Psalm 51:1–19

Psalm 51:1–194 matched frames4 pivots

Read down to the center, where the pattern turns; then rise back out through its mirror.

A 1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
- B 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
  - C 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
    - D 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
  - C' 5-6 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
- B' 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
A' 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
- E 10-12 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
  - F 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
    - G 14-15 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
      - H 16-17 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
      - H' 18-19 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.