Psalms 51:13
What does Psalms 51:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:13 means
With a restored heart and spirit, David pledges to actively teach God's ways to transgressors so that "sinners shall be converted unto thee." This vow highlights a key aspect of true repentance: a desire to lead others to God once one has experienced His forgiveness. It is an outward expression of an inward change, demonstrating a renewed zeal for God's glory and the salvation of others. He recognizes that his own painful experience can now be used as a testimony to God's mercy and transformative power.
Psalms 51:13 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 · 2000Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then will I make your ways clear to wrongdoers; and sinners will be turned to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I teach transgressors Thy ways, And sinners unto Thee do return.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall return unto thee.
Context
Having expressed his hope for personal restoration in verse 12, David now reveals the outward fruit of that anticipated spiritual renewal: a commitment to evangelism and discipleship. This verse marks a transition from introspective prayer to an outward-focused purpose. This promise to teach others seamlessly leads into his renewed plea for deliverance from bloodguiltiness in verse 14, as his ability to proclaim God's righteousness is contingent upon his own complete forgiveness and redemption.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 22:32
but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren.
- Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord;
- Psalms 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will counsel thee with mine eye upon thee.
- Acts 9:19
and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.
- Psalms 19:7
The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.
- Isaiah 6:10
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again, and be healed.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:13
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:13 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:13 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:13 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:13 teaches us about true worship
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