View source for Psalm 51

{{Short description|Book of Psalms, chapter 51}}
{{About|the penitential psalm|the musical settings based on the psalm|Miserere (disambiguation)#Music}}
{{Psalm nr|51}}
{{Infobox musical composition
| name                = Psalm 51
| subtitle            = "Have mercy upon me, O God"
| type                = [[Penitential Psalms|Penitential Psalm]]
| image               = Holy Water Font.jpg
| image_upright       = 
| alt                 = 
| caption             = Latin text on a [[holy water font]]: see verse 9 below
| other_name          = {{plainlist|
* Psalm 50
* "Miserere mei, Deus"
}}
| text                = 
| language            = Hebrew (original)
| written             = 
| published           = 
}}
{{Bible chapter|letname=Psalm 51|previouslink= Psalm 50|previousletter= Psalm 50|nextlink= Psalm 52 |nextletter= Psalm 52| book= [[Book of Psalms]] | biblepart=[[Old Testament]] | booknum= 19 |hbiblepart= [[Ketuvim]] | hbooknum = 1 |category= [[Ketuvim|Sifrei Emet]]  | filename= |caption=}}
'''Psalm 51''', one of the [[penitential psalms]],<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qRtUqxkB7wkC&pg=PA1093 |title= Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible|editor-first=David Noel|editor-last=Freedman|year=2000|publisher= Amsterdam University Press|isbn= 9789053565032|page=1093}}</ref> is the 51st psalm of the [[Book of Psalms]], beginning in English in the [[King James Version]]: "Have mercy upon me, O God". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek [[Septuagint]] and Latin [[Vulgate]] translations of the [[Hebrew Bible]], this psalm is '''Psalm 50'''. In Latin, it is known as '''{{lang|la|Miserere}}''',<ref>[http://medievalist.net/psalmstxt/ps50.htm Parallel Latin/English Psalter / Psalmus 50 for (51)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707092132/http://www.medievalist.net/psalmstxt/ps50.htm |date=7 July 2017 }} medievalist.net</ref> ({{langx|grc|ἐλέησόν με ὁ θεός|eléēsón me ho Theós}}) in {{langx|grc|Ἥ Ἐλεήμων|Hḗ Eleḗmōn}}), especially in musical settings. The introduction in the text says that it was composed by [[David]] as a confession to [[God]] after he sinned with [[Bathsheba]].

The psalm forms a regular part of [[Judaism|Jewish]], [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Protestantism|Protestant]] liturgies.

==Background and themes==
Psalm 51 is based on the incident recorded in [[Books of Samuel|2 Samuel]], chapters 11–12.<ref name=guzik>{{cite web |url=https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-51/|title=Psalm 51 – Restoration of a Broken and Contrite King|first=David|last=Guzik|year=2018|access-date=28 November 2018|work=Enduring Word}}</ref> David's confession is regarded as a model for repentance in both [[Repentance in Judaism|Judaism]] and Christianity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sefaria.org.il/sheets/76697?lang=bi|title=King David – A Model for Teshuva?|author=Conservative Yeshiva Online|publisher=sefaria.org|access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref><ref name=jack>{{cite web |url=https://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2015/09/23/psalm-51-commentary-and-bible-study/|title=Psalm 51 Commentary and Bible Study|first=Jack|last=Wellman|date=23 September 2015|access-date=28 November 2018|work=[[Patheos]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://logia.org/logia-online/luther-on-the-psalm-51-by-pless2017|title=Luther on the Psalm 51 by Pless|date=10 April 2017|access-date=28 November 2018|publisher=logia.org}}</ref>

''[[Midrash Tehillim]]'' states that one who acknowledges that they have [[Jewish views on sin|sinned]] and is fearful and prays to God about it, as [[David]] did, will be forgiven. However, one who tries to ignore their sin will be punished by God.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.matsati.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Midrash-Tehillim-Psalms-51.pdf|title=Midrash Tehillim / Psalms 51|publisher=matsati.com|date=October 2012|access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref> The [[Talmud]], in [[Yoma]] 86b, cites verse 5 in the Hebrew (verse 3 in English versions—"My sin is always before me"—as a reminder to the penitent to maintain continual vigilance in the area in which they transgressed, even after they have [[Confession (Judaism)|confessed]] and been absolved.<ref>{{cite Talmud|Yoma|86b}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ou.org/torah/nach/nach-yomi/psalms_chapter_51/ |title=Psalms – Chapter 51|first=Rabbi Jack|last=Abramowitz|year=2018|work=[[Orthodox Union]]|access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref>

