Psalms 51:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

O Lord {H136}, open {H6605}{H8799)} thou my lips {H8193}; and my mouth {H6310} shall shew forth {H5046}{H8686)} thy praise {H8416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai, open my lips; then my mouth will praise you.

Berean Standard Bible

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

American Standard Version

O Lord, open thou my lips; And my mouth shall show forth thy praise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 51:15 is a fervent plea from King David, uttered from the depths of his penitence after his egregious sins with Bathsheba and Uriah. It expresses a profound desire for divine intervention to restore his spiritual capacity for genuine worship. David recognizes that his lips, once stained by sin and silenced by guilt, cannot offer true praise without God's gracious act of "opening" them, signifying a spiritual liberation that enables his mouth to joyfully proclaim God's praise and redemptive power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Psalm 51, widely regarded as the quintessential biblical psalm of repentance. It follows David's earnest pleas for spiritual cleansing and the renewal of a right spirit and steadfast heart, as expressed in earlier verses like his cry for purification in [Psalms 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalms 51:7 - Cleansing from Sin") and his prayer for a clean heart in [Psalms 51:10](/psalms/51-10 "Psalms 51:10 - A Clean Heart and Steadfast Spirit"). Having confessed his profound guilt and experienced the crushing weight of God's displeasure, David transitions from a focus on internal purification to the outward expression of a restored relationship. The psalm's progression from confession and a longing for inner transformation to a desire for renewed public worship and testimony—culminating in a prayer for the restoration of Jerusalem and its sacrifices—indicates a holistic understanding of repentance and restoration that encompasses both personal and communal dimensions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The traditional superscription attributes Psalm 51 to David immediately following the prophet Nathan's confrontation regarding his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite. These events are meticulously detailed in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David's Sin") and Nathan's subsequent rebuke in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan's Rebuke"). In ancient Israelite culture, sin, particularly by a king, carried immense public ramifications, affecting not only the individual but also the entire covenant community. Guilt could lead to a profound sense of separation from God and an inability to participate authentically in communal worship. David's prayer reflects a deep understanding of the covenant relationship, where sin breaks fellowship and silences the voice of praise. His plea for God to "open" his lips underscores the cultural understanding that true worship was not merely ritualistic but flowed from a heart in right standing with God, a standing that only divine grace and forgiveness could restore.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 51:15 encapsulates several pivotal themes prevalent in the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **divine enablement of worship**: true praise is not a human achievement but a divine gift, flowing from a heart renewed and empowered by God. David acknowledges his spiritual inability to praise genuinely without God's direct intervention. Secondly, it speaks to the **restoration of spiritual vitality**: sin stifles spiritual expression and fellowship, and David yearns for the renewed capacity to declare God's goodness, a clear sign of his spiritual life being rekindled. This restoration is not solely for personal relief but fundamentally for the **purpose of glorifying God**. Forgiveness is not an end in itself but a means to restore the worshiper to their intended purpose: to "shew forth thy praise," thereby testifying to God's boundless mercy and transforming power. This aligns seamlessly with the broader biblical emphasis that salvation leads to a life of worship and witness, as powerfully articulated in passages like [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **open (Hebrew, _pâthach'_ H6605):** This primitive root signifies "to open wide," "to loosen," or "to set free," applicable literally or figuratively. In this context, it implies a spiritual blockage or constraint on David's lips, not a physical inability to speak. His overwhelming guilt and estrangement from God have effectively silenced his capacity for genuine, heartfelt praise. The plea for God to "open" his lips is thus a request for divine intervention to remove this spiritual impediment, to liberate his tongue for its divinely intended purpose of worship. It profoundly underscores that true worship is not forced or mechanical but flows spontaneously from a heart freed by divine grace.
* **lips (Hebrew, _sâphâh'_ H8193):** This term primarily refers to the physical "lip" as a natural boundary, but by strong implication, it denotes "language" or "speech." In Psalms 51:15, "lips" functions as a metonymy for David's entire capacity for vocal expression, particularly in worship. His lips, which might have been used for sinful speech or were now sealed by the weight of his transgression, represent his silenced spiritual voice. The request to open them is a desire for the restoration of his ability to articulate praise, to speak words of adoration that are acceptable to God.
* **shew forth (Hebrew, _nâgad'_ H5046):** This primitive root means "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by strong implication, "to manifest" or "to announce" (always by word of mouth to one present). It conveys the idea of declaring, proclaiming, or making known in an outward, public, and emphatic manner. David is not merely seeking to feel praise internally but to articulate it, to make God's praise manifest to others. This implies a desire for his restored life to be a public testimony to God's forgiveness and redemptive power, a witness to others of God's boundless mercy and faithfulness. It signifies a movement beyond private devotion to public proclamation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O Lord, open thou my lips":** This clause is a direct, earnest, and deeply personal plea to God. The vocative "O Lord" (ʼĂdônây, H136) emphasizes God's sovereign authority, His unique power, and His ability to act decisively in David's spiritual condition. David recognizes his own spiritual impotence; his lips, which should have been instruments of praise, are now rendered incapable of offering true, heartfelt worship due to the burden of his sin. The request to "open" them signifies a desire for spiritual liberation, for God to remove the impediment of sin that has stifled his worship and silenced his voice. It is a profound prayer for divine enablement, acknowledging that genuine praise is not a human effort but a gracious gift from God, flowing solely from a renewed and unburdened heart.
* **"and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise":** This second clause expresses the intended outcome and ultimate purpose of the divine intervention requested in the first. Once God has graciously "opened" David's lips, his mouth will naturally, joyfully, and unreservedly "shew forth" or proclaim God's praise. This is not a conditional statement ("if You open, then I will praise") but a confident declaration of the inevitable and overflowing result of God's restorative grace. A heart cleansed, forgiven, and liberated by God's mercy cannot but overflow with adoration and public testimony to His goodness, faithfulness, and redemptive power. It powerfully highlights that the ultimate purpose of forgiveness and spiritual restoration is to enable the believer to glorify God through a life of worship and witness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 51:15 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound spiritual message. The most prominent device is **Metonymy**, where "lips" and "mouth" serve as stand-ins for David's entire capacity for vocal expression and, by extension, his ability to worship and bear witness. David is not merely requesting a physical opening, but a spiritual unburdening that enables authentic praise. This is further enhanced by **Personification**, as the "mouth" is depicted as actively "showing forth" or proclaiming praise, attributing agency to what is typically an instrument. The phrase "open thou my lips" also functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual liberation and divine enablement; it is not a literal physical opening but a divine act that removes the spiritual blockage caused by sin, allowing the free flow of authentic worship. The overall structure of the verse presents a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: God's divine action ("open thou my lips") directly leads to the worshiper's joyous and inevitable response ("my mouth shall shew forth thy praise"), emphasizing God's initiative in enabling and empowering human worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects the act of repentance and divine forgiveness with the purpose of worship and witness. It reveals that true praise is not merely an emotional outburst or a ritualistic duty but the natural, spontaneous overflow of a heart reconciled to God. Sin silences, isolates, and stifles spiritual expression, but God's grace liberates the voice of adoration. Theologically, it underscores God's active and indispensable role in enabling human worship; we cannot truly praise Him in our own strength, especially when burdened by unconfessed sin. Our ability to declare His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness is a direct result of His cleansing and restorative work. This concept resonates throughout scripture, emphasizing that a life transformed by God's grace inevitably leads to a life of worship and witness, demonstrating His power and mercy to the world.

* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "The Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Isaiah 6:5-7](/isaiah/6-5-7 "Isaiah's Cleansing and Commission")
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Confession and Belief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 51:15 offers a timeless and deeply resonant model for believers grappling with the aftermath of sin, spiritual dryness, or a sense of estrangement from God. It powerfully reminds us that our capacity for genuine, heartfelt worship is inextricably intertwined with the state of our hearts and the health of our relationship with God. When we allow sin to linger unconfessed, it not only grieves the Holy Spirit but also effectively "closes" our spiritual lips, making authentic praise feel distant, forced, or even impossible. David's humble plea encourages us to acknowledge our spiritual impotence in such moments and to humbly ask God to intervene, to "open" our lips by His sovereign grace, cleansing us and restoring our fellowship with Him. The ultimate goal of this restoration is not merely personal peace or relief from guilt, but the renewed ability to "shew forth His praise," making our lives a vibrant, living testimony to His forgiveness, boundless mercy, and transformative power. This verse challenges us to honestly consider if our lives are truly proclaiming God's praise, and if not, to diligently seek the divine cleansing and enablement that makes such authentic proclamation possible and overflowing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might unconfessed sin, spiritual apathy, or unresolved bitterness be "closing" your lips to genuine praise and worship today?**
* **What does it practically mean for God to "open" your lips in your current spiritual journey, and how might you actively seek that divine enablement?**
* **How does your restored relationship with God manifest in your outward expression of praise and your testimony to others in your daily life?**
* **Beyond personal benefit, what is the ultimate, God-glorifying purpose of God restoring your ability to praise Him?**

