Psalms 51:16
What does Psalms 51:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:16 means
David clarifies that God's primary delight is not in external sacrifices or burnt offerings, especially when unaccompanied by a repentant heart. He implicitly acknowledges that if such rituals alone could atone for his grievous sin, he would readily offer them. This verse signals a profound theological understanding that mere outward religious acts are insufficient for true reconciliation with God. It sets the stage for revealing what God *truly* desires from a repentant sinner, rejecting a shallow transactional view of worship.
Psalms 51:16 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 · 2000For thou delightest not in sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For thou delightest not in sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You have no desire for an offering or I would give it; you have no delight in burned offerings.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For Thou desirest not sacrifice, or I give <FI>it<Fi> , Burnt-offering Thou acceptest not.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering.
Context
Having prayed for his lips to be opened for praise in verse 15, David now explains *why* his mere offering of sacrifices isn't enough to satisfy God. This verse clarifies God's priorities, preparing the reader for the revolutionary declaration in verse 17, which articulates what God truly accepts as a 'sacrifice.' It moves the discussion from ritual observances to the profound spiritual state required for genuine communion with God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 7:27
And thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee.
- Exodus 21:14
And if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
- Deuteronomy 22:22
If a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall both of them die, the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away the evil from Israel.
- Psalms 51:6
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom.
- Psalms 40:6
Sacrifice and offering thou hast no delight in; Mine ears hast thou opened: Burnt-offering and sin-offering hast thou not required.
- Psalms 50:8
I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices; And thy burnt-offerings are continually before me.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:16
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:16 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:16 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:16 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:16 teaches us about true worship
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