Psalms 51:6
What does Psalms 51:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:6 means
David recognizes God's profound desire for inner truth and sincerity, contrasting it with his own fallen nature described in the previous verse. He states that God "desirest truth in the inward parts" and will impart "wisdom" in the "hidden part." This suggests that God values genuine integrity of heart and mind, not merely outward conformity. David understands that true wisdom comes from God and is revealed in the deepest parts of a person, aligning with God's perfect character. This truth makes his own insincerity regarding Bathsheba all the more grievous.
Psalms 51:6 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, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Your desire is for what is true in the inner parts: in the secrets of my soul you will give me knowledge of wisdom.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lo, truth Thou hast desired in the inward parts, And in the hidden part Wisdom Thou causest me to know.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou hast loved all the words of ruin, O deceitful tongue.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold, thou wilt have truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden [part] thou wilt make me to know wisdom.
Context
After acknowledging his inherited sinful nature in verse 5, David now shifts to God's holy character, outlining what God truly desires: inner truth. This sets up a profound contrast between humanity's fallen state and God's perfect standard. This divine desire for internal wisdom provides the theological bedrock for his subsequent plea for purification and a renewed heart, as seen immediately in verse 7, moving from understanding God’s will to requesting His transformative action.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 4:23
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers.
- 2 Chronicles 31:20
And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah; and he wrought that which was good and right and faithful before Jehovah his God.
- 1 Peter 3:4
but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
- Jeremiah 5:3
O Jehovah, do not thine eyes look upon truth? thou hast stricken them, but they were not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
- 2 Kings 20:3
Remember now, O Jehovah, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
- Psalms 125:4
Do good, O Jehovah, unto those that are good, And to them that are upright in their hearts.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:6
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:6 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:6 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:6 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:6 teaches us about true worship
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