Psalms 51:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Cast me not away {H7993}{H8686)} from thy presence {H6440}; and take {H3947}{H8799)} not thy holy {H6944} spirit {H7307} from me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't thrust me away from your presence, don't take your Ruach Kodesh away from me.

Berean Standard Bible

Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

American Standard Version

Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy Spirit from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 51:11 is a profound and desperate plea from King David, uttered in the raw aftermath of his grievous sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. This verse encapsulates his deepest spiritual anguish: the fear of being utterly separated from God's manifest presence and the crushing loss of the divine empowerment of His Holy Spirit. It reveals a soul acutely aware that true life and kingly anointing are found only in intimate communion with the Creator, and that sin fundamentally jeopardizes this sacred relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 51 stands as a quintessential psalm of individual lament and confession, famously titled "A Prayer of Repentance." It is immediately preceded by the superscription attributing its composition to David "when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba." This places the psalm squarely within the narrative of David's profound moral failure and subsequent confrontation by the prophet Nathan (as detailed in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Confronts David")). The verses leading up to Psalms 51:11, particularly [Psalms 51:1-9](/psalms/51-1 "Psalms 51:1-9 - David's Confession and Plea for Cleansing"), establish David's deep conviction of sin, his recognition of its offense against God alone, and his earnest desire for cleansing and forgiveness. Verse 11, therefore, is not merely a request for pardon but a desperate cry for the preservation of his spiritual vitality and relationship with God, building on the preceding pleas for purification and restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is King David's reign in ancient Israel, a period marked by both divine favor and significant human failings. Kings in Israel were anointed by God's Spirit for their office, and the Spirit's presence was understood to be crucial for their leadership and prophetic insight. The concept of "presence" (Hebrew: *paniym*, literally "face") of God was deeply significant, often associated with His favor, blessing, and active engagement with His people, particularly in the tabernacle or temple. To be cast away from God's presence implied a loss of divine favor, a withdrawal of protection, and even a spiritual death, as exemplified by King Saul's spiritual decline after the Spirit departed from him ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). David, as both king and prophet, understood the indispensable nature of the Spirit's anointing for his calling and feared the ultimate consequence of his sin: the forfeiture of this divine enablement and intimate communion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 51 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **gravity of sin** not merely as a transgression of law but as a profound rupture in relationship with a holy God. David's fear of losing God's presence and Spirit underscores that sin's deepest wound is spiritual estrangement. Secondly, it emphasizes the **supreme value of God's presence and the Holy Spirit's work**. For David, God's active, empowering presence was more precious than his kingdom or even his life. This theme resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on God's desire for fellowship with humanity, from the [Garden of Eden](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man") to the promise of [God dwelling with His people in Revelation](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity"). Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **genuine repentance and spiritual restoration**. David's prayer is not for superficial forgiveness but for a deep, internal renewal, recognizing that true repentance yearns for the re-establishment of a pure heart and the joy of salvation, as expressed in [Psalms 51:10-12](/psalms/51-10 "Psalms 51:10-12 - David's Prayer for a Clean Heart and Steadfast Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Presence (Hebrew, _paniym'_):** This word literally means "face" and, by extension, refers to the manifest presence or favor of God. To be "cast away from thy presence" implies a profound spiritual exile, a loss of divine favor, guidance, and intimate fellowship. It is not merely a geographical distance from God's omnipresence, but a removal from His active, blessing, and empowering engagement with His servant. David's plea reflects his understanding that true life and effectiveness as king and prophet depend entirely on God's favorable countenance.
* **Holy Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach qodesh'_):** The term *ruach* can mean "wind," "breath," or "spirit," and *qodesh* means "holy" or "set apart." Combined, it refers to the divine, set-apart Spirit of God, which in the Old Testament was often given for specific tasks, anointing, or prophetic enablement, and could be withdrawn (e.g., from King Saul). David, having been anointed by the Spirit for his kingship and having experienced the Spirit's guidance in his life and prophetic utterances, understood that the cessation of this divine empowerment would render him utterly powerless and unable to fulfill his calling or live righteously. His fear is not of losing salvation, but of losing the divine enablement essential for his life and service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cast me not away from thy presence":** This clause expresses David's deepest fear: spiritual banishment from God's active favor and intimate fellowship. It implies a dread of losing the sense of God's nearness, guidance, and approval that he had previously enjoyed. For a king, this would mean the withdrawal of divine legitimacy and blessing, leading to spiritual barrenness and a life devoid of true purpose and joy. It highlights the profound relational cost of sin, not just its legal penalty.
* **"and take not thy holy spirit from me."**: This second clause is a parallel plea, specifically addressing the divine empowerment that enabled David to serve God. It reflects the Old Testament understanding that the Spirit's anointing was often given for specific purposes and could be withdrawn if a person proved unfaithful (as seen with Saul). David, acutely aware of his unfaithfulness, fears the cessation of the Spirit's empowering presence, recognizing that without it, he would be spiritually impotent, unable to lead, prophesy, or live in a manner pleasing to God. This is a cry for the preservation of his spiritual vitality and capacity for obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 51:11 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey David's profound anguish and desperate plea. The most prominent is **parallelism**, specifically **negative parallelism**, where the second clause ("and take not thy holy spirit from me") echoes and intensifies the first ("Cast me not away from thy presence") by expressing a similar idea in a slightly different form, emphasizing the dual nature of his fear: loss of fellowship and loss of divine empowerment. The phrase "thy presence" uses a form of **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (a face/presence) to God, making His active engagement and favor more tangible. The entire verse functions as a fervent **plea** or **supplication**, characterized by its direct address to God and its urgent, imperative tone, reflecting the depth of David's brokenness and his utter dependence on divine mercy. The intensity of his fear also borders on **hyperbole**, suggesting that spiritual separation and loss of the Spirit would be a fate worse than death itself, underscoring the supreme value he placed on his relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 51:11 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the supreme value of God's active presence and the indispensable role of His Spirit in human life and service. David's plea highlights the relational nature of sin, demonstrating that its most devastating consequence is not merely temporal punishment but spiritual estrangement from a holy God. While the Old Testament context suggests the Spirit's presence could be withdrawn for specific purposes or due to unfaithfulness, this verse foreshadows the New Covenant promise of a permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit for all believers, secured by Christ's atoning work. It underscores the continuous need for repentance and reliance on God's grace to maintain a vibrant spiritual walk, reminding us that though the Spirit's indwelling is permanent for believers, our fellowship can be hindered by unconfessed sin.

