Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
(2 Samuel 12:1–12)

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David (beloved). When Nathan (giver) the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba (daughter of an oath).

1 Have mercy on me (Be gracious to me),a O God {Elohim},

according to Your loving devotion;

according to Your great compassion,

blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me clean of my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

3For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me.

4Against You, You only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in Your sight,

so that You may be proved right when You speak

and blameless when You judge [and victorious when You judge].b

5Surely I was brought forth in iniquity;

I was sinful when my mother conceived me.

6Surely You desire truth in the inmost being;

You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones You have crushed rejoice.

9Hide Your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God {Elohim},

and renew a right spirit {ruach} within me.

11Cast me not away from Your presence;

take not Your Holy Spirit {Ruach} from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

and sustain me with a willing spirit {ruach}.

13Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

and sinners will return to You.

14Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God {Elohim},

the God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.

15O Lord {Adonai}, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare Your praise.

16For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

You take no pleasure in burnt offerings.

17The sacrifices of God {Elohim} are a broken spirit {ruach};

a broken and a contrite heart,

O God, You will not despise.

18In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper;

build up the walls of Jerusalem (city of peace).

19Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices,

in whole burnt offerings;

then bulls will be offered on Your altar.