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.