Old Testament

Psalms 51:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the psalmist is pleading with God for mercy and forgiveness.

Author: David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written: Around 1000-500 BC
Genre: Poetry and worship
Original Audience: Worshipers of Israel

CBTClear Bible Translation

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your lovingkindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.

KJVKing James Version

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist is pleading with God for mercy and forgiveness. The appeal is based on God's lovingkindness and the abundance of His compassion. The psalmist acknowledges his wrongdoings and asks God to erase his sins. This reflects a deep understanding of human frailty and the need for divine grace. The use of 'lovingkindness' emphasizes God's steadfast love, while 'tender mercies' highlights His gentle compassion. The psalmist's request to 'blot out' transgressions suggests a desire for complete cleansing and restoration. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and repentance in seeking a relationship with God, recognizing that forgiveness is rooted in God's character rather than our own merit.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Psalms 51:1 to your life

When we recognize our mistakes and shortcomings, we can approach God with humility, asking for His mercy. This verse encourages us to seek forgiveness and to trust in God's loving nature. It reminds us that no matter how far we stray, God's compassion is always available to restore us.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 51:1 mean?

Psalms 51:1 expresses a heartfelt plea for God's mercy and forgiveness. The psalmist acknowledges his sins and appeals to God's lovingkindness and compassion to cleanse him from wrongdoing.

What is the meaning of 'lovingkindness' in Psalms 51:1?

In Psalms 51:1, 'lovingkindness' refers to God's steadfast love and faithfulness. It highlights the deep, caring nature of God, which the psalmist relies on when seeking forgiveness.

How does Psalms 51:1 relate to repentance?

Psalms 51:1 illustrates the essence of repentance by showing the psalmist's acknowledgment of his sins and his humble request for God's mercy. It highlights the importance of approaching God with a contrite heart.

What themes are present in Psalms 51:1?

Key themes in Psalms 51:1 include mercy, forgiveness, lovingkindness, and compassion. The verse emphasizes the need for repentance and the hope for restoration through God's grace.

Book Summary

The Book of Psalms

Psalm 1: Two Paths

This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.

That person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water that produces fruit in season and keeps its leaf from withering, and their way prospers. The ungodly are not like that; they are like chaff driven by the wind. The psalm ends by saying the ungodly do not stand in the judgment or remain among the righteous, because the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly perishes. Psalm 2: The Anointed King This psalm speaks about nations and rulers stirring up unrest and setting themselves against the LORD and against his Anointed. They speak as if they can break free from God's rule, as though his bonds can be thrown off. The LORD who sits in the heavens responds with scorn and speaks in his wrath. He declares his king set upon Zion, and the Anointed speaks of the decree: he is called the Son and is given the nations for an inheritance. The psalm warns kings and judges to be wise, to serve the LORD with fear, and to rejoice with trembling, ending with a call to honor the Son and a statement that blessed are all who trust in him. Psalm 3: A Psalm of David (Fleeing from Absalom) A Psalm of David, when he flees from Absalom his son. David speaks of many enemies rising up against him and many voices saying there is no help for him in God. He describes pressure on every side and the shame those words bring. David then speaks directly of the LORD as his shield, his glory, and the one who lifts up his head. He says he cries to the LORD and receives an answer from God's holy hill, and he lies down and sleeps because the LORD sustains him. He says he is not afraid though tens of thousands set themselves against him, and he calls on the LORD to arise, asking for deliverance and blessing for God's people.

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