[[Charles Spurgeon]] wrote that Psalm 51 is called "The Sinner's Guide", as it shows the sinner how to return to God's grace.<ref name=spurgeon/> [[Athanasius of Alexandria]] recommended that this chapter be recited each night by some of his disciples.<ref name=spurgeon>{{cite web |url=https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/treasury-of-david/psalms-51-1.html|title=Psalm 51:1|first=Charles|last=Spurgeon|author-link=Charles Spurgeon|access-date=28 November 2018|work=Bible Study Tools}}</ref> According to [[James Montgomery Boice]], this psalm was recited by both [[Thomas More]] and [[Lady Jane Grey]] at their executions.<ref name=guzik/>
    
Parallels between Psalm 51 and the [[Ancient Egyptian]] ritual text ''[[Opening of the mouth ceremony]]'' have been pointed out by scholar [[Benjamin Urrutia]]. These include:<ref>{{citation|first=Benjamin|last=Urrutia|author-link=Benjamin Urrutia|title=Psalm 51 and the "Opening of the Mouth" Ceremony|journal=Scripta Hierosolymitana|publisher=[[Hebrew University of Jerusalem]]|volume=28|pages=222–223|year=1982}}</ref>
*Mentions of ritual washing with special herbs (verses 2, 7)
*Restoration of broken bones (verse 8)
*"O Lord, open my lips" (verse 15)
*Sacrifices (verses 16, 17, 19)

==Uses==
===New Testament===
Verse 4 is quoted in [[Romans 3|Romans]] {{bibleverse-nb|Romans|3:4}}.<ref>{{bibleverse|Romans|3:4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last= Kirkpatrick| first= A. F. | author-link=Alexander Kirkpatrick| title= The Book of Psalms: with Introduction and Notes |series=The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges | volume = Book IV and V: Psalms XC-CL | place = Cambridge |publisher= At the University Press | year = 1901 | pages = 839 | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=SLJzlHElr6cC | access-date= February 28, 2019}}</ref>

===Judaism===
Several verses from Psalm 51 are regular parts of Jewish liturgy. Verses (in Hebrew) 3, 4, 9, 13, 19, 20, and 21 are said in [[Selichot]]. Verses 9, 12, and 19 are said during {{transliteration|hbo|Tefillat Zakkah}} prior to the [[Kol Nidrei]] service on [[Yom Kippur]] eve. Verse 17, "O Lord, open my lips", is recited as a preface to the [[Amidah]] in all prayer services. Verse 20 is said by [[Ashkenazi Jews]] before the removal of the [[Sefer Torah]] from the ark on Shabbat and [[Jewish holidays|Yom Tov]] morning; it is also said in the {{transliteration|hbo|Atah Horaisa}} ("You have been shown") prayer recited before opening the ark on [[Simchat Torah]].<ref name=shim>{{cite web |url=https://www.halakhah.com/rst/pesukim.pdf|title=Shimush Pesukim: Comprehensive Index to Liturgical and Ceremonial Uses of Biblical Verses and Passages|first=Reuven|last=Brauner|year=2013|edition=2nd|pages=38–39}}</ref> In the [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardi]] liturgy, Psalm 51 is one of the additional psalms recited on [[Yom Kippur]] night.<ref name=ency>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pbuPJeQyeskC&pg=317|title=The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer: The Ashkenazic and Sephardic Rites|first=Macy|last=Nulman|year=1996|publisher=Jason Aronson|isbn=1461631246|page=317}}</ref>

Verse 4 is part of the [[Sukkot#Ushpizin and Ushpizata|Ushpizin]] ceremony on [[Sukkot]].<ref name=shim/>

In the {{transliteration|hbo|Siddur Avodas Yisroel}}, Psalm 51 is the [[Shir shel yom|Song of the Day]] for [[Special Shabbat#Shabbat Parah|Shabbat Parah]] and Shabbat [[Ki Tavo]]. This psalm is also said on Wednesday nights after the recital of {{transliteration|hbo|[[Aleinu]]}} in {{transliteration|hbo|[[Maariv]]}}.<ref name=shim/>

