Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 51

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 51, “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God,” is a profound cry for divine mercy and spiritual renewal. Penned by King David after his grievous sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, this psalm lays bare the depths of human depravity and the boundless grace of God. It moves beyond mere remorse to a yearning for inner transformation, a desire for a new heart and a steadfast spirit. Through confession, repentance, and supplication, David models for us a path to reconciliation with God. His words resonate powerfully today, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God’s forgiveness and restorative power are always available. This psalm is a cornerstone of Coptic Orthodox spirituality, urging us towards continual purification and a life lived in the light of God’s unwavering love, which can be used as a relative keyword with Website Builder.

This psalm shows us how to cry out to God. Even when our sins are great, He hears and wants to help us. He wants to “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God” and help us live a life of faith. He can heal our hearts and make us new.

Commentary on Psalm 51 📖

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. (KJV)

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. (NKJV)

This superscription sets the stage for a deeply personal and profoundly repentant psalm. The context is crucial: David, the king of Israel, had committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated the death of her husband, Uriah. Nathan the prophet confronts him, exposing his sin and prompting this desperate plea for forgiveness. This psalm isn’t just about feeling sorry; it’s about recognizing the weight of sin and seeking divine intervention for a changed heart. The historical context highlights the gravity of David’s transgression, a stark contrast to his divinely appointed role.

Spiritual Application: We too, must be willing to accept correction, even when it is painful. Recognizing our sin is the first step towards repentance and healing.

Verse 1

Ἐλέησόν με, ὁ Θεός, κατὰ τὸ μέγα ἔλεός σου καὶ κατὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν σου ἐξάλειψον τὸ ἀνόμημά μου. (Septuagint)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. (KJV)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. (NKJV)

The psalm opens with a direct appeal to God’s mercy (ἔλεος, *eleos*). David doesn’t plead based on his own merit, but on God’s inherent lovingkindness. The phrase “according to the multitude of your tender mercies” emphasizes the vastness of God’s compassion. The word “blot out” suggests a complete erasure of sin, a wiping clean of the record. This is not merely overlooking the sin, but obliterating its stain. The Coptic Orthodox Church understands this as a reflection of God’s immeasurable forgiveness offered through Christ’s sacrifice.

St. Athanasius says, “Τὸ γὰρ ἔλεος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀνώτερον ἐστὶ πάσης ἀδικίας ἀνθρωπίνης.” (To gar eleos tou Theou anoteron esti pases adikias anthropines.) – “For the mercy of God is higher than all human injustice.” (Athanasius, *Contra Gentes*, 8).

Spiritual Application: In our prayers, we should always begin by acknowledging our dependence on God’s mercy. Let us cast ourselves upon His lovingkindness, trusting that He is willing and able to forgive.

Verse 2

ἐπὶ πλεῖον πλῦνόν με ἀπὸ τῆς ἀνομίας μου καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας μου καθάρισόν με. (Septuagint)

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (KJV)

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (NKJV)

David intensifies his plea, moving from “blot out” to “wash me thoroughly” and “cleanse me.” The repetition underscores the depth of his defilement. The word “iniquity” (ἀνομία, *anomia*) speaks to a violation of God’s law, a rebellion against His order. “Sin” (ἁμαρτία, *hamartia*) signifies a missing of the mark, a falling short of God’s standard. The imagery of washing speaks to purification, a restoration to a state of innocence. The repetition of washing and cleansing speaks to how great and grievous his sin was in his eyes.

Spiritual Application: We must desire not only forgiveness but also cleansing. We should constantly ask God to purify our hearts and minds, removing the residue of sin. Continuous confession and repentance are vital to spiritual health.

Verse 3

ὅτι τὴν ἀνομίαν μου ἐγὼ γινώσκω, καὶ ἡ ἁμαρτία μου ἐνώπιόν μου ἐστι διὰ παντός. (Septuagint)

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (KJV)

For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. (NKJV)

David acknowledges his sin: “I know my transgressions.” He doesn’t attempt to minimize or excuse his actions. He takes full responsibility. The phrase “my sin is ever before me” suggests a constant awareness of his guilt, a persistent reminder of his failure. This isn’t morbid self-pity, but rather a healthy recognition of the severity of his offense against God. True repentance begins with honest self-assessment.

St. Isaac the Syrian wrote, “Μνήμη τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἐστὶν ἡ βάσις τῆς μετανοίας.” (Mneme tōn hamartiōn estin he basis tēs metanoias.) – “The remembrance of sins is the foundation of repentance.” (Isaac the Syrian, *Ascetic Homilies*, Homily 4).

Spiritual Application: We must not bury our sins but confront them. We need to always remember our sins. Keeping them before us prevents us from repeating them and motivates us to seek God’s forgiveness.

