Psalm 51 KJV – Full Chapter, Meaning, and Devotional Reflections
Psalm 51 KJV is King David’s heartfelt prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. Known for its emotional depth and poetic beauty, Psalm 51 pleads for God’s mercy, cleansing, and inner renewal. It remains a vital prayer for anyone seeking forgiveness and spiritual restoration.
Introduction
There are certain prayers in the Bible that speak with such raw honesty they echo through the centuries. Psalm 51 is one of them. Written after the prophet Nathan confronted King David about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12), this psalm is not a sanitized or distant confession—it’s a cry from the depths of shame, brokenness, and hope.
David knows he cannot fix what he’s broken. He knows he deserves judgment. And yet, he also knows the character of God: merciful, steadfast, and able to renew what seems beyond repair.
If you’ve ever needed a second chance—or a hundredth—Psalm 51 is for you.
Psalm 51 (King James Version)
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:
that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:
and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness;
that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence;
and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;
and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;
and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation:
and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips;
and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:
thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion:
build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,
with burnt offering and whole burnt offering:
then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
What Does Psalm 51 Mean?
Psalm 51 is a model of true repentance. David does not excuse or minimize what he has done. Instead, he casts himself entirely on the mercy of God. His words reach past behavior and into the inner life—asking not just for pardon but for purification, renewal, and transformation.
This psalm doesn’t just lament sin; it trusts in God’s ability to bring something new out of what’s been broken. David doesn’t only want to be forgiven—he wants to become different. He wants a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. He even asks for the joy of salvation to return.
That kind of prayer only comes from someone who knows grace is real.
Psalm 51:10 KJV – Meaning and Application
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
This is the turning point. David doesn’t say, “Help me do better.” He says, “Create.” That same Hebrew word is used in Genesis 1—bara, to make something out of nothing. David isn’t asking for a tweak. He’s asking for a miracle.
We all come to this moment eventually. When we realize that trying harder won’t cut it. We don’t need behavior modification—we need spiritual rebirth. And that is exactly what God offers.
Audio Version – Psalm 51 KJV
You can listen to Psalm 51 in the King James Version here (YouTube search results). Hearing the words aloud—especially in the poetic cadence of the KJV—can be a powerful experience in prayer.
Comparison: Psalm 51 in KJV, ESV, and NIV
Here’s how three major Bible translations present a few key verses. Note how the phrasing affects tone and interpretation.
| Verse | KJV | ESV | NIV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psalm 51:1 | Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness... | Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love... | Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love... |
| Psalm 51:10 | Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. | Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. | Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. |
| Psalm 51:17 | A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. | A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. | A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. |
Final Thoughts – Why Psalm 51 Still Speaks
Psalm 51 doesn’t just teach us about repentance. It invites us into it. This isn’t a psalm to be studied and set aside—it’s one to be prayed, returned to, wept over, and sung. David’s voice becomes our own.
If you’re feeling far from God—if you’re ashamed of something you’ve done or weary of falling into the same old patterns—start here:
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness…”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the meaning of Psalm 51 KJV?
Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of confession and restoration after his sin with Bathsheba. It expresses deep remorse, trust in God’s mercy, and a plea for inner renewal.
Why is Psalm 51:10 KJV so popular?
It captures the heart of repentance: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” It’s a prayer not for help behaving better but for inner transformation.
Where can I listen to Psalm 51 in the KJV?
You can listen to Psalm 51 KJV here on YouTube, where many public domain recordings are available.
What Bible version is best for Psalm 51?
The King James Version (KJV) is beloved for its poetic language, but side-by-side comparison with ESV and NIV can offer clarity and nuance.
Related Posts
If today’s post sparked your interest, you might also find these articles helpful as you reflect further on repentance, grace, and the life of King David:
What Does Repentance Mean? Bible Verses on Repentance
A practical and theological look at repentance in Scripture—not just what we turn from, but who we return to.
Nathan the Prophet, David, and Psalm 51: When God’s Grace Meets Our Greatest Failures
The confrontation between Nathan and David reveals how divine grace meets us even in our darkest moments.
King David from the Bible: The Complete Guide to Israel’s Greatest King
Explore David’s life from shepherd boy to flawed monarch—a story of calling, collapse, and covenant.
Bathsheba and King David: Understanding Her Story Beyond the Scandal
There’s more to Bathsheba’s story than meets the eye. This post revisits her life with honesty and compassion.
Psalm 51 (KJV): Full Chapter Meaning and Devotional Reflections
A verse-by-verse reflection on David’s great confession—an honest cry for mercy that has echoed for generations.
