Bible/Psalms/51

Psalms 51:17

51:16 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.

KJV

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The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

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

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

What does Psalms 51:17 mean?

Psalms 51:17 is a verse in the book of Psalms, in the Old Testament. In the original Hebrew, key words include זֶבַח (zebach), אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym), שָׁבַר (shâbar).

Hebrew interlinear

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The
sacrificesזֶבַחzebach/zeh'-bakh/H2077properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
of
Godאֱלֹהִיםʼĕlôhîym/el-o-heem'/H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
are
a
brokenשָׁבַרshâbar/shaw-bar'/H7665to burst (literally or figuratively)
spirit:רוּחַrûwach/roo'-akh/H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)
a
brokenשָׁבַרshâbar/shaw-bar'/H7665to burst (literally or figuratively)
and
a
contriteדָּכָהdâkâh/daw-kaw'/H1794to collapse (phys. or mentally)
heart,לֵבlêb/labe/H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
O
God,אֱלֹהִיםʼĕlôhîym/el-o-heem'/H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
thou
wilt
not
despise.בָּזָהbâzâh/baw-zaw'/H959to disesteem

Topics

Affliction, Consolation UnderFormalismOfferingsPenitentRemorseRepentanceSacrifices

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Psalms 51:17.

Exodus 15:8

And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

Exodus 28:3

And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Genesis 1:2

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Frequently asked questions

What does Psalms 51:17 say?

Psalms 51:17 (King James Version) reads: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

Is Psalms 51:17 in the Old or New Testament?

Psalms 51:17 is in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Psalms.

Reflect

As you read Psalms 51:17, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

Plan a sermon or study on Psalms 51:17 →
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