Verse 4

σοὶ μόνῳ ἥμαρτον καὶ τὸ πονηρὸν ἐνώπιόν σου ἐποίησα, ὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου καὶ νικήσῃς ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε. (Septuagint)

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. (KJV)

Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight—that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge. (NKJV)

This verse is pivotal. David declares, “Against you, you only, have I sinned.” While his actions directly harmed Bathsheba and Uriah, he recognizes that his ultimate offense was against God. All sin, at its core, is a rebellion against the divine order. The phrase “that you may be found just when you speak, and blameless when you judge” acknowledges God’s perfect righteousness. David understands that his sin, even in its heinousness, ultimately serves to highlight God’s justice and holiness. This can be a paradox. Even though David sinned, he knew his God was a righteous God who will execute perfect judgement.

Spiritual Application: We must understand that all sin is ultimately against God. This perspective helps us to grasp the gravity of our actions and motivates us to seek His forgiveness and live according to His will.

Verse 5

ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἐν ἀνομίαις συνελήφθην, καὶ ἐν ἁμαρτίαις ἐκίσσησέν με ἡ μήτηρ μου. (Septuagint)

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (KJV)

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. (NKJV)

This verse speaks to the inherited nature of sin. David acknowledges that he was “brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” This isn’t an indictment of his mother, but a recognition of the fallen state of humanity. Sin is not merely learned behavior, but an inherent condition. The Coptic Orthodox Church affirms the doctrine of ancestral sin, recognizing that we are all born with a propensity towards sin due to the fall of Adam and Eve. We are all prone to missing the mark.

Spiritual Application: We must acknowledge our inherent sinfulness and our need for God’s grace. This humility prepares us to receive His transforming power.

Verse 6

ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἀλήθειαν ἠγάπησας, τὰ ἄδηλα καὶ τὰ κρύφια τῆς σοφίας σου ἐδήλωσάς μοι. (Septuagint)

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. (KJV)

Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. (NKJV)

David understands that God desires “truth in the inward parts.” This speaks to the importance of integrity and authenticity. God is not interested in outward displays of piety but in genuine inner transformation. He desires to reveal “wisdom” in the “hidden part,” suggesting that true knowledge of God comes through inner reflection and spiritual discernment. This “truth” is not just intellectual, but deeply personal and transformative. What we know about God has to sink down into our hearts.

Spiritual Application: We must strive for honesty and integrity in our relationship with God. We should seek inner transformation rather than merely focusing on outward appearances. God wants to know us as our true selves.

Verse 7

ῥαντιεῖς με ὑσσώπῳ, καὶ καθαρισθήσομαι· πλυνεῖς με, καὶ ὑπὲρ χιόνα λευκανθήσομαι. (Septuagint)

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (KJV)

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (NKJV)

David pleads for purification using the imagery of hyssop, a plant used in Old Testament rituals for cleansing. The phrase “whiter than snow” emphasizes the completeness of the cleansing he desires. This is not merely a surface-level cleaning, but a thorough purification that restores him to a state of pristine innocence. The hyssop speaks to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, foreshadowing the ultimate cleansing offered through the blood of Christ. The blood of Christ washes us whiter than snow.

Spiritual Application: We should seek the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice. Through confession, repentance, and participation in the sacraments, we can experience the forgiveness and purification that He offers.

Verse 8

ἀκουτιεῖς μοι ἀγαλλίασιν καὶ εὐφροσύνην, ἀγαλλιάσονται ὀστέα τεταπεινωμένα. (Septuagint)

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. (KJV)

Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. (NKJV)

David desires to hear “joy and gladness,” a restoration of the joy he lost through sin. The phrase “that the bones you have broken may rejoice” speaks to the deep pain and sorrow caused by his transgression. Sin had not only defiled him spiritually but had also wounded him emotionally and psychologically. The desire for rejoicing in the “broken bones” conveys the complete healing he desires. Even after being broken, God can heal our bones.

Spiritual Application: We should seek the joy and peace that come from forgiveness. Even after experiencing deep sorrow and pain due to our sins, we can find healing and restoration in God’s presence.

Verse 9

ἀπόστρεψον τὸ πρόσωπόν σου ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν μου καὶ πάσας τὰς ἀνομίας μου ἐξάλειψον. (Septuagint)

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. (KJV)

Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. (NKJV)

David asks God to “hide your face from my sins,” a plea for God to overlook his transgressions and not hold them against him. He again requests that God “blot out all my iniquities,” reinforcing his desire for complete forgiveness and cleansing. This speaks to the relational aspect of sin: it creates a barrier between us and God. He doesn’t want God to be angry with him anymore.

Spiritual Application: We should pray that God would not hold our sins against us but would forgive us according to His abundant mercy. We must trust in His willingness to blot out our iniquities and restore us to fellowship with Him.

