Psalms 51:16 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give {it}: thou delightest not in burnt offering. {else...: or, that I should}”

Psalms 51:16

bookmark_border Save Verse

menu_book Verse in Context

Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: {and} my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. {bloodguiltiness: Heb. bloods}

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give {it}: thou delightest not in burnt offering. {else...: or, that I should}

The sacrifices of God {are} a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Get Personalized Biblical Guidance

Save your favorite verses, get AI-powered insights tailored to your life, and discover related scripture for your spiritual journey.

person_add Create Free Account library_books Explore Topics

From This Chapter

Psalms 51:1

"[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.] Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions."

Psalms 51:2

"Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."

Psalms 51:3

"For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin {is} ever before me."

Psalms 51:4

"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."

Psalms 51:5

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. {conceive...: Heb. warm me}"

Psalms 51:6

"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden {part} thou shalt make me to know wisdom."

Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.

Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.

shareShare Your Journey

menu_book Verse in Context

Get Personalized Biblical Guidance

From This Chapter