Psalm 51 — O God Be Merciful to Me
Theological Analysis
A metrical versification of Psalm 51, David's great penitential psalm after his sin with Bathsheba. The most profound expression of repentance in all of Scripture. It teaches total dependence on God's mercy, the depth of human sinfulness, and the transforming power of divine forgiveness.
✓ Theological Strengths
- Direct versification of inspired Scripture — Psalm 51
- The greatest penitential psalm in the Bible
- Teaches complete dependence on God's mercy for salvation
- Honest about the depth and pervasiveness of sin
- Models true repentance — broken and contrite heart
- Contains key doctrine: 'in sin did my mother conceive me'
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Full Lyrics
O God, be merciful to me,
Because of thy great grace;
And the abundance of thy love
Let my transgressions raze.
Me cleanse from sin, and throughly wash
From mine iniquity;
For my transgressions I confess;
My sin I ever see.
'Gainst thee, thee only, have I sinned,
In thy sight done this ill;
That when thou speak'st thou may'st be just,
And clear in judging still.
Behold, I in iniquity
Was formed the womb within;
My mother also me conceived
In guiltiness and sin.
Behold, thou in the inward parts
With truth delighted art;
And wisdom thou shalt make me know
Within the hidden part.
Do thou with hyssop sprinkle me,
I shall be cleansed so;
Yea, wash thou me, and then I shall
Be whiter than the snow.
Of gladness and of joyfulness
Make me to hear the voice;
That so these very bones which thou
Hast broken may rejoice.
A clean heart, O my God, in me
Create thou, and renew
A right and constant spirit, Lord,
Within the heart of me.
Cast me not from thy presence, Lord;
Take not thy Spirit blest
Away from me: restore to me
Joy of thy saving rest.
O Lord my God, do thou my lips
In mercy open wide;
And then my mouth shall to the world
Thy praises show with pride.
This hymn is in the public domain.
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