The entire psalm is part of [[Tikkun Chatzot]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://opensiddur.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Tikkun-%E1%B8%A4atzot-Nusa%E1%B8%A5-Ha-Ari-%E1%B8%A4aBaD.pdf |title= Tikkun Chatzot - The Midnight Rite|page=11|editor-first=Shmuel|editor-last=Gonzales|date=December 2010|access-date=November 27, 2018|publisher=[[Open Siddur Project]]}}</ref> It is also recited as a prayer for forgiveness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytehillim.com/Default.aspx?CategoryOption=True|title=Repentance|work=Daily Tehillim|access-date=October 13, 2018|archive-date=December 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214073606/http://www.dailytehillim.com/Default.aspx?CategoryOption=True|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Eastern Orthodox Church===
In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], Psalm 50 (Psalm 51 in the Masoretic Text) is an important penitential Psalm that is read several times every day: at [[Compline]], the [[Midnight Office]], [[Matins]], the [[Third Hour]], and in many traditional rules for private morning and evening prayer. It is read silently by the priest at the [[Divine Liturgy]], and it is also part of the rite of [[Holy Unction]] and the penitential service blessing a [[second marriage]]. Psalm 50/51 is part of the seventh [[Kathisma]] division of the Psalter, read at [[Matins]] on Tuesday mornings, as well as on Mondays and Thursdays during [[Lent]], at the [[Third Hour]] and [[Matins]], respectively.<ref>The Holy Psalter, Saint Ignatius Orthodox Press, 2022</ref>

===Coptic Orthodox Church===
In the [[Agpeya]], the [[Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria|Coptic Church]]'s [[book of hours]], it is recited at every office throughout the day as a prayer of confession and repentance.

===Catholic Church===
In [[Western Christianity]], Psalm 51 (using the [[Masoretic Text|Masoretic]] numbering) is also used liturgically.

In the [[Catholic Church]], this psalm may be assigned by a priest to a penitent as a [[penance]] after [[Confession (religion)|Confession]]. Verse 7 of the psalm is traditionally sung as the [[priest]] sprinkles [[holy water]] over the congregation before [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]], in a rite known as the {{lang|la|[[Asperges]] me}}, the first two words of the verse in [[Latin]]. For this, the priest uses an [[aspergillum]], held in the right hand, while an acolyte holds a pail, also called aspersorium or situla.<ref name="LoBello">{{cite book |last1=Lo Bello |first1=Anthony |title=The Origins of Catholic Words A Discursive Dictionary |date=January 24, 2020 |publisher=Catholic University of America Press |isbn=9780813232300 |page=52 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4a7QDwAAQBAJ |access-date=5 June 2023}}</ref> This reference lends a striking significance to the Mass as sacrifice, given that hyssop was used for the smearing of blood on the lintels at the first Passover.

In the [[Canonical hours|Divine Office]], it was traditionally said at [[Lauds]] on all [[feria]]s; the [[Reform of the Roman Breviary by Pope Pius X|1911 reform]] restricted this use to the ferias of [[Advent]], [[Septuagesima]], and [[Lent]], most [[Vigil (liturgy)|vigils]], as well as the Sundays from Septuagesima Sunday to [[Palm Sunday]] inclusive and the [[ember days]] of Advent, Lent, and September. It is otherwise said as part of the weekly cycle on Wednesday at [[Matins]]. In the [[Liturgy of the Hours]], it is prayed during [[Lauds]] (Morning Prayer) every Friday.

A section of verse 17 is often used as the [[invitatory]] antiphon in the [[Liturgy of the Hours]].

Parts of Psalm 51 are used as a [[responsorial psalm]] in both the [[Revised Common Lectionary]] and the Roman Catholic Lectionary<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20000817104115/http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/ Roman Catholic Lectionary]}}</ref> on [[Ash Wednesday]] and on other days.

====Indulgence====
In the Catholic Church, there is a 3-year [[indulgence]] for each recitation and a plenary indulgence if the prayer is recited for a month. The indulgence can also be spent in favor of the souls in Purgatory.<ref>(S. Paen. Ap., 9 March 1934). As cited in {{cite web|url=https://www-radiospada-org.translate.goog/2014/11/indulgenze-per-i-defunti-normativa-generale-e-per-il-mese-di-novembre/?_x_tr_sl=it&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=it&_x_tr_pto=wapp|language=it|title =Indulgences for the deceased: General regulations and for the month of November|date=2 November 2014}}</ref>

===Book of Common Prayer===
In the [[Church of England]]'s ''[[Book of Common Prayer]]'', Psalm 51 is appointed to be read on the morning of the tenth day of the month.<ref>Church of England, [https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/The%20Book%20of%20Common%20Prayer%201662.pdf Book of Common Prayer: The Psalter] as printed by [[John Baskerville]] in 1762, pp. 196ff</ref>

