Psalms 51:8
Psalms 51:8 in Multiple Translations
Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice.
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Make me full of joy and rapture; so that the bones which have been broken may be glad.
Please let me hear joy and happiness again; let the bones you have crushed be glad once more.
Make me to heare ioye and gladnes, that the bones, which thou hast broken, may reioyce.
Thou causest me to hear joy and gladness, Thou makest joyful bones Thou hast bruised.
Let me hear joy and gladness, that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
The just shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, and say:
Allow/Cause me to be joyful [DOU] again; you have ◄crushed my spirit/completely discouraged me► [MTY]; but now let me rejoice again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 51:8
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 51:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵן
אֱ֭מֶת
חָפַ֣צְתָּ
בַ/טֻּח֑וֹת
וּ֝/בְ/סָתֻ֗ם
חָכְמָ֥ה
תוֹדִיעֵֽ/נִי
הֵן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
אֱ֭מֶת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
חָפַ֣צְתָּ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בַ/טֻּח֑וֹת
ṭuchâh
H2910
inner parts
Prep | N-fp
וּ֝/בְ/סָתֻ֗ם
çâtham
H5640
to close
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c
חָכְמָ֥ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
תוֹדִיעֵֽ/נִי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | 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 51:8
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.
אֱ֭מֶת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
חָפַ֣צְתָּ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
בַ/טֻּח֑וֹת
ṭuchâh
H2910
"inner parts"
Prep | N-fp
The inner parts or kidneys, which were considered the seat of emotions and thoughts in biblical times. This word is used to describe a person's inmost thoughts and feelings.
Definition: inner regions, hidden recesses, inward parts
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: inward parts. See also: Job 38:36; Psalms 51:8.
וּ֝/בְ/סָתֻ֗ם
çâtham
H5640
"to close"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to stop or block something, like covering a hole. It can also mean to keep a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding or concealing things, like in Psalm 139:15.
Definition: 1) to stop up, shut up, keep close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stop up 1a2) to shut up, keep close 1a3) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stopped up 1c) (Piel) to stop up
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: closed up, hidden, secret, shut out (up), stop. See also: Genesis 26:15; Nehemiah 4:1; Psalms 51:8.
חָכְמָ֥ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
תוֹדִיעֵֽ/נִי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 51:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 51:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 51:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
- Sermons on Psalms 51:8
Context — Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
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. 10Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 5:17–18 | Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal. |
| 2 | Hosea 6:1–2 | Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence. |
| 3 | Matthew 5:4 | Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. |
| 4 | Psalms 6:2–3 | Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony. My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long? |
| 5 | Psalms 119:81–82 | My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word. My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I ask, “When will You comfort me?” |
| 6 | Luke 4:18 | “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, |
| 7 | Psalms 126:5–6 | Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain. |
| 8 | Psalms 35:10 | All my bones will exclaim, “Who is like You, O LORD, who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor, the poor and needy from the robber?” |
| 9 | Psalms 30:11 | You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, |
| 10 | Psalms 38:3 | There is no soundness in my body because of Your anger; there is no rest in my bones because of my sin. |
Psalms 51:8 Summary
[Psalms 51:8 is a prayer for God to restore joy and happiness after a time of feeling crushed by sin and guilt. It's about wanting to feel the peace and happiness that comes from knowing God has forgiven us, as seen in verses like Psalms 30:11-12. David is asking God to let him feel the joy of being forgiven and to have a heart that is clean and free from sin, which is also the desire expressed in Psalms 51:10. This verse reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God can bring light and joy, and that our sorrow can be turned into dancing, as promised in Psalms 30:11-12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'crush' bones in Psalms 51:8?
This phrase is a metaphor for the emotional and spiritual pain that comes from conviction of sin, as seen in Psalms 32:3-4, where David describes the weight of his guilt before confessing his sin to God. It's a cry for healing and restoration after a season of sorrow and repentance.
How can bones 'rejoice' as mentioned in this verse?
This is a poetic expression of the deep-seated joy that comes from knowing one's sins are forgiven, similar to the joy expressed in Psalms 30:11-12, where David praises God for turning his mourning into dancing. It signifies a return to spiritual vitality and happiness.
