Biblical Reference:
The phrase "Create in me a clean heart, O God" is found in Psalm 51:10. This psalm is attributed to King David and is a poignant expression of repentance and a plea for divine forgiveness and renewal following his sin with Bathsheba.

Context and Background:
Psalm 51 is one of the penitential psalms, traditionally understood to have been composed by David after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11-12). The psalm reflects David's deep remorse and his understanding of the gravity of his sin against God.

Textual Analysis:
In Psalm 51:10, David cries out, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" . The use of the word "create" (Hebrew: בָּרָא, bara) is significant, as it is the same word used in Genesis 1:1 to describe God's creation of the heavens and the earth. This implies a request for a divine act of creation, suggesting that David is asking for a transformation that only God can accomplish.

The term "clean heart" indicates a desire for purity and moral integrity. In the Hebrew understanding, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. David's plea is for a heart that is free from the stain of sin and aligned with God's will.

The phrase "renew a right spirit within me" further emphasizes the need for spiritual renewal. The "right spirit" (Hebrew: נָכוֹן, nachon) suggests a steadfast, firm, and faithful spirit, one that is unwavering in its devotion to God.

Theological Significance:
This verse highlights the necessity of divine intervention in the process of repentance and sanctification. It underscores the belief that true transformation and cleansing from sin are acts of God’s grace. Human effort alone is insufficient to achieve the purity of heart that God desires.

David's prayer reflects a deep understanding of the nature of sin and the need for God's mercy. It acknowledges that sin is not merely a violation of divine law but a corruption of the heart that requires God's creative power to restore.

Application for Believers:
For Christians, this verse serves as a model for repentance and a reminder of the need for ongoing spiritual renewal. It encourages believers to seek God's cleansing and to rely on His power to transform their hearts and lives. The verse is often used in personal prayers and liturgies as an expression of the desire for holiness and a closer relationship with God.

Related Scriptures:
· Ezekiel 36:26: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
· 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!"
· 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Historical and Liturgical Use:
Throughout church history, Psalm 51 has been used in various liturgical settings, particularly during Lent and other penitential seasons. It is often recited in services of confession and repentance, reflecting its enduring significance in the life of the church.

Conclusion:
The plea "Create in me a clean heart, O God" remains a powerful expression of the human need for divine grace and transformation. It captures the essence of repentance and the hope of renewal that is central to the Christian faith.