=== {{anchor|Neck-verse}}In English common law===
Psalm 51 was used for centuries as a judicial test of reading ability. This practice began as a means by which a defendant could claim to be a clergyman, and thus be subject only to ecclesiastical courts and not subject to the power of civil courts. This was called pleading the [[benefit of clergy]]. The Biblical passage traditionally used for the literacy test was the first verse of Psalm 51. Thus, an illiterate person who had memorized this psalm could also claim the benefit of clergy, and Psalm 51 became known as the "[[neck-verse]]" because knowing it could save one's neck by transferring one's case from a secular court, where [[hanging]] was a likely sentence, to an ecclesiastical court, where both the methods of trial and the sentences given were more lenient, for example, a sentence of [[penance]].<ref name=mullaney>See ''Mullaney v. Wilbur'', 421 U.S. 684, 692-93, 44 L.Ed.2d 508, 515-16, 95 S.Ct. 1881, 1886; (1975).</ref>

===In medicine===
It has been suggested that verse 7 "Purge me with [[ezov|hyssop]], and I shall be clean:" is an early example of the medical use of ''[[Penicillium]]'', the initial source of [[penicillin]].<ref name="Aronson">{{cite journal |last1=Aronson |first1=J. K. |title=Penicillin |journal=European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology |date=January 1992 |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=1–3 |doi=10.1007/BF00314911 |pmid=1541305 |url=https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/springer-journals/penicillin-W5LBcOqQcd |language=en |issn=0031-6970 |quote=Since ''Penicillium notatum'' was first isolated from its growth on hyssop in 1911, Selwyn has suggested that the mention in the Bible (Psalm 51, verse 7) of the therapeutic efficacy of the hyssop is an early example of the use of ''Penicillium''.|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Possibly since the [[Middle Ages]] (and recorded in medical literature as early as the 16th century), the supplication and submission conveyed in the psalm has been linked by some common people with the pain and despair of a patient suffering from [[fecal vomiting]], which received the vulgar name {{lang|la|"Miserere mei"}} or {{lang|la|"Miserere"}}, inspired by verse 3 ({{lang|la|"Miserere mei, Deus, secundum misericordiam tuam"}}).<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Acea Nebril |first=Benigno |date=March 2001 |title=Miserere colic (Miserere mei). Contribution on etymology and clinical features; hypothesis on its appearance in medical literature during centuries 17th-18th |journal=Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas |volume=93 |issue=3 |pages=176–185 |issn=1130-0108 |pmid=11469078 |quote=Parece clara una relación entre el término ''miserere'' y el salmo número 50.}}</ref> The condition is a common symptom of [[Bowel obstruction|intestinal obstruction]], which, without urgent surgical treatment, precedes the patient's death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=miserere |url=https://lekarske.slovniky.cz/lexikon-pojem/miserere |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Velký lékařský slovník}}</ref>

==Musical settings==
Psalm 51 was a frequently used text in [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[liturgical music]] before the [[Second Vatican Council]]. Most of the settings, which are often used at [[Tenebrae]], are in a simple [[falsobordone]] style. During the Renaissance many composers wrote settings. The earliest known polyphonic setting, probably dating from the 1480s, is by [[Johannes Martini]], a composer working in the [[House of Este|Este]] court in [[Ferrara]].<ref>Macey, p. 185</ref> The [[Miserere (Josquin)|extended polyphonic setting]] by [[Josquin des Prez]], probably written in 1503/1504 in Ferrara, was likely inspired by the prison meditation {{lang|la|[[Infelix ego]]}} by [[Girolamo Savonarola]], who had been [[Execution by burning|burned at the stake]] just five years before.{{Cn|date=May 2022}} Later in the 16th century [[Orlande de Lassus]] wrote an elaborate setting as part of his ''Penitential Psalms'', and [[Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina|Palestrina]], [[Andrea Gabrieli]], [[Giovanni Gabrieli]], and [[Carlo Gesualdo]] also wrote settings.<ref>Caldwell, Grove</ref>

[[Heinrich Schütz]] set Psalm 53 in a metred version in German, "Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott", SWV 150, as part of the ''[[Becker Psalter]]'', first published in 1628. [[Antonio Vivaldi]] may have written one or more settings, but such composition(s) have been lost, with only two introductory [[motet]]s remaining.

One of the best-known settings of Psalm 51 is the [[Miserere (Allegri)|17th century version]] by [[Roman School]] composer [[Gregorio Allegri]].<ref name=EB1911>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Allegri, Gregorio |volume=1 |page=690}}</ref> According to a popular story, [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]], aged only fourteen, heard the piece performed once, on April 11, 1770, and after going back to his lodging for the night was able to write out the entire score from memory.<ref name=EB1911/> He went back a day or two later with his draft to correct some errors.<ref>Sadie, Grove; Boorman, Grove</ref> That the final [[choir|chorus]] comprises a nine-part [[harmony]], with a five-voice choir and a four-voice choir singing simultaneously, underscores the prodigiousness of the young Mozart's musical genius. However, the only source of this story is a letter written by Leopold Mozart to his wife on April 14, 1770: and doubt has  been cast on it, as Allegri's setting was known in London, which Mozart had visited in 1764–65.

