Psalms 51:19

KJV

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 (with Strong's)

Then shalt thou be pleased {H2654}{H8799)} with the sacrifices {H2077} of righteousness {H6664}, with burnt offering {H5930} and whole {H3632} burnt offering {H5930}: then shall they offer {H5927}{H8686)} bullocks {H6499} upon thine altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will delight in righteous sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then they will offer bulls on your altar.

Berean Standard Bible

Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.

American Standard Version

Then wilt thou delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, In burnt-offering and whole burnt-offering: Then will they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 51:19 serves as the climactic culmination of David's profound prayer of repentance, articulating the restoration of acceptable worship as a direct consequence of genuine spiritual transformation. It posits that God's delight in external acts of devotion, specifically the prescribed sacrifices of the Mosaic Law, is entirely contingent upon an internal state of righteousness and a heart made right with Him. This verse powerfully underscores that true worship flows from a cleansed and renewed spirit, making outward offerings meaningful, efficacious, and truly pleasing to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as the triumphant and hopeful conclusion to David's deeply penitential Psalm 51. Following his confession of grievous sin (traditionally linked to the Bathsheba and Uriah affair, though the psalm itself does not explicitly name it), David pours out his heart, pleading for God's mercy, radical cleansing, and spiritual renewal. His cries for purification are evident in verses like [Psalms 51:1-2](/psalms/51-1-2 "Psalm 51:1-2 - David's Plea for Mercy and Cleansing"), and his longing for a pure heart and steadfast spirit is expressed in [Psalms 51:10](/psalms/51-10 "Psalm 51:10 - Create in Me a Clean Heart"). Crucially, prior to this verse, David articulates a profound theological truth that reorients the understanding of sacrifice: God does not primarily desire mere ritualistic offerings without a corresponding heart change. [Psalms 51:16-17](/psalms/51-16-17 "Psalm 51:16-17 - God Desires a Broken Spirit") states, "For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Verse 19, therefore, presents a conditional promise, introduced by the pivotal adverb "Then." This "Then" indicates that *after* the spiritual prerequisites of repentance, divine cleansing, and the restoration of a contrite and renewed spirit are met, the physical acts of worship, including the Mosaic sacrifices, will once again find favor and be accepted by God. It signifies a full and joyous restoration of the worshiper's relationship with God, allowing for the re-establishment of covenantal worship in its proper, God-honoring context.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalms 51 is traditionally attributed to King David in the aftermath of his egregious sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, as vividly recounted in [2 Samuel 11-12](/2_samuel/11-12 "2 Samuel 11-12 - David's Sin, Nathan's Rebuke, and Repentance"). In ancient Israel, the elaborate sacrificial system was not merely a set of rituals but the very heart of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. It provided the divinely ordained means for atonement, expressing thanksgiving, making vows, and fostering communion with God. Burnt offerings (`olah`) and whole burnt offerings (`kalil`) were particularly significant rituals, symbolizing complete dedication, expiation, and the total surrender of the worshiper to God. However, throughout Israel's history, the prophets consistently and vehemently warned against the mechanical performance of these rituals when unaccompanied by genuine faith, obedience, and social justice. Prophetic voices like [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Empty Rituals") and [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Desires Justice, Not Empty Worship") condemned Israel's empty religiosity. David, as king and a man "after God's own heart," deeply understood the spiritual significance of these rituals but also recognized their utter emptiness if not accompanied by a righteous heart. His prayer in Psalm 51 reflects a profound awareness of the covenant's spiritual demands, which extended far beyond mere external compliance. The mention of "bullocks upon thine altar" points directly to the Temple worship system, the established and central means of approaching God in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Priority of the Heart in Worship**, emphasizing that true devotion and acceptable sacrifices flow fundamentally from an internal state of righteousness and integrity, not from outward ceremony alone. This theme is foundational throughout biblical theology, echoed in passages like [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice"), where Samuel declares, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." Secondly, it highlights the **Restoration of Acceptable Worship** after sin and repentance. David anticipates a future time when the traditional sacrifices will once again be pleasing to God, signifying a renewed covenant relationship and the joy of restored fellowship. This restoration is not automatic or earned by ritual but is contingent upon God's gracious cleansing and the worshiper's contrite spirit. Finally, the specific phrase "sacrifices of righteousness" introduces the profound theme of **Righteousness as the Foundation of Acceptable Offerings**. These are not just any sacrifices, but those offered from a state of moral and spiritual rightness, integrity, and a restored relationship with God. This makes the external act genuinely meaningful and spiritually potent, transforming mere ritual into an act of true devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pleased (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep inclination, a bending towards something, and by implication, to be "pleased with," "delight in," or "desire." In the context of divine interaction, it denotes God's gracious acceptance and approval of an offering or, more profoundly, of a person. Its use here emphasizes that God's acceptance of the sacrifices is not automatic but is conditional upon the preceding internal transformation of the worshiper, indicating His delight in a righteous heart.
