1 To the chief musician, a psalm of David, (51:2) When Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in unto Bath–sheba’. (51:3) Be gracious unto me, O God, according to thy kindness: according to the greatness of thy mercies blot out my transgressions.2 (51:4) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.3 (51:5) For of my transgressions I have full knowledge; and my sin is before me continually.4 (51:6) To thee, thee only, have I sinned, and what is evil in thy eyes have I done:––in order that thou mightest be righteous when thou speakest, be justified when thou judgest.5 (51:7) Behold, in iniquity was I brought forth; and in sin did my mother conceive me.6 (51:8) Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: therefore do thou cause me to know wisdom in the recesses of the heart.7 (51:9) Cleanse me from sin with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.8 (51:10) Cause me to hear gladness and joy; that the bones which thou hast crushed may rejoice.9 (51:11) Hide thy face from my sins, and all my iniquities do thou blot out.10 (51:12) Create unto me a clean heart, O God; and a firm spirit renew thou within me.11 (51:13) Cast me not away from thy presence; and thy holy spirit do not take from me.12 (51:14) Restore unto me the gladness of thy salvation; and with a liberal spirit do thou support me.––13 (51:15) I will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall return unto thee.14 (51:16) Deliver me from blood–guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; that my tongue may sing aloud of thy righteousness.15 (51:17) O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall declare thy praise.16 (51:18) For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: in burnt–offering hast thou no delight.17 (51:19) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, wilt thou not despise.18 (51:20) Do good in thy favor unto Zion; build thou the walls of Jerusalem.19 (51:21) Then wilt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt–offering and entire offering: then shall bullocks be offered upon thy altar.