- Home
- Bible
- Psalms
- Chapter 51
- Verse 51
Psalms 51:3
Verse
Context
Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
2Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Substantiation of the prayer by the consideration, that his sense of sin is more than superficial, and that he is ready to make a penitential confession. True penitence is not a dead knowledge of sin committed, but a living sensitive consciousness of it (Isa 59:12), to which it is ever present as a matter and ground of unrest and pain. This penitential sorrow, which pervades the whole man, is, it is true, no merit that wins mercy or favour, but it is the condition, without which it is impossible for any manifestation of favour to take place. Such true consciousness of sin contemplates sin, of whatever kind it may be, directly as sin against God, and in its ultimate ground as sin against Him alone (חטא with ל of the person sinned against, Isa 42:24; Mic 7:9); for every relation in which man stands to his fellow-men, and to created things in general, is but the manifest form of his fundamental relationship to God; and sin is "that which is evil in the eyes of God" (Isa 65:12; Isa 66:4), it is contradiction to the will of God, the sole and highest Lawgiver and Judge. Thus it is, as David confesses, with regard to his sin, in order that... This למען must not be weakened by understanding it to refer to the result instead of to the aim or purpose. If, however, it is intended to express intention, it follows close upon the moral relationship of man to God expressed in לך לבדּך and הרע בּעיניך, - a relationship, the aim of which is, that God, when He now condemns the sinner, may appear as the just and holy One, who, as the sinner is obliged himself to acknowledge, cannot do otherwise than pronounce a condemnatory decision concerning him. When sin becomes manifest to a man as such, he must himself say Amen to the divine sentence, just as David does to that passed upon him by Nathan. And it is just the nature of penitence so to confess one's self to be in the wrong in order that God may be in the right and gain His cause. If, however, the sinner's self-accusation justifies the divine righteousness or justice, just as, on the other hand, all self-justification on the part of the sinner (which, however, sooner or later will be undeceived) accuses God of unrighteousness or injustice (Job 40:8): then all human sin must in the end tend towards the glorifying of God. In this sense Psa 51:6 is applied by Paul (Rom 3:4), inasmuch as he regards what is here written in the Psalter - ὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικῃσεες ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε (lxx) - as the goal towards which the whole history of Israel tends. Instead of בּדברך (infin. like שׁלחך, Gen 38:17, in this instance for the sake of similarity of sound (Note: Cf. the following forms, chosen on account of their accord: - נשׂוּי, Psa 32:1; הנדּף, Psa 68:3; צאינה, Sol 3:11; שׁתות, Isa 22:13; ממחים, ib. Psa 25:6; הלּוט, ib. Psa 25:7.) instead of the otherwise usual form דּבּר), in Thy speaking, the lxx renders ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου = בּדבריך; instead of בּשׁפטך, ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε = בּהשּׁפטך (infin. Niph.), provided κρίνεσθαι is intended as passive and not (as in Jer 2:9 lxx, cf. Mat 5:40) as middle. The thought remains essentially unchanged by the side of these deviations; and even the taking of the verb זכה, to be clean, pure, in the Syriac signification νικᾶν, does not alter it. That God may be justified in His decisive speaking and judging; that He, the Judge, may gain His cause in opposition to all human judgment, towards this tends David's confession of sin, towards this tends all human history, and more especially the history of Israel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For . . . before me--Conviction precedes forgiveness; and, as a gift of God, is a plea for it (Sa2 12:13; Psa 32:5; Jo1 1:9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I acknowledge my transgressions,.... Before God and man. Acknowledgment of sin is what the Lord requires, and promises forgiveness upon, and therefore is used here as a plea for it; and moreover the psalmist had done so before, and had succeeded in this way, which must encourage him to take the same course again; see Psa 32:5; and my sin is ever before me; staring him in the face; gnawing upon his conscience, and filling him with remorse and distress; so that his life was a burden to him: for though God had put away sin out of his own sight, so that he would not condemn him for it, and he should not die; notwithstanding as yet it was not caused to pass from David, or the guilt of it removed from his conscience.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
51:3-6 The psalmist accepts the consequences of his sin against God. He knows that there is nothing good in him unless God renews his life.
