Psalms 51:17
What does Psalms 51:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:17 means
David reveals the true "sacrifices of God": "a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart." This profound statement signifies that God values genuine repentance, humility, and a heart shattered by the weight of sin far more than any animal sacrifice. A "broken spirit" denotes deep sorrow and surrender, while a "contrite heart" describes a spirit crushed and humbled. David affirms that such a sincere, inwardly shattered heart, utterly dependent on God's mercy, will never be despised by God; rather, it is what He seeks.
Psalms 51:17 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 · 2000The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The offerings of God are a broken spirit; a broken and sorrowing heart, O God, you will not put from you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The sacrifices of God <FI>are<Fi> a broken spirit, A heart broken and bruised, O God, Thou dost not despise.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The sacrifices ofGod are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, OGod, thou wilt not despise.
Context
This verse offers the profound theological answer to the previous verse's rejection of mere external sacrifices. It provides a foundational truth about the nature of acceptable worship—internal humility and repentance, rather than ritual. This climactic statement about the 'broken spirit' then broadens to a communal prayer in verses 18-19, where David moves beyond his personal repentance to intercede for Zion, anticipating a future when proper, righteous sacrifices will be accepted because of the community’s contrite heart.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 15:10
Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
- Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
- Luke 15:2
And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
- Psalms 107:22
And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare his works with singing.
- Philippians 4:18
But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
- Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:17
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:17 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:17 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:17 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:17 teaches us about true worship
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