Psalm 51[a] For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy on me, O God,     according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion     blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity     and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,     and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned     and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict     and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth,     sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;     you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;     wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness;     let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins     and blot out all my iniquity.