Psalms 51:14
What does Psalms 51:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:14 means
David continues his earnest plea for deliverance, specifically from "bloodguiltiness," directly referencing his murder of Uriah. He addresses God as "O God, thou God of my salvation," underscoring his complete dependence on God for ultimate rescue from the eternal consequences of his sin. In return for this deliverance, he promises that his tongue will "sing aloud of thy righteousness." This emphasizes that his praise will not be for himself, but for God's just and merciful character, which provides salvation even for grievous sinners.
Psalms 51:14 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 · 2000Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; Andmy tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; Andmy tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be my saviour from violent death, O God, the God of my salvation; and my tongue will give praise to your righteousness.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Deliver me from blood, O God, God of my salvation, My tongue singeth of Thy righteousness.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, OGod, thouGod of my salvation: my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
Context
Following his commitment to teach others in verse 13—a task requiring a clear conscience—David returns to a specific plea for deliverance from the profound burden of his bloodguiltiness. This highlights the severity of his past sin and his desperate need for complete forgiveness before he can truly serve God. His promise to sing of God's righteousness then logically sets up his request for open lips to declare God's praise in verse 15, as genuine worship flows from a heart freed from guilt.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 9:7
O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
- Isaiah 45:17
But Israel shall be saved by Jehovah with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be put to shame nor confounded world without end.
- Psalms 86:12
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart; And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
- Ezekiel 33:8
When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die, and thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way; that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thy hand.
- Psalms 35:28
And my tongue shall talk of thy righteousness Andof thy praise all the day long.
- Psalms 55:23
But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in thee.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:14
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:14 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:14 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:14 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:14 teaches us about true worship
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