### FAQ

**Why does David need God to "open" his lips?**

Answer: David's need for God to "open" his lips is not a physical request but a profound spiritual one. After his grievous sins of adultery and murder, David experienced deep guilt, shame, and a profound sense of estrangement from God. This spiritual burden had effectively "silenced" his capacity for genuine, heartfelt praise. His lips, which should have been instruments of worship and testimony, were rendered incapable of offering acceptable praise due to his unconfessed sin and broken fellowship with God. Therefore, "opening his lips" signifies a divine act of cleansing, forgiveness, and spiritual liberation, allowing the flow of authentic worship from a renewed heart. It acknowledges that true worship is not a human effort or a mere ritual, but a divine enablement, flowing from a reconciled relationship with God, as beautifully illustrated in David's own experience of confession and forgiveness in [Psalms 32:3-5](/psalms/32-3-5 "Psalms 32:3-5 - David's Confession and Forgiveness").

**What does "my mouth shall shew forth thy praise" imply about the nature of worship?**

Answer: This phrase implies that true worship is not merely an internal feeling, a private devotion, or a silent contemplation; it is inherently meant to be outwardly expressed, declared, and proclaimed. The Hebrew verb "shew forth" (נגד, _nâgad_) means to declare, proclaim, or make known publicly and emphatically. Once God has removed the impediment of sin and restored David's spiritual vitality and fellowship, his natural and inevitable response is to publicly declare God's goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. This highlights that worship is inherently testimonial and evangelistic. A heart transformed and liberated by divine grace cannot help but overflow with praise, becoming a living witness to God's redemptive power and character. It signifies that the purpose of forgiveness and restoration is not just personal relief but also the restoration of one's capacity to glorify God and share His marvelous works with others, echoing the biblical call to be a "light to the nations" as seen in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 51:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's desperate plea for God to "open" his lips, recognizing his inherent inability to offer acceptable praise due to the pervasive nature of sin, powerfully foreshadows the radical spiritual liberation made possible only through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Under the Old Covenant, animal sacrifices provided a temporary covering for sin, but true and lasting cleansing, which enables unhindered access to God and genuine, Spirit-empowered praise, was fully achieved through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of [Jesus, the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His triumphant death and glorious resurrection, Christ has decisively broken the power of sin that silences, separates, and condemns us, thereby opening a "new and living way" into the holiest presence of God (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Now, through saving faith in Him, believers are not merely forgiven but are cleansed, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and spiritually empowered to offer a "sacrifice of praise" that is truly acceptable and pleasing to God (cf. [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise") and [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")). Our lips are opened, not by our own merit or strenuous effort, but by the finished, redemptive work of Christ, enabling us to boldly "shew forth His praise" and declare the marvelous light into which we have been called (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). In Christ, the heartfelt prayer of Psalms 51:15 is not just answered, but eternally fulfilled for all who believe.

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

Psalms 63:3

¶ Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Psalms 9:14

That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

Ezekiel 29:21

In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 119:13

¶ With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

Ezekiel 3:27

But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [are] a rebellious house.