Psalms 51:12
What does Psalms 51:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:12 means
David yearns for the restoration of the "joy of thy salvation," indicating that his sin had robbed him of the delight and assurance that comes from knowing God's saving grace. He also asks for God to "uphold me with a willing spirit." This implies a desire for not just passive support, but an active, eager spirit that is ready to obey and serve God. He understands that genuine spiritual joy is a fruit of salvation, and he needs God's sustaining power to maintain a heart fully devoted to Him.
Psalms 51:12 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 · 2000Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give me back the joy of your salvation; let a free spirit be my support.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, And a willing spirit doth sustain me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and let a willing spirit sustain me.
Context
Building upon his request for God not to withdraw His Spirit in verse 11, David now identifies specific aspects of spiritual life he desires to have restored: joy and a willing spirit. This shows that true repentance seeks not only forgiveness but also the full, vibrant experience of God's grace. This renewed spiritual vitality then becomes the foundation for his commitment to teach others God's ways in verse 13, demonstrating a sanctified purpose emerging from his personal restoration.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 5:2
through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- Isaiah 41:10
fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Romans 14:4
Who art thou that judgest the servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand.
- Psalms 85:6
Wilt thou not quicken us again, That thy people may rejoice in thee?
- Psalms 119:116
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; And let me not be ashamed of my hope.
- Psalms 119:133
Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:12
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:12 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:12 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:12 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:12 teaches us about true worship
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