Be gracious to me, God, according to your loyalty;

According to the multitude of your motherly mercies wipe out my rebellions. (3/1)

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity;

From my sin purify me. (4/2)

For I myself acknowledge my rebellions;

My sins are always before me. (5/3)

Against you, you alone I have sinned,

And done that which is wicked in your view,

So that you are acting faithfully (righteously) when you speak [a word of rebuke],

You are innocent when you judge. (6/4)

Yes, ever since birth I have committed iniquity,

I have been in a state of sin every since my mother conceived me. (7/5)

Yes, you desire the truth about my inmost being,

And you have given me insight about my secret thoughts. (8/6)

De-sin me with hyssop and I shall be pure;

Wash me and I shall be cleaner than clean. (9/7)

Let me hear (Satisfy me with) joy and rejoicing;

Let the bones which you have crushed exult. (10/8)

Hide your face from my sin;

Wipe away all my iniquities. (11/9)

Bring back to me joy in your deliverance;

Support me with a spirit that is ready and willing. (14/12)

I promise to teach rebels your "ways";

Sinners will then return to you in repentance. (15/13)

Deliver me from the violent consequences of my way of life, O God, my Deliverer-God,

And then my tongue will give a ringing cheer for your fidelity (righteousness) toward me. (16/14)

Lord, if you will part my lips,

My mouth will recite your praiseworthy action. (17/15)

But you do not take pleasure in communion sacrifices,

And if I were to offer a whole burnt offering,

You would not accept it. (18/16)

The sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit;

A broken and crushed heart, God, you will not disdain. (19/17)

Then you will take pleasure in proper (righteous) communion sacrifices,

in burnt offerings, and whole offerings;

Then they will offer up young bulls upon your altar. (21/19)

© 2000 Ralph W. Klein

Resources for Psalm 51