Psalms 51:15-17

15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 My sacrifice, O God, is^[a] a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

Psalms 51:15-17 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 51:15-17 In-Context

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.

14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

18 May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 4:15; Psalms 9:14
• 2. S 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalms 40:6
• 3. Proverbs 15:8; Haggai 2:14
• 4. Matthew 11:29; Psalms 34:18

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "The sacrifices of God are"