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

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

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

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.

5(51-7) Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.