Psalms 51:3
Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
2Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Repent, Repent, Repent
By Leonard Ravenhill10K1:23:53RepentancePSA 51:3PRO 29:1MAT 6:16JHN 8:112CO 5:17HEB 12:11JN 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for the final judgment. He mentions preaching for three and a half hours on the judgment seat and expresses his fear and awe of it. The preacher also discusses the misconception about the apostle Paul's words in Romans 7, clarifying that it is a funeral march while Romans 8 is a wedding march. He shares a story about a man repenting during a sermon on adultery, highlighting the power of God's glory to expose the human heart. The sermon concludes with the preacher discussing the liberation and emancipation that comes from the Spirit of God.
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Jesus Stayed Away Sin
By Zac Poonen8.3K52:06Law Of The Holy Spirit2SA 24:24PSA 51:3MAT 7:21MAT 12:24MAT 16:17ACT 2:4HEB 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basic teachings of Christianity and pursuing a deeper level of spiritual maturity. He uses the analogy of learning to swim to illustrate this point, explaining that just as someone who has learned to swim can teach others, mature Christians should be able to teach and guide others in their faith. The speaker also highlights the difference between "milk" and "solid food" in the Christian message, with milk representing the basic message of forgiveness of sins and solid food representing the word of righteousness and holiness. He urges listeners to discern between good and evil, not just in a worldly sense, but also in terms of living a life that reflects the way Jesus lived on earth.
Psalm 51:10
By Earle Maxwell1.0K32:162SA 12:13PSA 32:5PSA 51:1PSA 51:3PSA 51:13PSA 51:17PSA 103:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a pure heart in order to see visions of God. He shares a story about a lady who arranged a special meeting where 500 new Christian followers were enrolled. The speaker also mentions a song written by a young man who died at a young age, and how his brother found the incomplete lyrics after his death. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God is aware of our actions and words, and that we will be held accountable for them. The speaker references the story of Moses in Exodus as an example.
Marriage Is Honourable in All
By Erlo Stegen82656:34MarriagePSA 51:3MAT 15:14EPH 5:25HEB 13:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honoring and keeping marriage pure. He refers to the story of the wedding at Canaan where Jesus turned water into wine, symbolizing the heavenly wine of a good marriage. The preacher quotes Hebrews 13:4, which states that marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed should be kept pure. He highlights the prevalence of divorce, friction, and mutual hatred in marriages today, emphasizing the need for couples to be united in heart and spirit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God will judge those who are sexually immoral and adulterous.
(Debate) Satanic Group Walks Out During Closing Statement
By Shane Idleman59009:01PSA 51:3JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 3:19ROM 2:16ROM 3:23ROM 6:23ROM 12:2This sermon emphasizes the need for repentance, acknowledging rebellion against God, and the desire for restoration through a relationship with Him. It discusses the human struggle with sin, guilt, and the brokenness of the relationship with God, highlighting the unconditional love and redemption offered through Jesus Christ. The speaker shares personal experiences of transformation and renewal, pointing to the importance of choosing to trust in God rather than man, ultimately leading to a life of rebellion or reconciliation with God.
Walking in the Fear of the Lord
By Shane Idleman49251:41PSA 23:4PSA 51:3PSA 51:17PSA 86:11PRO 1:7ROM 3:23ROM 6:23ROM 8:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the fear of the Lord, highlighting the confrontational nature of this topic and the need to understand God's attributes beyond just love. It discusses the impact of fearing God on overcoming worldly fears, finding comfort in reverence, and experiencing God's peace and multiplication in life. The sermon also addresses the need for spiritual resurrection and restoration through fearing God and turning to Him for eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The Beauty of Brokenness
By Glenn Meldrum12CH 7:14PSA 51:3MAT 5:3ROM 12:12CO 7:10Glenn Meldrum preaches on the three essential facets of the Christian life for revival: surrender, brokenness, and repentance. Surrender involves relinquishing control to God, while brokenness is realizing our need for a Savior and yielding control. Repentance is the action of surrender and brokenness. These traits are crucial for those seeking the Lord and reviving their Christian walk. The sermon delves into the importance of surrender and brokenness in reviving the Christian life, followed by an exploration of the gift of repentance in the next chapter.
To Sin and Not to Blush!