Is this verse about physical healing or spiritual renewal?
While physical healing is a theme in some parts of the Bible, such as in James 5:14-15, Psalms 51:8 is primarily about spiritual renewal and the joy of forgiveness, as supported by the context of Psalms 51:7, where David asks for purification and cleansing from sin.
How does one 'hear joy and gladness' as David requests?
Hearing joy and gladness in this context means experiencing the peace and happiness that comes from a clear conscience and a right relationship with God, as described in Romans 5:1-5, where Paul talks about the peace and joy that come from being justified by faith.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel 'crushed' by the weight of sin or sorrow, and how can I apply the promise of Psalms 51:8 to those areas?
- How does remembering God's forgiveness and mercy bring joy and gladness into my daily life, and what are some ways I can cultivate this mindset?
- In what ways can I, like David, express my desire for spiritual renewal and the joy that comes with it, and what steps can I take to pursue a deeper relationship with God?
- How does the image of 'bones rejoicing' challenge or inspire my understanding of the emotional and spiritual healing that God offers, and what does this mean for my walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 51:8
Make me to hear joy and gladness,.... Which he had not heard for some time; sin had sadly broke in upon and interrupted his spiritual peace and joy; for though the love and favour of God cannot be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 51:8
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
Send me glad tidings of thy reconciliation to me, and by thy Spirit seal the pardon of my sins to my conscience, which will fill me with joy, that mine heart, which hath been sorely wounded and terrified by thy dreadful message sent by Nathan, and by the dismal sentence of thy law denounced against such sinners as I am, now by this occasion brought home to my conscience, may be revived and comforted by the manifestation of thy favour to my soul.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
Psalms 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; [that] the bones [which] thou hast broken may rejoice.Ver. 8. Make me to hear joy and gladness] God will speak peace unto his people, he createth the fruit of the lips to be peace, Isaiah 57:19, &c. No such joyful tidings to a condemned person as that of a pardon. Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee. Feri, feri, Domine, nam a peccatis absolutus sum, said Luther. David’ s adultery and murder had weakened his spiritual condition, and wiped off all his comforts; but now he begs to be restored by some good sermon or sweet promise set home to his poor soul. That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice] By leaping over God’ s pale he had broken his bones; and fain he would be set right again, by a renewed righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, by his former feelings of God’ s favour.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
(8) The bones which thou hast broken . . .—Through his whole being the psalmist has felt the crushing weight of sin; to its very fibres, as we say, his frame has suffered.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
Verse 8. Make me to hear joy] Let me have a full testimony of my reconciliation to thee; that the soul, which is so deeply distressed by a sense of thy displeasure, may be healed by a sense of thy pardoning mercy.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 51:8
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 51:8
Make me to hear joy and gladness - That is, the voice of forgiveness, causing joy and rejoicing. What he wished to hear was the kind voice of God in pronouncing his pardon; not the voice of anger and condemnation.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 51:8
8. Bones which thou hast broken—The crushing of the bones, says Perowne, constituting, as they do, the strength and framework of the body, is a very strong figure, denoting the most complete prostration, mental and bodily.
Sermons on Psalms 51:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the lack of hope and spiritual decline in society. He criticizes the focus on material comforts and theological debates while neglecting the u |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Samuel 8-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of following God's rules and the consequences of violating them. He uses the story of Tamar, who was publicly humiliated and e |
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The Battle in Your Mind Over Sexual Sin by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith that breaks the dominion of sin in our lives, particularly focusing on the need for faith to save us from sexual immorality. It highl |
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The Worst Things by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about how the worst things, such as afflictions, temptations, desertions, and sins, can be overruled by God for the good of His people. He explains how affli |
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Learning to Forgive Ourselves by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the challenge of self-forgiveness, illustrating this struggle through the life of King David, who, despite being forgiven by God, grappled with guilt and |
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Letter 62 by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to Mr. Nunn in Maidstone, August 1834, expresses his struggles with doubts about his own honesty and the fear of darkness at the end, yet finds comfort in |
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Sailing on the High Seas of the Love of God by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a sculptor shaping a piece of art to illustrate how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. The Holy Spirit's goal is to conform us to |