Psalms 51:16
Psalms 51:16 in Multiple Translations
For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings.
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
For thou delightest not in sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering.
You have no desire for an offering or I would give it; you have no delight in burned offerings.
For sacrifices don't make you happy, or I would bring one; burnt offerings aren't what pleases you.
For thou desirest no sacrifice, though I would giue it: thou delitest not in burnt offering.
For Thou desirest not sacrifice, or I give [it], Burnt-offering Thou acceptest not.
For you don’t delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering.
For thou desirest not sacrifice: else would I give it : thou delightest not in burnt-offering.
You are not pleased only with the sacrifices that people bring to you. If that were enough to please you, I would bring you sacrifices. You are not pleased with burnt offerings alone.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 51:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 51:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤/נִי
מִ/דָּמִ֨ים
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
תְּשׁוּעָתִ֑/י
תְּרַנֵּ֥ן
לְ֝שׁוֹנִ֗/י
צִדְקָתֶֽ/ךָ
הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤/נִי
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
מִ/דָּמִ֨ים
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-mp
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
תְּשׁוּעָתִ֑/י
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
deliverance
N-fs | Suff
תְּרַנֵּ֥ן
rânan
H7442
to overcome
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
לְ֝שׁוֹנִ֗/י
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs | Suff
צִדְקָתֶֽ/ךָ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 51:16
הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤/נִי
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
מִ/דָּמִ֨ים
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-mp
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
תְּשׁוּעָתִ֑/י
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
"deliverance"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means salvation or deliverance, often describing God's rescue of his people. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, where God promises to save and deliver his people.
Definition: : salvation 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) deliverance (usually by God through human agency) 1b) salvation (spiritual in sense) Also means: te.shu.ah (תְּשׁוּעָה ": victory" H8668H)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory. See also: Judges 15:18; Psalms 40:17; Psalms 33:17.
תְּרַנֵּ֥ן
rânan
H7442
"to overcome"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew verb means to sing or shout for joy, often used to express praise or triumph, as seen in Psalm 98:4 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also mean to cry aloud in distress or to summon others. This word is used to describe a loud, vocal expression of emotion.
Definition: 1) to overcome 1a) (Hithpolel) to be overcome
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph. See also: Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 132:9; Psalms 5:12.
לְ֝שׁוֹנִ֗/י
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
צִדְקָתֶֽ/ךָ
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 51:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 51:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 51:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
- Sermons on Psalms 51:16
Context — Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
14Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.
15O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.
16For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. 18In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 40:6 | Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. |
| 2 | Hosea 6:6 | For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. |
| 3 | Hebrews 10:5–6 | Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 15:22 | But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. |
| 5 | Psalms 51:6 | Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:27 | The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with ill intent! |
| 7 | Isaiah 1:11–15 | “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you— this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me— your New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations. I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. I hate your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 7:22–23 | For when I brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt, I did not merely command them about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you. |
| 9 | Amos 5:21–23 | “I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. |
| 10 | Proverbs 15:8 | The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. |
Psalms 51:16 Summary
This verse means that God is not impressed by outward acts of worship, like sacrifices, if they are not coming from a sincere heart. He wants us to have a humble and obedient heart, like it says in Psalms 51:17. This is similar to what Samuel said to Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22, that obedience is better than sacrifice. So, we should focus on following God's commands and having a heart that is willing to surrender to Him, rather than just going through the motions of worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God does not delight in sacrifice?
This verse means that God is not pleased with outward acts of worship, such as sacrifices, if they are not accompanied by a sincere heart, as seen in Psalms 51:17, which says that a broken and contrite heart is what God truly desires.
Are sacrifices still important in the Christian life?
While sacrifices are not the primary focus of Christian worship, they can still be a meaningful way to express devotion to God, as seen in Romans 12:1, which encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God.
How can I ensure that my worship is pleasing to God?
To ensure that your worship is pleasing to God, focus on cultivating a humble and sincere heart, as emphasized in Psalms 51:17, and prioritize obedience to God's commands, as seen in John 14:15, which says that if we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments.
What is the relationship between sacrifice and obedience in the Christian life?
In the Christian life, sacrifice and obedience are closely linked, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22, which says that obedience is better than sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing a heart of obedience and surrender to God above outward acts of worship.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can examine my own heart and ensure that my worship is sincere and pleasing to God?
- How can I balance the desire to please God with the knowledge that He does not delight in outward sacrifices alone?
- What are some practical ways that I can cultivate a broken and contrite heart, as described in Psalms 51:17?
- How can I apply the principle that God desires obedience over sacrifice in my daily life and decisions?
