Psalms 51:7
Psalms 51:7 in Multiple Translations
Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me free from sin with hyssop: let me be washed whiter than snow.
Purify me with hyssop so I can be clean; wash me so I can be whiter than snow.
Purge me with hyssope, and I shalbe cleane: wash me, and I shalbe whiter then snowe.
Thou cleansest me with hyssop and I am clean, Washest me, and than snow I am whiter.
Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Therefore will God destroy thee for ever: he will pluck thee out, and remove thee from thy dwelling place: and thy root out of the land of the living.
Purify me from the guilt of my sins, and after that happens, I will be clean in my inner being; cleanse me, and then in my inner being I will be ◄whiter than snow/very clean►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 51:7
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 51:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵן
בְּ/עָו֥וֹן
חוֹלָ֑לְתִּי
וּ֝/בְ/חֵ֗טְא
יֶֽחֱמַ֥תְ/נִי
אִמִּֽ/י
הֵן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
בְּ/עָו֥וֹן
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
Prep | N-cs
חוֹלָ֑לְתִּי
chûwl
H2342
to twist
V-O-Perf-1cs
וּ֝/בְ/חֵ֗טְא
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
Conj | Prep | N-ms
יֶֽחֱמַ֥תְ/נִי
yâcham
H3179
to conceive
V-Piel-Perf-3fs | Suff
אִמִּֽ/י
ʼêm
H517
mother
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 51:7
הֵן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
בְּ/עָו֥וֹן
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
חוֹלָ֑לְתִּי
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
V-O-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
וּ֝/בְ/חֵ֗טְא
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
יֶֽחֱמַ֥תְ/נִי
yâcham
H3179
"to conceive"
V-Piel-Perf-3fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to conceive or become hot, often used to describe animals mating or people feeling angry. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the natural world and human emotions. This word is also used to describe God's anger.
Definition: 1) to be hot, conceive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hot, become hot 1a2) to mate (of animals) 1a3) to be or become hot (fig. of anger) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to conceive (sexually) 1b2) to be in heat (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: get heat, be hot, conceive, be warm. See also: Genesis 30:38; Deuteronomy 19:6; Psalms 51:7.
אִמִּֽ/י
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 51:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 51:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:7
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 51:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
- Sermons on Psalms 51:7
Context — Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
5Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.
6Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. 9Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 1:7 | But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. |
| 2 | Isaiah 1:18 | “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. |
| 3 | Hebrews 9:13–14 | For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! |
| 4 | Numbers 19:18–20 | Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle the tent, all the furnishings, and the people who were there. He is also to sprinkle the one who touched a bone, a grave, or a person who has died or been slain. The man who is ceremonially clean is to sprinkle the unclean person on the third day and on the seventh day. After he purifies the unclean person on the seventh day, the one being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe in water, and that evening he will be clean. But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he will be cut off from the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean. |
| 5 | Hebrews 9:19 | For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people, |
| 6 | Revelation 1:5 | and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood, |
| 7 | Ephesians 5:26–27 | to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. |
| 8 | Exodus 12:22 | Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. |
| 9 | Revelation 7:13–14 | Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?” “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. |
| 10 | Leviticus 14:49–52 | He is to take two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop to purify the house; and he shall slaughter one of the birds over fresh water in a clay pot. Then he shall take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet yarn, and the live bird, dip them in the blood of the slaughtered bird and the fresh water, and sprinkle the house seven times. And he shall cleanse the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet yarn. |
Psalms 51:7 Summary
Psalms 51:7 is about asking God to clean us from the inside out, making us pure and holy. Just like hyssop was used in the Old Testament to purify, God can use His Word and Spirit to cleanse us (as seen in John 15:3 and Ephesians 5:26). When we are cleansed by God, we become 'whiter than snow', symbolizing the complete forgiveness of our sins, as also promised in Isaiah 1:18. This means we can live a new life, free from the guilt of our past mistakes, and filled with joy and peace, as seen in Romans 5:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of hyssop in Psalms 51:7?
Hyssop was a plant used for purification in the Old Testament, as seen in Leviticus 14:4-7 and Numbers 19:6, symbolizing the cleansing of sin through God's mercy and grace.
How can I be 'whiter than snow' if I've sinned so much?
This phrase illustrates the completeness of God's forgiveness, as also seen in Isaiah 1:18, where God promises to make the repentant sinner's scarlet sins as white as snow.
Is this verse about physical or spiritual cleansing?