* **Sacrifices (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to slaughter," this noun properly refers to the flesh of an animal and, by implication, to a sacrifice itself, encompassing both the victim and the act of offering. It broadly covers various types of offerings, particularly those involving the slaughter of an animal. In Psalms 51:19, it refers to the physical animal offerings prescribed under the Mosaic Law, which, when accompanied by righteousness, become acceptable to God.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** This noun denotes "the right" in a natural, moral, or legal sense, encompassing equity, justice, and integrity. Figuratively, it can also imply prosperity that results from right living. When paired with "sacrifices" ("sacrifices of righteousness"), it indicates that the offerings are either inherently righteous (i.e., offered in a proper, just manner) or, more accurately in this context, that they originate from a worshiper who is in a state of moral and spiritual rightness with God. It contrasts sharply with empty, unrighteous rituals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness":** The adverb "Then" (Hebrew, _'az'_) is critically important, establishing a clear temporal and logical consequence. It functions as a pivot, referring back to the conditions laid out in the preceding verses of Psalm 51, particularly the profound cleansing, renewal, and contrite heart that David has pleaded for (e.g., [Psalms 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Cleanse Me with Hyssop"), [Psalms 51:10](/psalms/51-10 "Psalm 51:10 - Create in Me a Clean Heart")). Only *after* this internal transformation and spiritual restoration has occurred will God "be pleased" (accept favorably, delight in) the offerings. The phrase "sacrifices of righteousness" is key; it refers to offerings that are not just ritually correct but are presented from a state of integrity and right relationship with God, distinguishing them sharply from the empty, mechanical rituals of the unrepentant.
* **"with burnt offering and whole burnt offering":** These specific types of sacrifices are named as prime examples of the traditional Mosaic offerings that will once again become acceptable to God. The "burnt offering" (`olah`) was characterized by the entire animal being consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, atonement, and the worshiper's total surrender to God. The "whole burnt offering" (`kalil`) further emphasized this totality, implying that nothing was withheld from God. Their explicit inclusion here signifies the full restoration of the covenant worship system, now rendered meaningful and efficacious because they are presented from a worshiper's renewed and righteous heart.
* **"then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the consequence of God's acceptance and the worshiper's restoration. The pronoun "they" refers to the worshipers, encompassing David and, by extension, the community of Israel, who will once again be able to offer the most significant and costly sacrifices – "bullocks" (large, valuable animals) – upon God's altar. This signifies not only the re-establishment of the full sacrificial system but also the renewed capacity to engage in acts of costly devotion and worship that are genuinely pleasing to God, precisely because they flow from a heart made righteous by His grace and the worshiper's repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 51:19 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Conditional Promise**, powerfully indicated by the initial adverb "Then" (Hebrew, _'az'_). This word establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, asserting that God's acceptance of the traditional sacrifices is directly contingent upon the internal spiritual state of the worshiper, as meticulously detailed in the preceding verses of repentance and renewal. This structure highlights the psalm's central theological argument about the absolute priority of the heart over mere external ritual. **Metonymy** is also present in the profound phrase "sacrifices of righteousness," where "righteousness" stands in for the righteous state, character, or disposition of the worshiper from which the sacrifices genuinely emanate. The naming of specific offerings like "burnt offering" and "whole burnt offering" is an example of **Synecdoche**, where specific parts (representative types of sacrifices) are used to represent the whole system of Israelite worship. Finally, the repetition of "then" at the beginning of the verse's two main clauses creates a strong sense of **Parallelism**, emphasizing the dual outcome of God's pleasure and the people's renewed ability to offer acceptable sacrifices, reinforcing the conditional nature of the promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 51:19 profoundly articulates the enduring biblical truth that God values the worshiper's heart and moral integrity above outward religious performance. It teaches that true worship is never merely ritualistic but must flow from a transformed and righteous inner state. This principle transcends the Old Covenant sacrificial system, revealing an eternal aspect of God's character: He seeks genuine relationship, integrity, and a contrite spirit, not just adherence to religious duties. The verse powerfully connects the restoration of fellowship with the renewed capacity to offer acceptable worship, emphasizing that sin breaks communion and renders religious acts empty, while genuine repentance and God's cleansing grace restore the pathway to meaningful devotion. It foreshadows the New Covenant emphasis on spiritual sacrifices and the radical transformation of the individual believer as the true locus of authentic worship.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - To Do Righteousness and Justice")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 51:19 offers a timeless challenge and profound comfort to believers today. It calls us to deeply examine the true source and motivation of our worship and service. Are our acts of devotion – whether attending corporate worship, giving financially, serving others, engaging in personal prayer, or studying God's Word – truly "sacrifices of righteousness," flowing from a heart cleansed by God's grace and committed to living righteously? Or are they mere outward performances, disconnected from an authentic and vibrant relationship with God? This verse serves as a potent reminder that God is not impressed by the grandeur of our offerings or the fervor of our rituals if our hearts are far from Him. It encourages us to prioritize inner transformation, daily seeking God's cleansing, renewal, and the cultivation of a contrite spirit. When our hearts are truly right with God, then our "spiritual sacrifices" – our sincere praise, our obedient service, our very lives yielded to His will – become genuinely pleasing to Him, a sweet aroma of authentic devotion. Moreover, it assures us that even after profound failure and sin, God's restorative grace can make our worship acceptable once more, inviting us back into full fellowship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the concept of "sacrifices of righteousness" mean for my worship and daily life in the New Covenant era?**
* **How does my internal spiritual state directly influence the authenticity and acceptability of my outward acts of devotion and service to God?**
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to offer "empty" or ritualistic sacrifices, and what practical steps can I take to ensure my worship is truly pleasing to God, flowing from a transformed heart?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Then" at the beginning of the verse?**

