Psalms 51:5
What does Psalms 51:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:5 means
David, in an astonishing expression of humility, acknowledges that his capacity for sin is deeply ingrained, originating even before birth. He states, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." This isn't an accusation against his parents or an excuse for his actions, but a profound recognition of humanity's inherited sinfulness—a fallen nature present from conception. It emphasizes that his specific transgression with Bathsheba and Uriah was not an isolated incident but stemmed from a fundamental predisposition to sin.
Psalms 51:5 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 · 2000Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Truly, I was formed in evil, and in sin did my mother give me birth.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lo, in iniquity I have been brought forth, And in sin doth my mother conceive me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou hast loved malice more than goodness: and iniquity rather than to speak righteousness.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold, in iniquity was I brought forth, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Context
Following his powerful confession that he sinned primarily against God in verse 4, David delves into the root of his sinful nature. This verse broadens the scope from a specific act to humanity's inherent condition, providing a theological depth to his repentance. This understanding of innate sinfulness then transitions into God's desire for inner truth in verse 6, demonstrating that while humanity is born in sin, God seeks a genuine, internal righteousness that goes beyond outward actions.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 5:12
Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned:—
- Genesis 8:21
And Jehovah smelled the sweet savor; and Jehovah said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake, for that the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done.
- Ephesians 2:3
among whom we also all once lived in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:—
- Psalms 58:3
The wicked are estranged from the womb: They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
- Genesis 5:3
And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:
- John 3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:5
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:5 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:5 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:5 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:5 teaches us about true worship
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