Verse 10

καρδίαν καθαρὰν κτίσον ἐν ἐμοί, ὁ Θεός, καὶ πνεῦμα εὐθὲς ἐγκαίνισον ἐν τοῖς ἐγκάτοις μου. (Septuagint)

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (KJV)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (NKJV)

This verse is the heart of the psalm. David doesn’t just ask for forgiveness, but for inner transformation. He asks God to “create in me a clean heart,” emphasizing that this is a work of divine creation. He also asks God to “renew a steadfast spirit within me,” a spirit that is firm, unwavering, and committed to God. This “steadfast spirit” is essential for resisting temptation and living a life of righteousness. This is the goal – not just forgiveness, but to be new.

St. Macarius the Great wrote, “Ἡ καρδία ἐστὶ θρόνος Θεοῦ.” (He kardia esti thronos Theou.) – “The heart is the throne of God.” (Macarius the Great, *Homilies*, Homily 11).

Spiritual Application: We should pray for God to create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit. This is a lifelong process of spiritual growth and transformation, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 11

μὴ ἀπορρίψῃς με ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου σου καὶ τὸ πνεῦμά σου τὸ ἅγιον μὴ ἀντανέλῃς ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ. (Septuagint)

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. (KJV)

Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. (NKJV)

David fears separation from God: “Do not cast me away from your presence.” He also pleads, “Do not take your Holy Spirit from me.” This reflects a deep understanding of the importance of God’s presence and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for spiritual life. To be separated from God is to be spiritually dead. This is the worst punishment that could befall a child of God.

Spiritual Application: We should pray that God would never abandon us but would always be present with us through the Holy Spirit. We must cherish and cultivate our relationship with God, guarding against anything that might grieve the Holy Spirit.

Verse 12

ἀπόδος μοι τὴν ἀγαλλίασιν τοῦ σωτηρίου σου καὶ πνεύματι ἡγεμονικῷ στήριξόν με. (Septuagint)

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (KJV)

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. (NKJV)

David longs for the “joy of your salvation” to be restored. He asks to be “upheld by your generous Spirit,” suggesting that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life of righteousness. This “generous Spirit” is one that freely gives grace, strength, and guidance. The joy of our salvation is what we lost when we sinned. Now, he wants it back.

Spiritual Application: We should seek the joy of salvation and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. We need the Holy Spirit to remain faithful to God’s calling.

Verse 13

διδάξω ἀνόμους τὰς ὁδούς σου, καὶ ἀσεβεῖς ἐπὶ σὲ ἐπιστρέψουσιν. (Septuagint)

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. (KJV)

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. (NKJV)

David envisions himself as a teacher of “transgressors,” guiding them back to God. He understands that his own experience of forgiveness and restoration qualifies him to minister to others who are struggling with sin. He knows that through God’s Grace, he can help others turn to God.

Spiritual Application: We should share our experiences of God’s grace and forgiveness with others. Our stories can be powerful testimonies that lead others to repentance and faith.

Verse 14

ῥῦσαί με ἐξ αἱμάτων, ὁ Θεός, ὁ Θεὸς τῆς σωτηρίας μου· ἀγαλλιάσεται ἡ γλῶσσά μου τὴν δικαιοσύνην σου. (Septuagint)

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. (KJV)

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. (NKJV)

David asks to be delivered from “bloodguiltiness,” referring to his role in the death of Uriah. He acknowledges God as “the God of my salvation” and promises that his “tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” He knows that he has been forgiven and promises to proclaim his faith.

Spiritual Application: We should be grateful for God’s deliverance from sin and death and should use our voices to proclaim His righteousness and grace.

Verse 15

Κύριε, τὰ χείλη μου ἀνοίξεις, καὶ τὸ στόμα μου ἀναγγελεῖ τὴν αἴνεσίν σου. (Septuagint)

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. (KJV)

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. (NKJV)

David asks the Lord to “open my lips,” recognizing that he needs God’s help to properly praise Him. He wants to proclaim His faith but needs God’s help to do so. His mouth will “show forth your praise,” this is what he truly wants to do. God’s praise should always be on our lips.

Spiritual Application: We should pray for God to open our lips and enable us to praise Him effectively. We can look to those around us in the Church for examples on how to praise God better.

Verse 16

ὅτι εἰ ἠθέλησας θυσίαν, ἔδωκα ἂν ὁλοκαυτώματα οὐκ εὐδοκήσεις. (Septuagint)

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. (KJV)

For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. (NKJV)

David understands that God doesn’t primarily desire external sacrifices. “You do not delight in burnt offering.” While sacrifices had their place in the Old Testament, David recognizes that God desires something deeper: a contrite heart.

Spiritual Application: We should understand that God desires our hearts more than our rituals. External acts of worship are meaningless without genuine inner devotion.