The cleansing mentioned in Psalms 51:7 is spiritual, emphasizing the need for inner purity and holiness, as taught in Psalms 51:10 and supported by the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 7:1.
How does this relate to New Testament teachings on salvation?
The concept of being washed clean and made pure is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Corinthians 6:11, where believers are said to be washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I need God's purification, and how can I seek His cleansing?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of spiritual hygiene, regularly washing myself in the Word of God and prayer, as hinted at in Ephesians 5:26?
- How does recognizing my sinfulness, as in Psalms 51:5, prepare me to receive the cleansing described in Psalms 51:7?
- What does it mean to be 'whiter than snow', and how can I reflect this purity in my daily life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:7
Purge me with hyssop,.... Or "thou shalt purge me with hyssop" (f); or "expiate me"; which was used in sprinkling the blood of the paschal lamb on the door posts of the Israelites in Egypt, that the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:7
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Prayer for forgiveness and for the Spirit. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
With hyssop; or, as with hyssop; the note of similitude being frequently understood. As lepers and other unclean persons are by thy appointment purified by the use of hyssop and other things, ; so do thou cleanse me, a most leprous and polluted creature, by thy grace, and by the virtue of that blood of Christ, which is signified by those ceremonial usages.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
Psalms 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.Ver. 7. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean] Sprinkle me with the blood of Christ by the hyssop bunch of faith, not only taking away thereby the sting and stink of sin, but conferring upon me the sweet savour of Christ’ s righteousness imputed unto me. See Hebrews 9:13-14; Hebrews 9:19, where he calleth it hyssop; of which see Dioscorides, lib. 3, chap. xxvi., xxviii. David multiplieth his suit for pardon, not only in plain terms, but by many metaphors. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow] So we cannot be by any washings of our own, though with snow water, Isaiah 1:16. The bride’ s garments are made white in the Lamb’ s blood, Revelation 1:14; the foulest sinners washed in this fountain become white as the snow in Salmon, Isaiah 1:18 1 Corinthians 6:11 Ephesians 5:27. Peccata non redeunt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
(7) Hyssop.—The mention of this connects this verse with the priestly ordinances concerning leprosy and contact with a dead body (Leviticus 14; Numbers 19); but generally it is a repetition of the former prayer to have the breach made in the covenant - relationship healed. (Comp. Isaiah 1:18.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
Verse 7. Purge me with hyssop] תחטאני techatteeni, "thou shalt make a sin-offering for me;" probably alluding to the cleansing of the leper: Leviticus 14:1, c. The priest took two clean birds, cedar-wood, scarlet, and hyssop one of the birds was killed; and the living bird, with the scarlet, cedar, and hyssop, dipped in the blood of the bird that had been killed, and then sprinkled over the person who had been infected. But it is worthy of remark that this ceremony was not performed till the plague of the leprosy had been healed in the leper; (Leviticus 14:3;) and the ceremony above mentioned was for the purpose of declaring to the people that the man was healed, that he might be restored to his place in society, having been healed of a disease that the finger of God alone could remove. This David seems to have full in view; hence he requests the Lord to make the sin-offering for him, and to show to the people that he had accepted him, and cleansed him from his sin.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:7
5–8. He has inherited a sinful nature; and yet, so he is confident, God can and will make it conform to His desire. The emphatic ‘Behold!’ marks the beginning of a new stanza.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 51:7
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean - On the word hyssop, see the notes at John 19:29; notes at Hebrews 9:19.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 51:7
7. Purge me with hyssop—The allusion is to the purification from death-corruption, as recorded Numbers 19; Numbers 31:19, the substance and ritualistic form of which were the strongest and most imposing known to the Mosaic law.
Sermons on Psalms 51:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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How to Apply the Blood by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the profound significance of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, emphasizing the various provisions and effects of His sacrifice. It covers themes of rede |
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My Sin Is Ever Before Me by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing prayer and putting faith into action. He uses examples from the Bible, such as David's downfall after his affa |
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Dead Words by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his admiration for a group of individuals, stating that he does not aspire to be with anyone better. He then shares a verse from t |
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Epistle to the Romans by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God to a defeated and bound audience. He uses the example of a young man who realized the ineffectiv |
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Ephraim Is a Cake Not Turned by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering everything to God and not holding back. He urges the audience to examine their lives and identify any "stuff" |
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Love Never Faileth by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truth and wisdom in our inner being. He quotes from Psalm 51, where David asks God to purify him and make him clean. The sp |