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 concludes 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 contingent upon an internal state of righteousness and a heart made right with Him. This verse underscores that true worship flows from a cleansed and renewed spirit, making outward offerings meaningful and truly pleasing to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to David's deeply penitential Psalm 51. Following his confession of grievous sin (traditionally understood as related to Bathsheba and Uriah, though not explicitly stated in the psalm itself), David pleads for God's mercy, cleansing, and renewal, as seen in his cries for purification in [Psalms 51:1-2](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51:1-2 - David's Plea for Mercy") and his longing for a clean heart 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: God does not desire mere ritualistic sacrifices without a corresponding heart change. [Psalms 51:16-17](/psalms/51-16 "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 adverb "Then," indicating that *after* the spiritual prerequisites of repentance, cleansing, and a renewed spirit are met, the physical acts of worship will once again find favor and be accepted by God. It signifies a full restoration of the worshiper's relationship with God, allowing for the re-establishment of covenantal worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalms 51 is traditionally attributed to David after his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, as recounted in [2 Samuel 11-12](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11-12 - David's Sin and Nathan's Rebuke"). In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was central to their covenant relationship with God, providing a means for atonement, thanksgiving, and communion. Burnt offerings (`olah`) and whole burnt offerings (`kalil`) were significant rituals, symbolizing complete dedication and expiation. However, the prophets consistently warned against the mechanical performance of these rituals without genuine faith and obedience ([Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Empty Rituals"), [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Desires Justice, Not Empty Worship")). David, as king, understood the importance of these rituals but also recognized their spiritual emptiness if not accompanied by a righteous heart. His prayer reflects a profound awareness of the covenant's spiritual demands beyond mere external compliance. The mention of "bullocks upon thine altar" points directly to the Temple worship system, which was the established means of approaching God.
* **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 from an internal state of righteousness, not from outward ceremony alone. This theme is foundational, echoed in passages like [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice") where "to obey is better than sacrifice." Secondly, it highlights the **Restoration of Acceptable Worship** after sin and repentance. David anticipates a time when the traditional sacrifices will again be pleasing to God, signifying a renewed covenant relationship and the joy of fellowship. This restoration is not automatic but contingent on God's grace and the worshiper's contrite spirit. Finally, the phrase "sacrifices of righteousness" introduces the theme of **Righteousness as the Foundation of Acceptable Offerings**. These are not just any sacrifices, but those offered from a state of rightness, integrity, and a restored relationship with God, making the external act genuinely meaningful and spiritually potent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pleased (Hebrew, _ratsah'_):** This verb signifies to be "pleased with," "accept favorably," or "delight in." It denotes God's gracious acceptance and approval of an offering or person. In the context of sacrifice, it implies that the offering has met the divine standard and achieved its intended purpose of reconciliation or communion. Its use here emphasizes that God's acceptance is conditional upon the preceding internal transformation.
* **Sacrifices of righteousness (Hebrew, _zivchei-tzedek'_):** This crucial phrase literally means "sacrifices of righteousness" or "righteous sacrifices." It distinguishes these offerings from mere ritualistic acts. The genitive "of righteousness" indicates either that the sacrifices *are* righteous (i.e., offered in a righteous manner or for a righteous purpose) or that they *result from* a state of righteousness in the worshiper. Given the context of Psalm 51, it strongly implies the latter: offerings that spring from a heart made right with God, contrasting with the empty sacrifices rejected in [Psalms 51:16](/psalms/51-16 "Psalm 51:16 - God Desires a Broken Spirit").
* **Burnt offering / Whole burnt offering / Bullocks (Hebrew, _'olah'_, _kalil'_, _parim'_):** These terms refer to the specific animal sacrifices prescribed under the Mosaic Law. The _'olah'_ (burnt offering) was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, while _kalil'_ (whole burnt offering) further emphasized its totality. _Parim'_ (bullocks) were significant and costly animals used for major offerings ([Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Burnt Offering of a Bull")). Their mention here signifies the restoration of the full, traditional system of worship, now made acceptable because they are offered from a heart of "righteousness."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness":** The adverb "Then" (Hebrew, _'az'_) is critically important, establishing a temporal and logical consequence. It refers back to the conditions laid out in the preceding verses, particularly the cleansing, renewal, and contrite heart (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 will God "be pleased" (accept favorably) with the offerings. The "sacrifices of righteousness" are those offered from a state of integrity and right relationship with God, contrasting sharply with the empty rituals of the unrepentant.
* **"with burnt offering and whole burnt offering":** These specific types of sacrifices are named as examples of the traditional Mosaic offerings that will once again become acceptable. The "burnt offering" (`olah`) symbolized complete dedication and atonement, while the "whole burnt offering" (`kalil`) further emphasized the totality of the offering, implying it was entirely consumed and given to God. Their inclusion here signifies the full restoration of the covenant worship system, now rendered meaningful by the worshiper's renewed heart.
* **"then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.":** This final clause reiterates the consequence of God's acceptance. "They" refers to the worshipers, presumably David and the community, who will once again be able to offer the most significant and costly sacrifices – "bullocks" – upon God's altar. This signifies not only the restoration of the sacrificial system but also the renewed ability to engage in acts of costly devotion and worship that are genuinely pleasing to God, because they flow from a heart of righteousness.