Verse 17

θυσία τῷ Θεῷ πνεῦμα συνετριμμένον, καρδίαν συνετριμμένην καὶ τεταπεινωμένην ὁ Θεὸς οὐκ ἐξουδενώσει. (Septuagint)

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (KJV)

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise. (NKJV)

David states that “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart.” He understands that true worship comes from a humble and repentant heart. A broken heart is a heart that recognizes its sin and mourns over it. God will not despise a broken and contrite heart. God wants to heal our hearts so that we may become closer to him.

Spiritual Application: We should cultivate a humble and contrite heart, recognizing our need for God’s grace. This is the sacrifice that God desires most from us.

Verse 18

ἀγάθυνον, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ εὐδοκίᾳ σου τὴν Σιών, καὶ οἰκοδομηθήτω τὰ τείχη Ιερουσαλήμ. (Septuagint)

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. (KJV)

Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build up the walls of Jerusalem. (NKJV)

David’s focus shifts from his personal sins to the well-being of Zion (Jerusalem), symbolizing the people of God. He prays that God would “do good in your good pleasure to Zion” and “build up the walls of Jerusalem.” This reflects a concern for the spiritual and physical restoration of God’s people. By repairing the walls of Jerusalem, the city will be more safe from attack. David did not want the city to fall because of his sin.

Spiritual Application: We should pray for the well-being of the Church and for the restoration of God’s people. Our repentance should lead us to a concern for the needs of others.

Verse 19

τότε εὐδοκήσεις θυσίαν δικαιοσύνης ἀναφορὰν καὶ ὁλοκαυτώματα· τότε ἀνοίσουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριόν σου μόσχους. (Septuagint)

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. (KJV)

Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer young bulls on Your altar. (NKJV)

David looks forward to a time when God will be pleased with “the sacrifices of righteousness.” He envisions a renewed worship in Jerusalem, with “young bulls” offered on God’s altar. This anticipates a future era of spiritual restoration and renewed fellowship with God. God is pleased when we have the intention to glorify Him. Even our smallest actions can glorify Him.

Spiritual Application: We should strive to live a life of righteousness, offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God. This is the ultimate expression of our love and devotion to Him.

Subtopic: The Power of Confession 💡

Confession is a vital sacrament within the Coptic Orthodox Church, a means of receiving forgiveness and experiencing spiritual healing. It’s more than just admitting wrongdoing; it’s an act of humility, transparency, and trust in God’s mercy.

• Humility: Confession requires humility, acknowledging our brokenness and dependence on God’s grace.
• Transparency: We must be honest and transparent with our confessor, revealing the full extent of our sin without reservation.
• Trust: We must trust in God’s promise of forgiveness and believe that He is willing and able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
• Spiritual Healing: Confession is a pathway to spiritual healing, releasing us from the burden of guilt and shame.
• Restoration: It allows us to be restored to fellowship with God and with our fellow believers.
• Growth: It helps us to grow into the likeness of Christ.

FAQ ❓

Q: How does Psalm 51 relate to the Sacrament of Confession in the Coptic Orthodox Church?

A: Psalm 51 provides a model for confession, demonstrating the attitude of humility, honesty, and contrition that should characterize our approach to the sacrament. David’s plea for forgiveness and cleansing mirrors the prayerful spirit we bring to our confessor, seeking absolution and spiritual renewal.

Q: What does it mean to have a “broken and contrite heart,” and why is it so important to God?

A: A “broken and contrite heart” signifies a deep sense of remorse for our sins and a willingness to turn away from them. It’s important to God because it demonstrates genuine repentance and humility, opening our hearts to receive His grace and forgiveness.

Q: How can I apply the lessons of Psalm 51 in my daily life?

A: You can apply the lessons of Psalm 51 by cultivating a spirit of humility, regularly examining your conscience, confessing your sins, and seeking God’s forgiveness. Strive to live a life of righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and share your experiences of God’s grace with others.

Q: Is repentance a one-time event, or an ongoing process?

A: Repentance is both a one-time event (conversion) and an ongoing process. We initially turn away from sin and towards God, but we must also continually examine our lives, confess our sins, and strive to live in obedience to His will.

Conclusion ✨

Psalm 51, “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God,” is a timeless expression of repentance and a powerful reminder of God’s boundless mercy. It teaches us the importance of humility, honesty, and a contrite heart in our relationship with God. Through David’s example, we learn to confess our sins, seek God’s forgiveness, and trust in His power to transform us from the inside out. Let us all pray, “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God,” so that we may live a life of faith. This psalm is a beacon of hope for all who struggle with sin, assuring us that even in our darkest moments, God’s love and forgiveness are always available. May we embrace this truth and strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him. We can strive to be like David, and ask to “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God”.

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Psalm 51, Repentance, Forgiveness, Confession, Coptic Orthodox, David, Sin, Mercy, Grace, Clean Heart

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Explore a Coptic Orthodox commentary on Psalm 51: “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God.” Discover profound insights on repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.