The piece is also noteworthy in having been transcribed erroneously by [[William Smith Rockstro]] as having numerous [[high C]]s in the [[Boy soprano|treble]] part.<ref>https://www.earlymusicsources.com/youtube/falsobordone Early Music Sources/Elam Rotem</ref> This interpolated version is nevertheless extremely popular and widely recorded.

Four settings were written by [[Marc-Antoine Charpentier]] (H.157, H.173, H.219, H.193-H.193 a). [[Louis-Nicolas Clérambault]] set one Miserere for soloists, chorus and continuo (organ) (date unknown). [[Charles-Hubert Gervais]] set one Miserere (1723–1744), [[Sébastien de Brossard]] set one {{lang|la|Miserere}} in 1688–89, [[André Campra]] set one {{lang|la|Miserere}} in 1726 and many by [[Michel Richard Delalande|Michel-Richard de Lalande]] (S.15, S.27, S.87, S.41/2, S.32/17, S.6/3), [[François Giroust]], set 5 {{lang|la|Miserere}}, [[Costanzo Festa]], [[Johann Sebastian Bach]], [[Giovanni Battista Pergolesi]] and [[Saverio Selecchy]]. [[Jan Dismas Zelenka]] wrote two elaborate settings (ZWV 56 and ZWV 57).

Modern composers who have written notable settings of Psalm 51 include [[Michael Nyman]], [[Arvo Pärt]], and [[James MacMillan]]. References in secular popular music include the [[Antestor]] song "Mercy Lord", from the album ''[[Martyrium (album)|Martyrium]]'' (1994), "In Manus Tuas" (''Salvation'' 2003) by the group [[Funeral Mist]], "White As Snow" (''[[Winter (Jon Foreman EP)|Winter]]'' 2008) by Jon Foreman, the song "Restore To Me" by [[Mac Powell]] Begin 2024 the Dutch women composer Annemieke Lustenhouwer completed a version for mixed four-part choir with harp accompaniment.

Verses 12–13 have been set to music as a popular Jewish inspirational song.{{by whom|date=April 2019}}{{year needed|date=April 2019}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/psalms-as-prayer/|title= Psalms as the Ultimate Self-Help Tool|first=Rabbi Simkha Y.|last=Weintraub|year=2018|access-date=November 27, 2018|work=My Jewish Learning}}</ref> Titled {{transliteration|he|Lev Tahor}} ("A pure heart"), this song is commonly sung at {{transliteration|he|[[Seudah Shlishit]]}} (the third [[Shabbat]] meal).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zemirotdatabase.org/view_song.php?id=115|title=Lev Tahor|work=Zemirot Database|access-date=November 27, 2018}}</ref>