Answer: The word "Then" (Hebrew, _'az'_) is a crucial temporal and logical connector that establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. It signifies that the acceptance of the traditional Mosaic sacrifices is entirely conditional upon the profound spiritual transformation described in the preceding verses of Psalm 51. David's deep confession, his earnest plea for divine cleansing, and his fervent desire for a renewed spirit (e.g., [Psalms 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Cleanse Me with Hyssop"), [Psalms 51:10](/psalms/51-10 "Psalm 51:10 - Create in Me a Clean Heart")) are the necessary prerequisites. Only *after* God has performed this internal work of purification and the worshiper has responded in genuine repentance will the external acts of worship, like offering "bullocks upon thine altar," become truly pleasing and acceptable to Him. It powerfully underscores the biblical priority of the heart over mere ritual.

**Does this verse contradict Psalms 51:16-17, which states God does not desire sacrifice?**

Answer: No, this verse does not contradict but rather clarifies and completes the profound theological thought presented in [Psalms 51:16-17](/psalms/51-16-17 "Psalm 51:16-17 - God Desires a Broken Spirit"). Verses 16-17 emphasize that God does not desire *mere* ritualistic sacrifices performed without a contrite, repentant heart. He rejects offerings that are empty of genuine faith, obedience, and a transformed inner disposition. [Psalms 51:19](/psalms/51-19 "Psalm 51:19 - Restoration of Acceptable Worship") then explains that *once* the heart is broken, contrite, and made righteous by God's grace and the worshiper's repentance, *then* the physical sacrifices become acceptable and pleasing. The key distinction lies in the *disposition of the worshiper*; it is this internal state that determines the true value and efficacy of the external offering. It's not a matter of sacrifice *or* a broken heart, but rather a broken heart *leading to* acceptable sacrifice.

**How do "burnt offering" and "whole burnt offering" relate to "sacrifices of righteousness"?**

Answer: "Burnt offering" (`olah`) and "whole burnt offering" (`kalil`) were specific and highly significant types of animal sacrifices prescribed under the Mosaic Law, often symbolizing complete dedication, atonement, and the worshiper's total surrender to God. They are mentioned here as prime examples of the traditional forms of worship that will be restored to their proper place and efficacy. The critical point is that they become "sacrifices of righteousness" when they are offered from a heart that God has made righteous through repentance and cleansing. Without that internal transformation, they would remain mere empty rituals, as rejected in [Psalms 51:16](/psalms/51-16 "Psalm 51:16 - God Desires a Broken Spirit"). Therefore, the "sacrifices of righteousness" are not a *new* or different type of offering, but rather the *old*, established types of offerings made acceptable and truly meaningful by a *new* and purified spiritual condition of the worshiper.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 51:19 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the perfect "sacrifice of righteousness" and the one who enables us, through His atoning work, to offer such sacrifices ourselves. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the "burnt offering and whole burnt offering" mentioned here, always pointed forward to the definitive, once-for-all, and complete atonement provided by Christ's death on the cross. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose single, perfect sacrifice renders all previous animal sacrifices obsolete and unnecessary for atonement ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice and the End of Animal Sacrifices")). Through His atoning work, our hearts are cleansed and made righteous, not by our own efforts, rituals, or animal blood, but by His precious blood and the transformative power of the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Consequently, as New Testament believers, we are empowered to offer "spiritual sacrifices" that are truly pleasing to God. These include presenting our bodies as a [living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice") ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1")), continually offering a [sacrifice of praise](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise") to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess His name ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15")), and doing good and sharing with others, for [with such sacrifices God is well pleased](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Doing Good and Sharing") ([Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16")). Thus, Christ's perfect life and atoning death fully satisfy the condition of a righteous heart, enabling us to participate in a worship that is eternally acceptable and glorifying to the Father.

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 4:5

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Malachi 3:3

And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Romans 12:1

¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

Psalms 66:13

¶ I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

Psalms 66:15

I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

Psalms 118:27

God [is] the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, [even] unto the horns of the altar.