Psalms 51:8
What does Psalms 51:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 51:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 51:8 means
David longs for the restoration of joy and gladness, recognizing that his sin has brought forth deep spiritual anguish, metaphorically described as "broken bones." He desires for God to speak words of comfort and forgiveness that would heal this internal pain. The "broken bones" signify profound sorrow, despair, and the debilitating effect of guilt on his soul. He yearns for the return of the spiritual vitality and delight that only comes from God's favor, turning his anguish into celebration.
Psalms 51:8 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 · 2000Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Make me full of joy and rapture; so that the bones which have been broken may be glad.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Thou causest me to hear joy and gladness, Thou makest joyful bones Thou hast bruised.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The just shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, and say:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Make me to hear gladness and joy; [that] the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Context
After asking for thorough cleansing in verse 7, David here specifies the emotional and spiritual restoration he anticipates from such purification. This verse highlights the heavy toll his sin has taken on his inner state, expressing a desire for the joy that comes from forgiveness. This plea for renewed gladness flows directly into his subsequent requests for God to completely remove his sins and create a new heart within him, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of his desired transformation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised,
- Isaiah 35:10
and the ransomed of Jehovah shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
- Acts 2:37
Now when they heardthis, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?
- 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.
- Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
- Psalms 119:81
My soul fainteth for thy salvation; ButI hope in thy word.
Sermon ideas from Psalms 51:8
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Psalms 51:8 teaches us about confession
What Psalms 51:8 teaches us about repentance
What Psalms 51:8 teaches us about inward renewal
What Psalms 51:8 teaches us about true worship
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