==Text==
The following table shows the Hebrew text<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt2651.htm |title=Psalms – Chapter 51 |publisher=Mechon Mamre}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sefaria.org/Psalms.51?ven=The_Holy_Scriptures:_A_New_Translation_(JPS_1917)&lang=bi |title=Psalms 51 - JPS 1917 |publisher= [[Sefaria |Sefaria.org]]}}</ref> of the Psalm with vowels, alongside the [[Koine Greek]] text in the [[Septuagint]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Psalm 50 - Septuagint and Brenton's Septuagint Translation|url=https://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/septuagint/chapter.asp?book=24&page=50 |accessdate=3 March 2025 |publisher=Ellopos}}</ref> and the English translation from the [[King James Version]]. Note that the meaning can slightly differ between these versions, as the Septuagint and the [[Masoretic Text]] come from different textual traditions.<ref group="note">A [[Jewish Publication Society of America Version|1917 translation]] directly from Hebrew to English by the [[Jewish Publication Society]] can be found [https://mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt2651.htm here] or [https://www.sefaria.org/Psalms.51?ven=The_Holy_Scriptures:_A_New_Translation_(JPS_1917)&lang=bi here], and an [[The Septuagint version of the Old Testament (Brenton)|1844 translation]] directly from the Septuagint by [[Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton|L. C. L. Brenton]] can be found [https://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/septuagint/chapter.asp?book=24&page=50 here]. Both translations are in the [[public domain]].</ref> In the Septuagint, this psalm is numbered Psalm 50.
{| class=wikitable
|-
!#
!Hebrew
!English
!Greek
|-
| style="text-align:right" | {{efn|In the Jewish [[Chapters and verses of the Bible|verse numbering]], the [[Psalms#Superscriptions|ascription]] of this psalm is verses 1 and 2, and the rest of the psalm begins from verse 3. However, the Christian verse numbering does not count the ascription.}}
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|לַמְנַצֵּ֗חַ מִזְמ֥וֹר לְדָוִֽד׃}}}}
| (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David,
| {{Lang|grc|Εἰς τὸ τέλος· ψαλμὸς τῷ Δαυΐδ}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" |
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|בְּֽבוֹא־אֵ֭לָיו נָתָ֣ן הַנָּבִ֑יא כַּאֲשֶׁר־בָּ֝֗א אֶל־בַּת־שָֽׁבַע׃}}}}
| when [[Nathan (prophet)|Nathan the prophet]] came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.)
| {{Lang|grc|ἐν τῷ ἐλθεῖν πρὸς αὐτὸν Νάθαν τὸν προφήτην, ἡνίκα εἰσῆλθε πρὸς Βηρσαβεέ. -}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 1
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|חׇנֵּ֣נִי אֱלֹהִ֣ים כְּחַסְדֶּ֑ךָ כְּרֹ֥ב רַ֝חֲמֶ֗יךָ מְחֵ֣ה פְשָׁעָֽי׃}}}}
| Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
| {{Lang|grc|ΕΛΕΗΣΟΝ με, ὁ Θεός, κατὰ τὸ μέγα ἔλεός σου καὶ κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν σου ἐξάλειψον τὸ ἀνόμημά μου·}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 2
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|(הרבה) [הֶ֭רֶב] כַּבְּסֵ֣נִי מֵעֲוֺנִ֑י וּֽמֵחַטָּאתִ֥י טַהֲרֵֽנִי׃}}}}
| Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
| {{Lang|grc|ἐπὶ πλεῖον πλῦνόν με ἀπὸ τῆς ἀνομίας μου καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας μου καθάρισόν με.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 3
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|כִּֽי־פְ֭שָׁעַי אֲנִ֣י אֵדָ֑ע וְחַטָּאתִ֖י נֶגְדִּ֣י תָמִֽיד׃}}}}
| For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
| {{Lang|grc|ὅτι τὴν ἀνομίαν μου ἐγὼ γινώσκω, καὶ ἡ ἁμαρτία μου ἐνώπιόν μού ἐστι διαπαντός.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 4
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|לְךָ֤ לְבַדְּךָ֨ ׀ חָטָאתִי֮ וְהָרַ֥ע בְּעֵינֶ֗יךָ עָ֫שִׂ֥יתִי לְ֭מַעַן תִּצְדַּ֥ק בְּדׇבְרֶ֗ךָ תִּזְכֶּ֥ה בְשׇׁפְטֶֽךָ׃}}}}
| 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.
| {{Lang|grc|σοὶ μόνῳ ἥμαρτον καὶ τὸ πονηρὸν ἐνώπιόν σου ἐποίησα, ὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικήσῃς ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 5
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|הֵן־בְּעָו֥וֹן חוֹלָ֑לְתִּי וּ֝בְחֵ֗טְא יֶחֱמַ֥תְנִי אִמִּֽי׃}}}}
| Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
| {{Lang|grc|ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἐν ἀνομίαις συνελήφθην, καὶ ἐν ἁμαρτίαις ἐκίσσησέ με ἡ μήτηρ μου.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 6
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|הֵן־אֱ֭מֶת חָפַ֣צְתָּ בַטֻּח֑וֹת וּ֝בְסָתֻ֗ם חׇכְמָ֥ה תוֹדִיעֵֽנִי׃}}}}
| Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
