Psalms 51:11
What does Psalms 51:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:11 means
David pleads fervently against being cast away from God's presence or losing God's Holy Spirit. This reveals his profound understanding that the greatest consequence of sin would be separation from God and the removal of divine enablement. As king, David knew the example of Saul, who had God's Spirit withdrawn (1 Samuel 16:14), and feared a similar spiritual desertion. His plea underscores the preciousness of God's presence and the vital role of the Holy Spirit for spiritual life and service.
Psalms 51:11 in context
Psalms 51 — A Broken and Contrite Heart
The penitential psalm of David, written after Nathan the prophet confronted him over his sin with Bathsheba. There is no excuse-making here, only naked confession: 'against thee, thee only, have I sinned.' David asks not merely for forgiveness but for a clean heart and a renewed spirit. He understands that God will not despise a broken and contrite heart — and that the only sacrifice God ultimately wants is a humbled life.
- Confession
- Repentance
- Inward renewal
- True worship
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy Spirit from me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy Spirit from me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not put me away from before you, or take your holy spirit from me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Cast me not forth from Thy presence, And Thy Holy Spirit take not from me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name, for it is good in the sight of thy saints.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not the spirit of thy holiness from me.
Context
After praying for a new heart and spirit in verse 10, David now expresses a deep fear of losing God's ongoing presence and the Holy Spirit, which are essential for true spiritual vitality. This verse highlights the vulnerability he feels and his dependence on God for continued communion. This plea for preservation of God's Spirit naturally flows into his request for the restoration of joy and a willing spirit in verse 12, as these aspects are intimately tied to divine enablement and favor.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 1:4
who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord,
- Jeremiah 7:15
And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim.
- 2 Kings 24:20
For through the anger of Jehovah did it come to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence. And Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
- 1 Samuel 16:14
Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him.
- Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
- Isaiah 63:10
But they rebelled, and grieved his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, andhimself fought against them.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:11
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:11 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:11 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:11 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:11 teaches us about true worship
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