By Thomas Brooks0RepentanceSin and ShamePSA 51:3PRO 28:13ISA 30:3JER 3:25EZK 16:63LUK 15:18ROM 6:212CO 7:101JN 1:9REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep connection between sin and shame, asserting that true shame arises from the recognition of one's sins and the need for atonement. He reflects on Ezekiel 16:63, illustrating that when God's anger is pacified and sins are pardoned, the penitent soul experiences profound shame for past actions. Brooks warns that a person who has lost all sense of shame is in a perilous state, ripe for destruction and under the influence of evil. He contrasts the shame that accompanies sin with the false bravado of those who, like Caligula, take pride in their lack of shame. Ultimately, Brooks calls for a recognition of sin's shamefulness as essential for spiritual health and redemption.
Conviction vs Culture
By Derek Melton0PSA 51:3JHN 16:8ACT 2:372TI 4:2HEB 4:12Derek Melton preaches on the essential but often neglected element of 'conviction' in modern Christianity, emphasizing its crucial role in preparing hearts for true regeneration. Drawing from the example of the early church, he highlights how conviction led to thousands being born again after being pricked in their hearts by the fiery preaching of Peter. The sermon challenges the current trend of avoiding confronting sin and cultural sensitivities in preaching, urging a return to allowing the Holy Spirit to convict and transform hearts. Emphasizing the need to embrace the deep inner work of conviction, the sermon calls for a revival of bold, truth-speaking ministers who are unafraid to stir hearts and bring clarity to a generation in need.
We Can Rise Again
By James Stalker0PSA 51:3PSA 51:13PRO 24:16ROM 6:141CO 6:112CO 12:9JAS 4:10James Stalker preaches about the possibility of rising after falling into sin, emphasizing that through Christ, one can overcome besetting sins and be washed, justified, and sanctified by the Spirit of God. He encourages those who feel fallen to believe that they can rise, citing examples of individuals who were once deeply fallen but found redemption. Stalker acknowledges the doctrine's potential for abuse but stresses its relevance for those seeking deliverance, drawing inspiration from St. Augustine's concept of using past sins as stepping stones towards perfection. He highlights David's repentance in Psalm 51 as a model for turning transgressors back to God.
When Brutus Went to Stab Julius Caesar
By Thomas Brooks0RepentanceSinPSA 32:5PSA 51:3ISA 1:18MAT 11:28JHN 4:14ROM 7:242CO 5:17HEB 12:1JAS 4:81JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep affliction that sin brings to a gracious soul, comparing it to a deer fleeing from poison to find healing in the fountain of Christ. He illustrates how believers, aware of their sins' impact on God, are driven to seek His mercy and healing, echoing the lament of Paul in Romans 7:24. Brooks poignantly likens the betrayal of sin to Brutus's betrayal of Caesar, highlighting the personal pain it causes God when His children choose sin over Him. The sermon calls for a recognition of the seriousness of sin and the urgent need for repentance and healing in Christ.
Psalm 51
By Henry Law0PSA 51:3Henry Law preaches on Psalm 51, a heartfelt prayer of repentance and seeking forgiveness, commonly used by believers in their meditations and prayers. The psalmist acknowledges his transgressions, confesses his sins, and pleads for God's mercy and cleansing. Sin is recognized as rebellion against God, and the need for a clean heart and renewal by God's Spirit is emphasized. The psalmist desires restoration of joy, salvation, and a heart willing to teach others God's ways, while seeking deliverance from guilt and offering praise from a contrite heart.
True Repentance
By Thomas Brooks0True RepentanceThe Nature of SinPSA 51:3EZK 20:43ROM 6:21ROM 7:242CO 7:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true repentance involves a deep awareness of the sinfulness of sin and its destructive consequences, contrasting the nature of God with the nature of sin. He explains that true repentance is marked by sorrow, contrition, and a loathing of both sin and oneself, leading to shame and a desire to turn away from sin. Brooks illustrates that repentance is not a one-time act but a continual process of turning towards God and away from sin, highlighting the necessity of ongoing godly sorrow. He warns that those who do not actively repent may face dire consequences, urging believers to remain vigilant against sin. Ultimately, true repentance is a heartfelt response that seeks to draw closer to God, recognizing the weight of sin and the need for divine grace.