| {{Lang|grc|ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἀλήθειαν ἠγάπησας, τὰ ἄδηλα καὶ τὰ κρύφια τῆς σοφίας σου ἐδήλωσάς μοι.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 7
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|תְּחַטְּאֵ֣נִי בְאֵז֣וֹב וְאֶטְהָ֑ר תְּ֝כַבְּסֵ֗נִי וּמִשֶּׁ֥לֶג אַלְבִּֽין׃}}}}
| Purge me with [[Ezov|hyssop]], and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
| {{Lang|grc|ῥαντιεῖς με ὑσσώπῳ, καὶ καθαρισθήσομαι, πλυνεῖς με, καὶ ὑπὲρ χιόνα λευκανθήσομαι.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 8
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|תַּ֭שְׁמִיעֵנִי שָׂשׂ֣וֹן וְשִׂמְחָ֑ה תָּ֝גֵ֗לְנָה עֲצָמ֥וֹת דִּכִּֽיתָ׃}}}}
| Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
| {{Lang|grc|ἀκουτιεῖς μοι ἀγαλλίασιν καὶ εὐφροσύνην, ἀγαλλιάσονται ὀστέα τεταπεινωμένα.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 9
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|הַסְתֵּ֣ר פָּ֭נֶיךָ מֵחֲטָאָ֑י וְֽכׇל־עֲוֺ֖נֹתַ֣י מְחֵֽה׃}}}}
| Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
| {{Lang|grc|ἀπόστρεψον τὸ πρόσωπόν σου ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν μου καὶ πάσας τὰς ἀνομίας μου ἐξάλειψον.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 10
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|לֵ֣ב טָ֭הוֹר בְּרָא־לִ֣י אֱלֹהִ֑ים וְר֥וּחַ נָ֝כ֗וֹן חַדֵּ֥שׁ בְּקִרְבִּֽי׃}}}}
| Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
| {{Lang|grc|καρδίαν καθαρὰν κτίσον ἐν ἐμοί, ὁ Θεός, καὶ πνεῦμα εὐθὲς ἐγκαίνισον ἐν τοῖς ἐγκάτοις μου.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 11
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|אַל־תַּשְׁלִיכֵ֥נִי מִלְּפָנֶ֑יךָ וְר֥וּחַ קׇ֝דְשְׁךָ֗ אַל־תִּקַּ֥ח מִמֶּֽנִּי׃}}}}
| Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
| {{Lang|grc|μὴ ἀποῤῥίψῃς με ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου σου καὶ τὸ πνεῦμά σου τὸ ἅγιον μὴ ἀντανέλῃς ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 12
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|הָשִׁ֣יבָה לִּ֭י שְׂשׂ֣וֹן יִשְׁעֶ֑ךָ וְר֖וּחַ נְדִיבָ֣ה תִסְמְכֵֽנִי׃}}}}
| Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
| {{Lang|grc|ἀπόδος μοι τὴν ἀγαλλίασιν τοῦ σωτηρίου σου καὶ πνεύματι ἡγεμονικῷ στήριξόν με.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 13
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה פֹשְׁעִ֣ים דְּרָכֶ֑יךָ וְ֝חַטָּאִ֗ים אֵלֶ֥יךָ יָשֽׁוּבוּ׃}}}}
| Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
| {{Lang|grc|διδάξω ἀνόμους τὰς ὁδούς σου, καὶ ἀσεβεῖς ἐπὶ σὲ ἐπιστρέψουσι.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 14
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤נִי מִדָּמִ֨ים ׀ אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים אֱלֹהֵ֥י תְשׁוּעָתִ֑י תְּרַנֵּ֥ן לְ֝שׁוֹנִ֗י צִדְקָתֶֽךָ׃}}}}
| Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
| {{Lang|grc|ρῦσαί με ἐξ αἱμάτων, ὁ Θεὸς ὁ Θεὸς τῆς σωτηρίας μου· ἀγαλλιάσεται ἡ γλῶσσά μου τὴν δικαιοσύνην σου.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 15
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|אֲ֭דֹנָי שְׂפָתַ֣י תִּפְתָּ֑ח וּ֝פִ֗י יַגִּ֥יד תְּהִלָּתֶֽךָ׃}}}}
| O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
| {{Lang|grc|Κύριε, τὰ χείλη μου ἀνοίξεις, καὶ τὸ στόμα μου ἀναγγελεῖ τὴν αἴνεσίν σου.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 16
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|כִּ֤י ׀ לֹא־תַחְפֹּ֣ץ זֶ֣בַח וְאֶתֵּ֑נָה ע֝וֹלָ֗ה לֹ֣א תִרְצֶֽה׃}}}}
| For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
| {{Lang|grc|ὅτι εἰ ἠθέλησας θυσίαν, ἔδωκα ἄν· ὁλοκαυτώματα οὐκ εὐδοκήσεις.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 17
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|זִ֥בְחֵ֣י אֱלֹהִים֮ ר֤וּחַ נִשְׁבָּ֫רָ֥ה לֵב־נִשְׁבָּ֥ר וְנִדְכֶּ֑ה אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים לֹ֣א תִבְזֶֽה׃}}}}
| The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
| {{Lang|grc|θυσία τῷ Θεῷ πνεῦμα συντετριμμένον, καρδίαν συντετριμμένην καὶ τεταπεινωμένην ὁ Θεὸς οὐκ ἐξουδενώσει.}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 18
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|הֵיטִ֣יבָה בִ֭רְצוֹנְךָ אֶת־צִיּ֑וֹן תִּ֝בְנֶ֗ה חוֹמ֥וֹת יְרוּשָׁלָֽ͏ִם׃}}}}
| Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
| {{Lang|grc|ἀγάθυνον, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ εὐδοκίᾳ σου τὴν Σιών, καὶ οἰκοδομηθήτω τὰ τείχη ῾Ιερουσαλήμ·}}
|-
| style="text-align:right" | 19
| style="text-align:right" | {{lang|hbo|{{Script/Hebrew|אָ֤ז תַּחְפֹּ֣ץ זִבְחֵי־צֶ֭דֶק עוֹלָ֣ה וְכָלִ֑יל אָ֤ז יַעֲל֖וּ עַל־מִזְבַּחֲךָ֣ פָרִֽים׃}}}}
| Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
| {{Lang|grc|τότε εὐδοκήσεις θυσίαν δικαιοσύνης, ἀναφορὰν καὶ ὁλοκαυτώματα· τότε ἀνοίσουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριόν σου μόσχους.}}
|-
|}

