Psalms

To the Chief Musician. A Melody of David. When Nathan the Prophet had come to him, after he had gone in unto Bath-sheba.

51 Be favourable unto me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness, And in the multitude of thy compassions blot out my transgressions;

2 Thoroughly wash me from mine iniquity, And from my sin make me pure;

3 For my transgressions do I acknowledge, And my sin is before me continually:

4 Against thee—against thee alone have I sinned And wickedness—in thine eyes have I done,—That thou mayest Be justified when thou speakest,—Be clear when thou judgest.

5 Lo! in iniquity was I brought forth, And in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Lo! faithfulness hast thou desired in the inward parts, Yea in the hidden part wilt thou cause me to know wisdom.

7 Wilt thou cleanse me from sin with hyssop, That I may be pure? Wilt thou wash me That I may be whiter than snow?

8 Wilt thou cause me to hear joy and gladness? The bones thou hast crushed would exult.

9 Hide thy face from my sins,—And all mine iniquities blot out;

10 A pure heart create for me, O God, And a steadfast spirit renew within me.

11 Do not cast me away from thy presence, And thy Holy Spirit do not take from me:

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, And with a willing spirit wilt thou uphold me:—

13 I would teach transgressors thy ways, And sinners unto thee should return.

14 Rescue me from shed-blood, O God, the God of my salvation, My tongue should shout thy righteousness;

15 O My Lord! my lips wilt thou open, And my mouth shall declare thy praise.

16 For thou wilt not desire sacrifice—that I should give it, Ascending-offering will not please:

17 The sacrifices of God are a spirit that is broken,—A heart—broken and crushed, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18 Do good in thy good-pleasure unto Zion, Wilt thou build the walls of Jerusalem!

19 Then shalt thou desire the sacrifices of righteousness, Ascending-sacrifice and whole burnt-offering, Then shall ascend upon thine altar young bulls.