Psalms 51:17

KJV

The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sacrifices {H2077} of God {H430} are a broken {H7665}{H8737)} spirit {H7307}: a broken {H7665}{H8737)} and a contrite {H1794}{H8737)} heart {H3820}, O God {H430}, thou wilt not despise {H959}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God, you won't spurn a broken, chastened heart.

Berean Standard Bible

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 51:17 encapsulates a profound theological truth, shifting the understanding of acceptable worship from external ritual to internal spiritual condition. In this pivotal declaration, the psalmist reveals that the "sacrifices of God" are not animal offerings or prescribed ceremonies, but rather a spirit humbled by sin and a heart utterly broken and penitent before the Divine. This verse underscores God's unwavering acceptance of genuine humility and remorse, affirming that such a contrite disposition is never despised but is, in fact, the most cherished offering, foundational to true reconciliation and communion with the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 51 stands as a monumental prayer of confession and repentance, traditionally attributed to King David following his grievous sins with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, as recounted in [2 Samuel 11-12 - David's Sin and Nathan's Confrontation](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11-12 - David's Sin and Nathan's Confrontation"). The psalm opens with an earnest plea for mercy and cleansing, acknowledging the depth of his transgression primarily as an offense against God, as seen in [Psalm 51:1-4 - David's Plea for Mercy and Confession](/psalms/51-1-4 "Psalm 51:1-4 - David's Plea for Mercy and Confession"). Throughout the psalm, David moves from a deep sense of guilt and defilement to a longing for inner purity and renewed fellowship with God. Crucially, verse 16 explicitly states, "For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering," setting the immediate stage for verse 17 to articulate precisely what God *does* desire. This juxtaposition provides the answer to the preceding negative assertion, culminating David's understanding of true atonement and highlighting the spiritual essence of acceptable worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Mosaic Law meticulously prescribed various animal sacrifices and offerings as central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. These rituals served multiple purposes: expressing worship, giving thanks, making vows, and, significantly, atoning for sin. The sacrificial system was divinely ordained to provide a means for reconciliation and purification, symbolizing the gravity of sin and the necessity of shedding blood for forgiveness. However, from the earliest prophetic voices, there was a consistent emphasis that these external rites were meaningless without an accompanying internal disposition of righteousness, justice, and genuine devotion. Prophets like Samuel (e.g., [1 Samuel 15:22 - To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice")) and Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Empty Rituals](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Empty Rituals")) repeatedly warned against ritualism devoid of true piety. David's declaration in Psalm 51:17, therefore, does not abolish the sacrificial system but rather critiques a superficial reliance on it, reasserting the prophetic tradition that God values the heart's condition above mere ritualistic adherence.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 51:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it redefines the [nature of true sacrifice](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice"), asserting that God's primary desire is for a repentant heart, not merely external offerings. This theme anticipates the New Covenant emphasis on internal transformation over outward observance, where God's law is [written on the heart](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on the Heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights God's [compassionate acceptance of humility](/isaiah/66-2 "Isaiah 66:2 - God Regards the Humble and Contrite"), assuring that a genuinely broken and contrite heart will never be rejected. This underscores divine grace and mercy towards those who acknowledge their sin and turn to Him in humility. Finally, it reinforces the biblical principle that [genuine worship](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth") and a right relationship with God are rooted in the heart's condition, emphasizing internal transformation as paramount for spiritual vitality and divine favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrifices (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** From H2077, meaning "a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)." In this context, _zebach_ refers to the traditional animal offerings prescribed by the Mosaic Law. The psalmist uses this term to draw a stark contrast: what God truly considers a worthy offering transcends the physical act of slaughter, pointing instead to an internal spiritual state.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** From H7665, meaning "to burst (literally or figuratively); break (down, off, in pieces, up), crush, destroy." When applied to "spirit" (רוּחַ, _rûwach_), it denotes a spirit that has been humbled, shattered, or crushed under the weight of conviction for sin. It signifies the dismantling of pride, self-sufficiency, and resistance to God's will, leading to a state of profound humility and dependence. This is not a spirit that is utterly destroyed or without hope, but one that has been brought low in recognition of its own sinfulness and need for divine grace.
