51:1 (51-1) For the Leader. A Psalm of David; (51-2) When Nathan the prophet came unto him. (51-3) Be gracious unto me, O God, according to Thy mercy; according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgressions.

51:2 (51-4) Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

51:3 (51-5) For I know my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me.

51:4 (51-6) Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in Thy sight; that Thou mayest be justified when Thou speakest, and be in the right when Thou judgest.

51:5 (51-7) Behold, I was brought forth in weakness, and frail was I when my mother conceived me.

51:6 (51-8) Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts; make me, therefore, to know wisdom in mine inmost heart.

51:7 (51-9) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

51:8 (51-10) Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which Thou hast crushed may rejoice.

51:9 (51-11) Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

51:10 (51-12) Create me a clean heart, O God; and renew a stedfast spirit within me.

51:11 (51-13) Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy spirit from me.

51:12 (51-14) Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and let a willing spirit uphold me.

51:13 (51-15) Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall return unto Thee.

51:14 (51-16) Deliver me from every wrong, O God, Thou God of my salvation; so shall my tongue sing aloud of Thy righteousness.

51:15 (51-17) O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

51:16 (51-18) For Thou delightest not in sacrifice, else would I give it; Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering.

51:17 (51-19) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

51:18 (51-20) Do good in Thy favour unto Zion; build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.

51:19 (51-21) Then wilt Thou delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt-offering and whole offering; then will they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.