51:1 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

51:2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

51:3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

51:4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.

51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

51:6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

51:8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

51:9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

51:11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

51:14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

51:15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

51:16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

51:18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.

51:19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.