Psalms 51:4
What does Psalms 51:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:4 means
In a pivotal declaration, David confesses that his sin, though it grievously harmed Bathsheba and Uriah, was ultimately and primarily "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned." This profound statement reveals an understanding that all sin is an offense against a holy God. He acknowledges God's absolute righteousness, affirming that God is just in His judgment, regardless of the consequences David faces. This insight elevates his confession beyond human accountability to a divine standard, recognizing God's perfect justice.
Psalms 51:4 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 · 2000Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in thy sight; That thou mayest be justified when thou speakest, And be clear when thou judgest.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in thy sight; That thou mayest be justified when thou speakest, And be clear when thou judgest.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Against you, you only, have I done wrong, working that which is evil in your eyes; so that your words may be seen to be right, and you may be clear when you are judging.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, And done the evil thing in Thine eyes, So that Thou art righteous in Thy words, Thou art pure in Thy judging.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All the day long thy tongue hath devised injustice: as a sharp razor, thou hast wrought deceit.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done what is evil in thy sight; that thou mayest be justified when thou speakest, be clear when thou judgest.
Context
Building on his personal awareness of sin in verse 3, David now clarifies the ultimate target of his transgression. This verse is central to understanding his repentance, shifting the focus from earthly consequences to divine offense. It provides the theological framework for his confession, leading directly into verse 5, where he explores the deep-rooted nature of sin, connecting his specific acts to a broader, inherited fallen condition that makes even his birth in sin significant.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the ages.
- Genesis 20:6
And God said unto him in the dream, Yea, I know that in the integrity of thy heart thou hast done this, and I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
- Acts 17:31
inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
- Luke 15:21
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son.
- Revelation 19:11
And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
- 2 Kings 21:6
And he made his son to pass through the fire, and practised augury, and used enchantments, and dealt with them that had familiar spirits, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:4
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:4 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:4 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:4 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:4 teaches us about true worship
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 51
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 51.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Joy
Joy in the Bible is more than mere happiness; it is a deep, abiding spiritual fruit, a gift from God’s presence.
Topic
Bible Verses About Original Sin
Original sin refers to the fallen spiritual condition of humanity as a result of Adam’s disobedience, impacting all people with a sinful nature.
Topic
Bible Verses About Repentance
Repentance in the Bible is a turning away from sin and toward God, marked by a change of heart and action.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Relapse and the Shame That Follows
Verses to read the morning after — when you fell again and don't know how to pray.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.