Psalms 51:18
What does Psalms 51:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:18 means
After his personal confession and pleas, David broadens his prayer to include the welfare of Zion and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This demonstrates that true repentance doesn't isolate one from the community but extends to concern for God's people and His holy city. He desires God's favorable action, specifically that God would "Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion" and spiritually "Build thou the walls of Jerusalem." This indicates a longing for the restoration and security of the entire community, perhaps understanding that his sin had detrimental effects beyond himself.
Psalms 51:18 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 · 2000Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do good to Zion in your good pleasure, building up the walls of Jerusalem.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Do good in Thy good pleasure with Zion, Thou dost build the walls of Jerusalem.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem.
Context
Having laid bare his personal sin and offered the 'sacrifice' of a broken spirit in the preceding verses, David now expands his petition to encompass the entire community. This verse shifts from the intensely personal to the corporate, showing that his repentance has a broader scope. This prayer for Zion’s welfare naturally leads to the final verse, which describes the ultimate outcome: when God’s people are righteous, then their offerings will be acceptable, connecting personal holiness to communal worship and anticipation of future blessing.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:13
for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.
- Psalms 137:5
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget her skill.
- Psalms 25:22
Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all his troubles.
- Ephesians 1:5
having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
- Isaiah 58:12
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
- Psalms 147:2
Jehovah doth build up Jerusalem; He gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:18
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:18 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:18 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:18 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:18 teaches us about true worship
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