Loathsome Thoughts
By Thomas Brooks0RepentanceSelf-ReflectionJOB 40:4PSA 51:3ISA 6:5EZK 6:9EZK 20:43LUK 18:13ROM 7:242CO 7:10JAS 4:91JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of true repentance, which involves a deep loathing of both sin and oneself due to sin. He illustrates how a sincere penitent recognizes the weight of their sins, expressing a heartfelt abhorrence for their actions and the impact on their character. This self-loathing is not merely a low view of oneself but a profound realization of one's sinful nature, as echoed in the cries of the penitent. Brooks highlights that true repentance leads to a transformative acknowledgment of one's faults, urging believers to confront their sins with humility and sorrow.
Appendix 3 to Vitae Patrum Sayings of the Egyptian Fathers
By Heribert Rosweyde0PSA 25:17PSA 51:3PSA 73:21PSA 118:7MAT 7:14Heribert Rosweyde preaches on the virtues of humility, self-discipline, and prayer as essential elements in the monk's journey towards God. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, resisting temptations, and seeking peace through forgiveness and charity. The sermon highlights the significance of controlling one's thoughts, emotions, and actions to maintain a pure heart before God. Through various anecdotes and teachings from the old men, the message conveys the path of self-denial, vigilance, and unwavering faith in God's grace and mercy.
So Exceeding Angry With Himself
By Thomas Brooks0RepentanceAnger towards SinPSA 51:3ISA 30:22ROM 7:24EPH 4:26JAS 1:20Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound anger that true penitents feel towards their own sins, illustrating that this self-directed anger is far greater than any frustration they may have towards others or external circumstances. He argues that genuine repentance involves a deep loathing and abhorrence of sin, which should be the primary focus of a believer's indignation. Brooks encourages believers to redirect their anger away from others and towards their own sinful actions, highlighting that true anger should be reserved for sin itself, not for disagreements with fellow believers.
Of Repentance Towards God.
By John Gill0RepentanceGrace Of GodPSA 51:3ISA 55:7EZK 18:30MAT 21:32MRK 16:16LUK 24:47ACT 20:21ROM 2:42CO 7:101JN 1:9John Gill emphasizes the significance of repentance towards God as a vital aspect of internal worship and godliness. He explains that true repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a sincere return to God, motivated by His grace and mercy. Gill distinguishes between various types of repentance, including natural, national, external, hypocritical, legal, and evangelical repentance, highlighting that genuine repentance is a gift from God that leads to a transformation of the heart and life. He stresses that repentance is not merely an outward act but a deep, inward sorrow for sin that results in a commitment to forsake it and seek God's forgiveness. Ultimately, Gill concludes that true repentance is essential for salvation and is accompanied by the assurance of God's pardon and grace.
Joshua Redivivus
By Alexander Whyte0NUM 13:2PSA 23:4PSA 51:3ROM 7:15ROM 7:242CO 12:9PHP 4:131TI 1:151PE 5:8REV 21:4Alexander Whyte preaches about Samuel Rutherford, a spy and pioneer for God's people, who was chosen to experience banishment and exile in Aberdeen, to bring back a report of that life for the vindication of Christ and the encouragement of His people. Rutherford, a man of great character and service, lived a noble life at Anwoth, known for his scholarship, preaching power, and saintly character. Despite his intense devotion to his congregation, Rutherford faced deep self-discoveries and struggles during his exile, revealing his abominable vileness and hypocrisy, yet always clinging to hope in God's grace and mercy.
Letter 55
By James Bourne0PSA 51:3PSA 139:23HEB 4:121JN 1:9REV 1:10James Bourne reflects on the various changes and trials he has faced, acknowledging the importance of these experiences in shaping his spiritual life. He shares how God humbled him, leading him to accept the consequences of his sins with a repentant heart. Bourne emphasizes the significance of recognizing our sins, seeking God's forgiveness, and allowing His mercy to transform our hearts. He encourages his friend to remain steadfast in prayer, to address any lingering sins, and to continually seek God's guidance through His Word, even in times of spiritual isolation.
