Psalms 51:17
Psalms 51:17 in Multiple Translations
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
The offerings of God are a broken spirit; a broken and sorrowing heart, O God, you will not put from you.
The “sacrifices” that God wants are on the inside—the brokenness of repentance. God won't reject a broken and sorrowful heart.
The sacrifices of God are a contrite spirit: a contrite and a broken heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit, A heart broken and bruised, O God, Thou dost not despise.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. O God, you will not despise a broken and contrite heart.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
The sacrifice that you really want is for people to be truly humble and sorry for having sinned; O God, you will not refuse that kind of sacrifice.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 51:17
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 51:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲ֭דֹנָ/י
שְׂפָתַ֣/י
תִּפְתָּ֑ח
וּ֝/פִ֗/י
יַגִּ֥יד
תְּהִלָּתֶֽ/ךָ
אֲ֭דֹנָ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
שְׂפָתַ֣/י
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
תִּפְתָּ֑ח
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וּ֝/פִ֗/י
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | N-ms | Suff
יַגִּ֥יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
תְּהִלָּתֶֽ/ךָ
tᵉhillâh
H8416
praise
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 51:17
אֲ֭דֹנָ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
שְׂפָתַ֣/י
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
תִּפְתָּ֑ח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
וּ֝/פִ֗/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
יַגִּ֥יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
תְּהִלָּתֶֽ/ךָ
tᵉhillâh
H8416
"praise"
N-fs | Suff
Tehillah means praise or a song of praise, often directed towards God. It can also refer to a hymn or an act of public praise, acknowledging God's qualities or deeds.
Definition: 1) praise, song or hymn of praise 1a) praise, adoration, thanksgiving (paid to God) 1b) act of general or public praise 1c) praise-song (as title) 1d) praise (demanded by qualities or deeds or attributes of God) 1e) renown, fame, glory 1e1) of Damascus, God 1e2) object of praise, possessor of renown (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: praise. See also: Exodus 15:11; Psalms 106:47; Psalms 9:15.
Study Notes — Psalms 51:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 51:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 51:17
- Sermons on Psalms 51:17
Context — Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
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. 19Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 34:18 | The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. |
| 2 | Isaiah 66:2 | Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. |
| 3 | Psalms 147:3 | He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. |
| 4 | Luke 15:10 | In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” |
| 5 | Mark 12:33 | and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, which is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” |
| 6 | Matthew 5:3 | “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 33:12–13 | And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God. |
| 8 | Psalms 102:17 | He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer. |
| 9 | Isaiah 57:15 | For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. |
| 10 | Psalms 107:22 | Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing. |
Psalms 51:17 Summary
[This verse means that God is not looking for fancy rituals or sacrifices, but a heart that is truly sorry for its sins and humbly dependent on Him. Having a broken spirit and a contrite heart is about being honest with ourselves and with God about our mistakes and our need for forgiveness, as seen in Psalms 51:17. It's like what Jesus said in Matthew 5:3-4, where He blessed those who are poor in spirit and those who mourn, because they will be comforted and inherit the kingdom of heaven. By coming to God with a broken and contrite heart, we can experience His mercy and forgiveness, and begin to live a life that is pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a broken spirit and a contrite heart?
Having a broken spirit and a contrite heart means being deeply sorry for our sins and humbly acknowledging our dependence on God, as seen in Psalms 51:17 and also in Proverbs 28:13, where it says that whoever conceals their sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Does God require us to bring sacrifices like in the Old Testament?
While God did require sacrifices in the Old Testament, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-7, Psalms 51:17 shows that what He truly desires is a broken and contrite heart, not just external rituals or sacrifices, as also emphasized in 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
How can we develop a broken and contrite heart before God?
Developing a broken and contrite heart involves recognizing our sinfulness, repenting of our sins, and seeking God's forgiveness and mercy, as seen in Luke 18:9-14, where the tax collector's humble prayer is commended by Jesus.
Will God always accept a broken and contrite heart?
Yes, according to Psalms 51:17, God will not despise a broken and contrite heart, and in Isaiah 57:15, it is written that God revives the spirit of the lowly and the heart of the contrite, showing His desire to forgive and restore those who come to Him in humility and repentance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to humble myself and acknowledge my dependence on God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of sorrow for my sins and a greater appreciation for God's mercy and forgiveness?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a broken and contrite heart in my daily life, such as in my relationships or my prayer life?