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

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 51:19 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God values the worshiper's heart above outward performance. It teaches that true worship is not 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 and integrity, not just adherence to religious duties. The verse connects the restoration of fellowship with the ability to offer acceptable worship, emphasizing that sin breaks communion and renders religious acts empty, while repentance and God's cleansing restore the pathway to meaningful devotion. It foreshadows the New Covenant emphasis on spiritual sacrifices and the transformation of the individual believer as the true locus of 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 comfort to believers today. It calls us to examine the true source of our worship and service. Are our acts of devotion – whether attending church, giving financially, serving others, or engaging in personal prayer – 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 relationship with God? This verse reminds us that God is not impressed by the size of our offerings or the fervor of our rituals if our hearts are far from Him. It encourages us to prioritize inner transformation, seeking God's cleansing and renewal daily. When our hearts are right with God, then our "spiritual sacrifices" – our praise, our service, our obedience, our very lives – become truly pleasing to Him, a sweet aroma of genuine devotion. It assures us that even after profound failure, God's restorative grace can make our worship acceptable once more.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "sacrifices of righteousness" mean for my worship and daily life today?**
* **How does my internal spiritual state influence the acceptability of my outward acts of devotion?**
* **In what ways might I be offering "empty" sacrifices, and what steps can I take to ensure my worship is truly pleasing to God?**

### 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. It signifies that the acceptance of sacrifices is conditional upon the spiritual transformation described in the preceding verses of Psalm 51. David's profound confession, plea for cleansing, and 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 prerequisites. Only *after* God has performed this internal work and the worshiper has responded in genuine repentance will the external acts of worship, like offering "bullocks upon thine altar," become pleasing to Him. It underscores the priority of the heart over ritual.

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

Answer: No, it does not contradict but rather clarifies and completes the thought. [Psalms 51:16-17](/psalms/51-16 "Psalm 51:16-17 - God Desires a Broken Spirit") emphasizes that God does not desire *mere* ritualistic sacrifices performed without a contrite heart. He rejects offerings that are empty of genuine repentance and faith. [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, *then* the physical sacrifices become acceptable and pleasing. The verse highlights that the *disposition of the worshiper* determines the value of the offering. It's not sacrifice *or* a broken heart, but 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 types of animal sacrifices prescribed under the Mosaic Law, often symbolizing complete dedication and atonement. They are mentioned here as examples of the traditional forms of worship that will be restored. The key 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 be mere rituals, as rejected in [Psalms 51:16](/psalms/51-16 "Psalm 51:16 - God Desires a Broken Spirit"). Thus, the "sacrifices of righteousness" are not a *new* type of offering, but the *old* types of offerings made acceptable by a *new* spiritual condition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 51:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is both the perfect "sacrifice of righteousness" and the one who enables us to offer such sacrifices. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the "burnt offering and whole burnt offering," always pointed forward to the definitive 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 ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work, our hearts are cleansed and made righteous, not by our own efforts or rituals, but by His blood and 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")), offering a [sacrifice of praise](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise") ([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 work fulfills the condition of a righteous heart, enabling us to participate in a worship that is eternally acceptable 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.