Ii Samuel 12:7
By Chuck Smith0God's ForgivenessSin and Consequences2SA 12:7PSA 51:3ROM 6:23GAL 6:7Chuck Smith delivers a powerful sermon on II Samuel 12:7, emphasizing the blessings bestowed upon David and the grave consequences of his sin. He illustrates how David, despite being anointed and favored by God, fell into adultery and murder, leading to a profound realization of his wrongdoing when confronted by Nathan the prophet. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our sins and the reality that while God forgives, the consequences of our actions can have lasting effects. Smith warns that sin, though forgiven, can lead to irreparable damage and urges listeners to take sin seriously.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Substantiation of the prayer by the consideration, that his sense of sin is more than superficial, and that he is ready to make a penitential confession. True penitence is not a dead knowledge of sin committed, but a living sensitive consciousness of it (Isa 59:12), to which it is ever present as a matter and ground of unrest and pain. This penitential sorrow, which pervades the whole man, is, it is true, no merit that wins mercy or favour, but it is the condition, without which it is impossible for any manifestation of favour to take place. Such true consciousness of sin contemplates sin, of whatever kind it may be, directly as sin against God, and in its ultimate ground as sin against Him alone (חטא with ל of the person sinned against, Isa 42:24; Mic 7:9); for every relation in which man stands to his fellow-men, and to created things in general, is but the manifest form of his fundamental relationship to God; and sin is "that which is evil in the eyes of God" (Isa 65:12; Isa 66:4), it is contradiction to the will of God, the sole and highest Lawgiver and Judge. Thus it is, as David confesses, with regard to his sin, in order that... This למען must not be weakened by understanding it to refer to the result instead of to the aim or purpose. If, however, it is intended to express intention, it follows close upon the moral relationship of man to God expressed in לך לבדּך and הרע בּעיניך, - a relationship, the aim of which is, that God, when He now condemns the sinner, may appear as the just and holy One, who, as the sinner is obliged himself to acknowledge, cannot do otherwise than pronounce a condemnatory decision concerning him. When sin becomes manifest to a man as such, he must himself say Amen to the divine sentence, just as David does to that passed upon him by Nathan. And it is just the nature of penitence so to confess one's self to be in the wrong in order that God may be in the right and gain His cause. If, however, the sinner's self-accusation justifies the divine righteousness or justice, just as, on the other hand, all self-justification on the part of the sinner (which, however, sooner or later will be undeceived) accuses God of unrighteousness or injustice (Job 40:8): then all human sin must in the end tend towards the glorifying of God. In this sense Psa 51:6 is applied by Paul (Rom 3:4), inasmuch as he regards what is here written in the Psalter - ὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικῃσεες ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε (lxx) - as the goal towards which the whole history of Israel tends. Instead of בּדברך (infin. like שׁלחך, Gen 38:17, in this instance for the sake of similarity of sound (Note: Cf. the following forms, chosen on account of their accord: - נשׂוּי, Psa 32:1; הנדּף, Psa 68:3; צאינה, Sol 3:11; שׁתות, Isa 22:13; ממחים, ib. Psa 25:6; הלּוט, ib. Psa 25:7.) instead of the otherwise usual form דּבּר), in Thy speaking, the lxx renders ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου = בּדבריך; instead of בּשׁפטך, ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε = בּהשּׁפטך (infin. Niph.), provided κρίνεσθαι is intended as passive and not (as in Jer 2:9 lxx, cf. Mat 5:40) as middle. The thought remains essentially unchanged by the side of these deviations; and even the taking of the verb זכה, to be clean, pure, in the Syriac signification νικᾶν, does not alter it. That God may be justified in His decisive speaking and judging; that He, the Judge, may gain His cause in opposition to all human judgment, towards this tends David's confession of sin, towards this tends all human history, and more especially the history of Israel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For . . . before me--Conviction precedes forgiveness; and, as a gift of God, is a plea for it (Sa2 12:13; Psa 32:5; Jo1 1:9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I acknowledge my transgressions,.... Before God and man. Acknowledgment of sin is what the Lord requires, and promises forgiveness upon, and therefore is used here as a plea for it; and moreover the psalmist had done so before, and had succeeded in this way, which must encourage him to take the same course again; see Psa 32:5; and my sin is ever before me; staring him in the face; gnawing upon his conscience, and filling him with remorse and distress; so that his life was a burden to him: for though God had put away sin out of his own sight, so that he would not condemn him for it, and he should not die; notwithstanding as yet it was not caused to pass from David, or the guilt of it removed from his conscience.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
51:3-6 The psalmist accepts the consequences of his sin against God. He knows that there is nothing good in him unless God renews his life.