- What are some things that I have been trying to offer to God as 'sacrifices' that He may not be looking for, and how can I shift my focus to what truly matters to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:17
The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit,.... That is humbled under a sense of sin; has true repentance for it; is smitten, wounded, and broken with it, by the word of God in the hand of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:17
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:17
The sacrifices: this is instead of or of more value than many sacrifices. Of God; which God in such cases as mine requires, and will accept; in which sense we read of the work of God, . A broken and a contrite heart, i.e. a heart deeply afflicted and grieved for sin, humbled under the sense of God’ s displeasure, and earnestly seeking and willing to accept of reconciliation with God upon any terms. See 61:1 66:2 . This is opposed to that hard or stony heart, of which we read so oft, which signifies a heart insensible of the burden of sin, stubborn and rebellious against God, imminent and incorrigible. Thou wilt not despise, i.e. thou dost highly approve; as such negative phrases oft signify, as hath been formerly proved.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:17
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.Ver. 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit] i.e. Such a heart as lieth low, and heareth all that God saith; such a sacrifice or service as is laid on the low altar of a contrite heart, which sanctifieth the sacrifice (Mr Abbot); such a person as with a self-condemning, self-crucifying, and sin-mortifying heart, humbly and yet believingly maketh out for mercy and pardon in the blood of Christ, this, this is the man that God expects, accepts, and makes great account of. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise] This is great comfort to those that droop under a sense of sin and fear of wrath, being at next door to despair. Bring but a broken heart, and God will receive you graciously, pouring the oil of his grace into your broken vessels, This comforted Bernard on his deathbed, he died with this sentence in his mouth. Austin caused it to be written on the wall over against his bed where he lay sick and died. Many poor souls even in times of Popery had heaven opened unto them by meditating on this psalm; and especially on this verse Psalms 51:17. (Jo. Manl. loc. com. 73)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:17
Verse 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit] As my crimes are such as admit of no legal atonement, so thou hast reserved them to be punished by exemplary acts of justice, or to be pardoned by a sovereign act of mercy: but in order to find this mercy, thou requirest that the heart and soul should deeply feel the transgression, and turn to thee with the fullest compunction and remorse. This thou hast enabled me to do. I have the broken spirit, רוח נשברה ruach nishbarah; and the broken and contrite heart, לב נשבר ונדכה leb nishbar venidkeh. These words are very expressive. שבר shabar signifies exactly the same as our word shiver, to break into pieces, to reduce into splinters; and דכה dakah, signifies to beat out thin, - to beat out masses of metal, c., into laminae or thin plates. The spirit broken all to pieces, and the heart broken all to pieces, stamped and beaten out, are the sacrifices which, in such cases, thou requirest and these "thou wilt not despise." We may now suppose that God had shone upon his soul, healed his broken spirit, and renewed and removed his broken and distracted heart; and that he had now received the answer to the preceding prayers. And here the Psalm properly ends; as, in the two following verses, there is nothing similar to what we find in the rest of this very nervous and most important composition.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:17
17. The sacrifices of God] Such as He desires and approves. A broken spirit and a contrite heart are those in which sorrow and affliction (Psalms 51:8) have done their work, and the obstinacy of pride has been replaced by the humility of penitence. Cp. Psalms 34:18; Isaiah 57:15. The P.B.V. a troubled spirit follows the Vulg. spiritus contribulatus, but introduced a distinction which does not exist in the Heb. thou wilt not despise] Though David had despised the word of the Lord (2 Samuel 12:9), he is confident that God will not despise him. Cp. Psalms 102:17; John 6:37.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 51:17
The sacrifices of God - The sacrifices which God desires and approves; the sacrifices without which no other offering would be acceptable. David felt that that which he here specified was what was demanded in his case.
Sermons on Psalms 51:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Pure Heart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, Dr. Luke Reisman preaches from the historic pulpit of John Wesley in London. He highlights the power of reading and understanding the Word of God. He emphasizes the |
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After We Fail What Then by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from our failures and sins. He encourages listeners not to waste their sins but to use them as opportunities for |
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If My People by Curtis Hutson | In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories to emphasize the importance of approaching the platform with confidence and faith. He encourages the congregation to start a fire in |
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(Messages) Repentance by Basilea Schlink | During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, whi |
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(Pdf Book) Beauty of Christ Through Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of brokenness in the Christian life, illustrating that true humility and surrender to God are essential for reflecting Christ's image. He |
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Yielding by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, Dr. Alan Redpath discusses the story of David in 1 Chronicles 21. David realizes that his sin has caused innocent people to suffer, and he falls on his face before |
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How to Prosper in Hard Times by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being convicted by the Holy Ghost and acknowledging one's sins before God. He encourages the congregation to rejoice in th |