- What role can sacrifice and self-denial play in my spiritual growth and relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:16
For thou desirest not sacrifice,.... Legal sacrifice; for there was no sacrifice appointed under the law for murder and adultery; else would I give [it]; he would gladly have offered it up; thou
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:16
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
Thou desirest not sacrifice; which is not to be understood absolutely, and universally, as appears from , but comparatively, of which See Poole "", and with particular respect to David’ s crimes of murder and adultery, which were not to be expiated by any sacrifice, but by the law of God were to be punished with death. Thou requirest more and better sacrifices, which here follow. Else would I give it; else I should have spared no cost in that kind.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
Psalms 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering.Ver. 16. For thou desirest not sacrifice] This is the reason why David restipulateth praise, if God will pardon his great sin, Psalms 51:15, viz. because he well understood that God preferred praise before all sacrifices whatsoever, provided that it came from a broken spirit, Psalms 51:17, rightly humbled for sin, and thankfully accepting of pardon. See Psalms 50:14-15; Psalms 50:23. Thou delightest not in burnt offering] viz. Comparatively, and indeed not at all without a contrite heart. Una Dei est, purum, gratissima victima, pectus (Nazianzen). Much less, then, doth God respect the sacrifice of the mass, that hath no footing or warrant in the word. A certain Sorbonist finding it written at the end of St Paul’ s Epistles Missa est, &c., bragged he had found the mass in his Bible. And another reading John 1:44, Invenimus Messiam, made the same conclusion (Beehive, cap. 3). Some of them, as Bellarmine for one, would fain ground it upon Malachi 1:11.
Others fetch the name Missa from the Hebrew mass for tribute (Buxtorf); which comes from Masas, to melt (because it many times melteth away men’ s estates), Recte quidem, saith Rivet; per missam scilicet pietas omnis liquefacta est et dissoluta.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
(16) Sacrifice.—The rabbinical commentators on this verse represent the penitence of David as having taken the place of the sin-offering prescribed by the Law. In the mouth of an individual, language with such an intention would not have been possible. To the nation exiled and deprived of the legal rites, and by that very deprivation compelled to look beyond their outward form to their inner spirit, the words are most appropriate.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
Verse 16. For thou desirest not sacrifice] This is the same sentiment which he delivers in Psalms 40:6, c., where see the notes. There may be here, however, a farther meaning: Crimes, like mine, are not to be expiated by any sacrifices that the law requires nor hast thou appointed in the law any sacrifices to atone for deliberate murder and adultery: if thou hadst, I would cheerfully have given them to thee. The matter is before thee as Judge.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:16
16. For thou desirest not sacrifice] R.V., For thou delightest not in sacrifice. The verb is the same as in Psalms 51:6; Psalms 51:19, and Psalms 40:6. For gives the reason for the nature of the thank-offering which he proposes to offer:—not material sacrifice which God does not desire, but the sacrifice of a contrite heart. Cp. Psalms 40:6, the sacrifice of obedience; Psalms 50:14; Psalms 50:23; the sacrifice of thanksgiving. thou delightest not] R.V., thou hast no pleasure: a word used of accepting a sacrifice (Psalms 119:108; cp. Psalms 19:14). For the sense in which God is said to have no pleasure in sacrifice, see Introd. to Psalms 50. An absolute repudiation of all sacrificial worship cannot be intended.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 51:16
For thou desirest not sacrifice ... - On the words rendered in this verse “sacrifice” and “burnt-offering,” see the notes at Isaiah 1:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 51:16
16. Thou desirest not sacrifice—The word æáç, (zebahh,) sacrifice, is the generic term for bloody offerings, but more especially for sin and trespass offerings.
Sermons on Psalms 51:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Who Are God's Annointed by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of preaching without the living presence of God. He shares a conversation he had with a famous manager of a rock and roll band who |
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A Time for Everything Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically focusing on chapter 3, verse 12. He begins by acknowledging the fleeting nature of life and the e |
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David's Attempt to Cover His Sin Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David's attempt to cover up his sin. David initially tries to manipulate the situation by having Uriah, the husband of the |
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God's Power in Surrender by Henry Lehman | The sermon titled "God's Power in Surrender" discusses the concept of surrender in the context of the battle between the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of heaven. The speaker |
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Brokenness by Mark Partin | Mark Partin preaches on the importance of brokenness and humility in rekindling our 'first love' for Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need to reconcile broken relationships and rebuil |
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Philippians 2:1-4 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of unity, love, and humility among believers, emphasizing the need to have the same mind, love one another, and be of one accord. He urge |
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To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice, and To by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the biblical principle that obedience to God is far more valuable than mere sacrifices, as illustrated in 1 Samuel 15:22. He warns against the tendency to sep |