51:1   Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins!

51:2   Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin!

51:3   I recognize my faults; I am always conscious of my sins.

51:4   I have sinned against you---only against you--- and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me.

51:5   I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful.

51:6   Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom.

51:7   Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

51:8   Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you have crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again.

51:9   Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all my evil.

51:10   Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me.

51:11   Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me.

51:12   Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

51:13   Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you.

51:14   Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness.

51:15   Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you.

51:16   You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings.

51:17   My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart.

51:18   O God, be kind to Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

51:19   Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifices and with our burnt offerings; and bulls will be sacrificed on your altar.