* **Contrite (Hebrew, _dâkâh'_):** From H1794, meaning "to collapse (phys. or mentally); break (sore), contrite, crouch." When applied to "heart" (לֵב, _lêb_), it describes a heart that is bruised, utterly penitent, and deeply sorrowful for wrongdoing. It implies a profound and sincere grief over sin, not merely for its consequences, but for the offense committed against a holy God. This is a heart that has been pulverized by remorse, stripped of its hardness, and made tender and receptive to God's cleansing and healing.
* **Despise (Hebrew, _bâzâh'_):** From H959, meaning "to disesteem; despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible), think to scorn, vile person." The negative "thou wilt not despise" serves as a powerful assurance. It means God will not reject, scorn, or look down upon a broken and contrite heart. On the contrary, He will regard it with favor, accept it, and cherish it. This word highlights God's character of mercy and grace towards the truly humble and repentant, contrasting sharply with His rejection of proud or hypocritical offerings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit:"** This opening clause immediately redefines "sacrifice." David asserts that what God truly considers a worthy offering, His preferred "sacrifices" (H2077, _zebach_), is not an animal or a material gift, but an internal state: a "broken spirit" (H7307, _rûwach_). This is a spirit that has been humbled and brought low by the realization of its own sinfulness and God's holiness, acknowledging its utter dependence on divine mercy. It signifies the relinquishing of self-will and pride, a profound internal surrender.
* **"a broken and a contrite heart,"** This phrase functions as a synonymous parallelism, elaborating and intensifying the meaning of "a broken spirit." The "broken heart" (H3820, _lêb_) reiterates the idea of humility and sorrow over sin, while "contrite" (H1794, _dâkâh_) adds the nuance of being crushed or bruised by genuine remorse. The repetition emphasizes the depth and sincerity of the internal transformation required. It's not just a fleeting emotion, but a profound, inner state of penitence that God seeks, one that has been thoroughly softened and made pliable.
* **"O God, thou wilt not despise."** This concluding affirmation serves as a powerful promise and the ultimate comfort of the verse. It directly addresses God (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), expressing absolute confidence in His character. It assures the repentant soul that such a humble, penitent heart, far from being rejected or scorned (H959, _bâzâh_), will be graciously accepted by God. This highlights God's compassion and willingness to receive those who turn to Him in genuine remorse, irrespective of the magnitude of their past transgressions, demonstrating His preference for mercy over judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 51:17 is rich in literary artistry that underscores its profound message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where "a broken spirit" and "a broken and a contrite heart" are presented as the true "sacrifices of God." This equates an internal, spiritual condition with the external, ritualistic offerings of the Mosaic Law, thereby redefining what is truly valuable to God. This is further enhanced by **Synonymous Parallelism**, as "a broken spirit" is echoed and amplified by "a broken and a contrite heart." The two phrases convey essentially the same idea of profound humility and penitence, but the repetition adds emphasis and depth, ensuring the reader grasps the multifaceted nature of this desired internal state. The verse also employs a powerful **Contrast** with the preceding verse ([Psalm 51:16 - God Does Not Desire Sacrifice](/psalms/51-16 "Psalm 51:16 - God Does Not Desire Sacrifice")), where David states God does not desire animal sacrifices. This sets up a clear distinction between what God *does not* want and what He *does* want, highlighting the absolute priority of the internal over the external. Finally, the direct address "O God" imbues the verse with **Pathos** and a sense of intimate, desperate appeal, making the concluding assurance "thou wilt not despise" all the more comforting and impactful for the contrite soul.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 51:17 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the biblical emphasis on the heart's condition in worship and repentance. It articulates a truth consistently echoed throughout the prophetic tradition: God values moral obedience, genuine humility, and sincere devotion far above mere ritualistic performance. This verse teaches that true sacrifice is not something we give *to* God in a material sense, but rather a state of being we surrender *before* Him – a spirit stripped of pride and a heart softened by remorse. This internal disposition is the prerequisite for any external act to be truly pleasing to God, laying the groundwork for a faith that is personal, transformative, and deeply relational, rather than purely ceremonial. It underscores God's character as one who is near to the brokenhearted and who delights in mercy over sacrifice, revealing that His ultimate desire is for a restored relationship with His people, built on truth in the inward parts.

* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice")
* [Isaiah 66:2](/isaiah/66-2 "Isaiah 66:2 - God Regards the Humble and Contrite")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 51:17 offers timeless wisdom for every believer, challenging us to look beyond outward religious observances to the true state of our hearts. It reminds us that God is not impressed by our accomplishments, our religious duties, or our public displays of piety if they are not accompanied by genuine humility and a willingness to acknowledge our failures. This verse calls us to a radical honesty before God, inviting us to lay bare our sins and shortcomings, not with a sense of despair, but with the profound assurance that a truly broken and contrite heart will never be rejected. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of ongoing repentance, recognizing that our greatest offering to God is a heart that remains tender, sensitive to sin, and quick to return to Him in humility and faith. In a world often focused on external appearances and performance, Psalm 51:17 redirects our gaze inward, reminding us that the most beautiful and acceptable worship begins with a humble and repentant spirit, fostering a deep and authentic relationship with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for my spirit to be "broken" and my heart "contrite" before God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on external religious acts rather than cultivating a genuine internal humility and penitence?**
* **How does the assurance that God "will not despise" a broken and contrite heart impact my willingness to confess sin and seek His forgiveness, even for deep-seated issues?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster a more tender, sensitive, and repentant heart in my daily walk with God, moving beyond superficiality to true spiritual depth?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean external sacrifices or religious rituals are entirely unnecessary?**

Answer: Not that they are entirely unnecessary, but rather that they are insufficient and meaningless without the corresponding internal state of the heart. Psalm 51:17, along with other prophetic passages (e.g., [Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice"), [Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Empty Rituals](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Empty Rituals")), critiques a superficial reliance on ritual without genuine heart transformation. In David's context, the Mosaic sacrificial system was divinely ordained. However, God consistently emphasized that the effectiveness of these rituals depended on the worshiper's sincere faith, humility, and repentance. This verse elevates the internal spiritual condition as the *primary* and most essential "sacrifice" God desires, making it clear that external acts are secondary and only truly pleasing when they flow from a contrite heart. In the New Covenant, the focus shifts from animal sacrifices to spiritual sacrifices, such as offering our bodies as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")) and the sacrifice of praise ([Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")), which are always rooted in a heart devoted to God, made possible through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 51:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David understood the necessity of a broken spirit as the true sacrifice, he lived under a covenant that still required animal offerings. Christ, however, perfectly embodies the "broken spirit" in His complete submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). His perfect obedience and sacrificial death became the one, sufficient, and eternal "sacrifice" that truly atones for sin, rendering all previous animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:1-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10:1-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His work, humanity is now able to offer the "sacrifices of God" – a broken and contrite heart – not as a means to earn forgiveness, but as a response to the forgiveness already secured by His blood. Jesus taught that true blessedness belongs to the "poor in spirit" ([Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")) and illustrated the Father's acceptance of the humble penitent through parables like the tax collector who simply cried out for mercy ([Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector")). Thus, in Christ, the broken and contrite heart is not merely tolerated; it is embraced and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live lives of genuine spiritual worship as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), continually being conformed to the image of the One who perfectly humbled Himself.

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 34:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Isaiah 66:2

For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Psalms 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Luke 15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Mark 12:33

And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Matthew 5:3

¶ Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2 Chronicles 33:12

And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,