* [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")
* [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Helper, the Holy Spirit")
* [Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's raw and honest prayer in Psalms 51:11 serves as a timeless model for genuine repentance and a powerful reminder of the preciousness of our relationship with God. It challenges us to consider the true gravity of sin, not just as a violation of rules, but as an offense against a holy and loving God that can hinder our fellowship with Him. For believers today, while the Holy Spirit permanently indwells those who are in Christ, David's fear of losing God's "presence" and the "holy spirit" can be understood as a yearning to maintain a vibrant, unhindered communion with God and to avoid grieving the Spirit through unconfessed sin. It calls us to cultivate a deep awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, to cherish the indwelling Spirit, and to prioritize spiritual vitality above all else. This verse inspires us to regularly examine our hearts, confess our sins, and continually seek God's face, ensuring that our lives remain open vessels for His Spirit's empowering work, leading us in righteousness and joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does David's plea reveal about his understanding of God's presence and the Holy Spirit's role in his life?**
* **How does this verse challenge my own understanding of the gravity of sin and its impact on my relationship with God?**
* **In what ways might I be "grieving" or "quenching" the Holy Spirit in my life today, and what steps can I take to restore unhindered fellowship?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit daily?**

### FAQ
**Did David truly lose the Holy Spirit after his sin, or was he merely expressing a fear?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was often given for specific anointing and empowerment, particularly for kings, prophets, and judges, and could be withdrawn (as seen with King Saul in [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). David's plea in [Psalms 51:11](/psalms/51-11 "Psalms 51:11 - David's Plea Not to Lose God's Presence and Spirit") reflects a genuine fear that his grievous sin could lead to the cessation of this divine enablement, which was crucial for his kingship and prophetic ministry. While the text doesn't explicitly state the Spirit departed, David's deep anguish suggests he felt a profound spiritual distance and feared the loss of the Spirit's empowering presence, which would have rendered him unable to fulfill his God-given calling. His prayer is for the preservation of this vital relationship and anointing.

**Can believers today lose the Holy Spirit, as David feared?**

Answer: No, under the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit permanently indwells all who truly believe in Him. Passages like [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Helper, the Holy Spirit") and [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of God Dwells in Believers") affirm the Spirit's permanent indwelling. While believers cannot lose the Holy Spirit, we can "grieve the Holy Spirit" ([Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit")) or "quench the Spirit" ([1 Thessalonians 5:19](/1_thessalonians/5-19 "1 Thessalonians 5:19 - Do Not Quench the Spirit")) through unconfessed sin, disobedience, or neglect of spiritual disciplines. This grieving or quenching does not mean the Spirit departs, but rather that His work in our lives is hindered, diminishing our spiritual vibrancy, joy, and effectiveness, leading to a feeling of spiritual distance from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 51:11, with David's desperate plea for the retention of God's presence and Holy Spirit, finds its profoundest fulfillment in the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the Spirit's anointing was often temporary and selective, given for specific tasks or offices, and could seemingly be withdrawn due to sin, as David feared. However, Christ's atoning work on the cross and His subsequent resurrection and ascension inaugurated a new era. Through faith in Jesus, believers are not merely forgiven, but are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, as promised by Christ Himself, who declared that the Helper, the Spirit of truth, would "abide with you forever" ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Helper, the Holy Spirit")). This permanent indwelling means that God will never "cast us away from His presence" or "take His holy spirit from us" in the way David feared, because our standing is secured not by our fluctuating obedience, but by Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to us ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of our sin, ensuring that the divine presence and Spirit are irrevocably given to those in Him. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence among His people, the [Emmanuel, God with us](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us"), who mediates our access to the Father and pours out the Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - God Gives the Spirit Without Measure")). Thus, David's desperate prayer for retention becomes, for the believer in Christ, a glorious reality of permanent spiritual union and empowerment.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

2 Kings 13:23

And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

Isaiah 63:10

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them.

Isaiah 63:11

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying], Where [is] he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Genesis 6:3

¶ And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

John 14:26

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.