| Chapter 51 |
1 |
To the chief music-maker. A Psalm. Of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba.
Have pity on me, O God, in your mercy; out of a full heart, take away my sin. --
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2 |
Let all my wrongdoing be washed away, and make me clean from evil. --
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3 |
For I am conscious of my error; my sin is ever before me. --
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4 |
Against 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. --
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5 |
Truly, I was formed in evil, and in sin did my mother give me birth. --
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6 |
Your desire is for what is true in the inner parts: in the secrets of my soul you will give me knowledge of wisdom. --
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7 |
Make me free from sin with hyssop: let me be washed whiter than snow. --
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8 |
Make me full of joy and rapture; so that the bones which have been broken may be glad. --
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9 |
Let your face be turned from my wrongdoing, and take away all my sins. --
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10 |
Make a clean heart in me, O God; give me a right spirit again. --
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11 |
Do not put me away from before you, or take your holy spirit from me. --
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12 |
Give me back the joy of your salvation; let a free spirit be my support. --
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13 |
Then will I make your ways clear to wrongdoers; and sinners will be turned to you. --
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14 |
Be my saviour from violent death, O God, the God of my salvation; and my tongue will give praise to your righteousness. --
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15 |
O Lord, let my lips be open, so that my mouth may make clear your praise. --
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16 |
You have no desire for an offering or I would give it; you have no delight in burned offerings. --
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17 |
The offerings of God are a broken spirit; a broken and sorrowing heart, O God, you will not put from you. --
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18 |
Do good to Zion in your good pleasure, building up the walls of Jerusalem. --
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19 |
Then you will have delight in the offerings of righteousness, in burned offerings and offerings of beasts; then they will make offerings of oxen on your altar. --
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