[1] To the chief music-maker. A Psalm. Of David.\ [2] \51:1\When Nathan the
prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba. [3] \51:1\Have
pity on me, O God, in your mercy; out of a full heart, take away my sin.
[4] \51:2\Let all my wrongdoing be washed away, and make me clean from
evil. [5] \51:3\For I am conscious of my error; my sin is ever before me.
[6] \51:4\Against you, you only, have I done wrong, working that which is
evil in your eyes; so that your words may be seen to be right, and you may
be clear when you are judging. [7] \51:5\Truly, I was formed in evil, and
in sin did my mother give me birth. [8] \51:6\Your desire is for what is
true in the inner parts: in the secrets of my soul you will give me
knowledge of wisdom. [9] \51:7\Make me free from sin with hyssop: let me be
washed whiter than snow. [10] \51:8\Make me full of joy and rapture; so
that the bones which have been broken may be glad. [11] \51:9\Let your face
be turned from my wrongdoing, and take away all my sins. [12] \51:10\Make a
clean heart in me, O God; give me a right spirit again. [13] \51:11\Do not
put me away from before you, or take your holy spirit from me. [14]
\51:12\Give me back the joy of your salvation; let a free spirit be my
support. [15] \51:13\Then will I make your ways clear to wrongdoers; and
sinners will be turned to you. [16] \51:14\Be my saviour from violent
death, O God, the God of my salvation; and my tongue will give praise to
your righteousness. [17] \51:15\O Lord, let my lips be open, so that my
mouth may make clear your praise. [18] \51:16\You have no desire for an
offering or I would give it; you have no delight in burned offerings. [19]
\51:17\The offerings of God are a broken spirit; a broken and sorrowing
heart, O God, you will not put from you. [20] \51:18\Do good to Zion in
your good pleasure, building up the walls of Jerusalem. [21] \51:19\Then
you will have delight in the offerings of righteousness, in burned
offerings and offerings of beasts; then they will make offerings of oxen on
your altar.