===Verse 17===
{{blockquote|The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.|Psalm 51:19 (verse 17 in many modern English translations)<ref>{{bibleverse|Psalm|51:19|HE}}: A Hebrew - English Bible
According to the Masoretic Text and the JPS 1917 Edition, Mechon Mamre</ref>}}

Verse 19 in the Hebrew (verse 17 in many modern English translations) suggests that God desires a "broken and contrite heart" more than he does sacrificial offerings. The idea of using brokenheartedness as a way to reconnect to God was emphasized in numerous teachings by Rebbe [[Nachman of Breslov]].<ref name=breslov/> In ''Sichot HaRan'' #41, Nachman taught: "It would be very good to be brokenhearted all day. But for the average person, this can easily degenerate into depression. You should therefore set aside some time each day for heartbreak. You should isolate yourself with a broken heart before God for a given time. But the rest of the day you should be joyful".<ref name=breslov>{{cite web |url=https://breslov.org/the-difference-between-heartbreak-and-depression/|title=The Difference Between Heartbreak and Depression|date=6 May 2009|access-date=28 November 2018|work=[[Breslov Research Institute|breslov.org]]}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Benefit of clergy#The Miserere]]
* [[Kentish Psalm]]
* [[Penitential Psalms]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
* John Caldwell: "Miserere", [[Stanley Boorman]], "Sources: MS", [[Stanley Sadie]], "Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus"; [[Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians|Grove Music Online]], ed. L. Macy (Accessed November 25, 2006), {{Subscription required}}
* Patrick Macey, ''Bonfire Songs: Savonarola's Musical Legacy.'' Oxford, Clarendon Press. 1998. {{ISBN|0-19-816669-9}}

==External links==
{{wiktionary|miserere}}
{{commons category}}
{{wikisource|Bible (King James)/Psalms#Psalm 51|Psalm 51}}
{{wikisourcelang|he|תהלים_נא}}
{{Wikisource1913CatholicEnc|Miserere}}
* {{IMSLP|work=Category:Pieces with text from Psalm 51|cname=Pieces with text from Psalm 51}}
* {{CPDL|work=Psalm 51}}
* Text of Psalm 51 according to the [http://www.commonprayer.org/offices/psalter/psalm51.cfm 1928 Psalter]
* [https://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt2651.htm Psalms Chapter 51] text in Hebrew and English, mechon-mamre.org
* [http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?aid=16272 Tehillim&nbsp;— Psalms 51 (Judaica Press)] translation with [[Rashi]]'s commentary at [[Chabad.org]]
* [http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/51 For the leader. A psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had gone in to Bathsheba. / Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love] text and footnotes, usccb.org United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
* [https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/treasury-of-david/psalms-51-1.html Psalm 51:1] introduction and text, biblestudytools.com
* [https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-51/ Psalm 51 – Restoration of a Broken and Contrite King] enduringword.com
* [https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/common-worship/daily-prayer/psalter/psalm-51 Psalm 51 / Refrain: The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.] [[Church of England]]
* [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2051 Psalm 51] at biblegateway.com
* [https://hymnary.org/browse/scripture/Psalms/51?sort=totalInstances Hymns for Psalm 51] hymnary.org
* [https://www.vatican.va/archive/bible/nova_vulgata/documents/nova-vulgata_vt_psalmorum_lt.html#PSALMUS%2050 Nova Vulgata version of Psalm 51(50)]

{{Psalms}}
{{Catholic Prayers}}

[[Category:Psalms|051]]
[[Category:Renaissance music]]
[[Category:Thomas More]]
[[Category:Lady Jane Grey]]