my mother conceived me.
Latin
Ecce enim in iniquitatibus conceptus sum, et in peccatis concepit me mater mea.

Original

Hebrew
English
Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.

Notes

Psalms 51:5

I was brought forth in iniquity: The psalmist is not making excuses but is admitting how deep his sinfulness is. From the time we are conceived, we all share in the human condition of sinfulness.

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 Sin Enters the World

Parallels

2 Samuel 12:1–12

Glossary

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

Topics

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Leading Us to Confession of Sin Being Born in Sin Being Born in to Sin Depravity Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Desire: Spiritual Heredity: General Scriptures Concerning Homicide: David's Repentance For, and Confession of, the Murder of Uriah Infant Death Man: Born in Sin Original Sin Prayer of David Pregnancy before Marriage Pregnancy out of Wedlock Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All Men are Shapen In Sin: Confession of The Fall of Man: Man in Consequence of Born in Sin Total Depravity What is Sin Wicked Heart