Psalms 51:4

KJV

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.

KJV (with Strong's)

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned {H2398}{H8804)}, and done {H6213}{H8804)} this evil {H7451} in thy sight {H5869}: that thou mightest be justified {H6663}{H8799)} when thou speakest {H1696}{H8800)}, and be clear {H2135}{H8799)} when thou judgest {H8199}{H8800)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil from your perspective; so that you are right in accusing me and justified in passing sentence.

Berean Standard Bible

Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.

American Standard Version

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in thy sight; That thou mayest be justified when thou speakest, And be clear when thou judgest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 51:4 encapsulates King David’s profound confession of sin, recognizing that despite the earthly consequences and harm inflicted upon others, all transgression is ultimately an offense against the holy and righteous character of God. In this pivotal verse, David not only acknowledges his guilt but also humbly affirms God’s inherent justice and purity in judgment, demonstrating a deep theological understanding that God’s verdict against sin is always righteous and untainted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 51 is a deeply penitential psalm, traditionally attributed to King David following his egregious sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. It immediately follows the narrative of the prophet Nathan's confrontation with David in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Confronts David"). The psalm opens with an urgent plea for mercy and cleansing (verses 1-2), setting the tone for a raw and honest confession. Verse 4 serves as the theological bedrock of David's repentance, explaining *why* his sin is so grievous, not just in its social impact but in its ultimate offense against God. The subsequent verses (5-6) delve into the depth of human depravity and God's desire for truth in the inward being, building upon the radical confession of verse 4.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events leading to Psalm 51 are rooted in the Davidic monarchy, a period when the king was considered God's anointed representative, entrusted with upholding divine law and justice. David's actions—taking another man's wife and orchestrating his death—were not merely personal failings but a profound betrayal of his covenant responsibilities and a public scandal that dishonored God's name among the nations. In ancient Israel, sin was understood not just as a violation of social norms but as a breach of covenant with Yahweh, carrying both personal and communal consequences. David, as king, bore a heightened responsibility, and his confession in this psalm reflects a deep understanding of his unique position before God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and holiness of God**, asserting that all sin is ultimately an affront to His perfect character and authority, as seen in the broader call to holiness throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine justice and righteousness**, affirming that God's judgments are always pure and justified, even when they condemn human actions. This resonates with the consistent portrayal of God as a righteous judge in books like [Isaiah 45:21](/isaiah/45-21 "Isaiah 45:21 - God is a Righteous God and a Savior"). Thirdly, it powerfully illustrates the **nature of true repentance**, which begins with a deep, God-centered confession, moving beyond mere regret for consequences to a recognition of sin as a direct offense against the Almighty, a theme echoed in the prophetic calls to repentance (e.g., [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Rend Your Hearts, Not Your Garments")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Against thee, thee only (Hebrew, _lekha levaddekhah'_):** This emphatic repetition, literally "to you, you alone," is crucial. It does not negate the harm done to Bathsheba, Uriah, or the nation, but rather elevates the offense to its ultimate target: God. David recognizes that even though his sin had devastating horizontal consequences, its primary and most grievous impact was vertical—a direct affront to God's holiness, His law, and His covenant. This highlights the theological truth that all sin, regardless of its immediate victim, is fundamentally an act of rebellion against the Creator's authority and character.
* **justified (Hebrew, _titzdaq'_):** Derived from the root צדק (tsadaq), meaning "to be righteous, just, vindicated." Here, it signifies that God is proven righteous or vindicated in His pronouncements and actions. David's confession is not an attempt to justify himself, but to acknowledge God's inherent righteousness. His sin, when exposed and judged by God, serves to demonstrate God's perfect justice, not to diminish it.
* **clear (Hebrew, _tizkeh'_):** From the root זכה (zakha), meaning "to be clean, pure, innocent." This word reinforces the idea of God's untainted character and blamelessness in judgment. When God judges, His verdict is not only just but also morally pure and free from any fault or bias. David's confession thus serves to affirm God's absolute moral integrity in His dealings with humanity, even in condemnation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Against thee, thee only, have I sinned":** This is the core of David's confession. It is a radical theological statement that reorients the understanding of sin. While David's actions had devastating consequences for Bathsheba, Uriah, and his family, he understood that the ultimate offense was against God, who is the source of all moral law and the one against whom all rebellion is directed. This emphasizes that sin is not merely a social transgression but a cosmic rebellion against divine authority.
* **"and done [this] evil in thy sight":** This phrase further elaborates on the nature of David's offense. The evil was committed "in thy sight," implying not just God's omniscience (He saw it) but also that the act itself was an affront to His very presence and moral standard. It was an open defiance of God's character and commandments, carried out under His watchful eye, making the transgression all the more audacious and grievous.
* **"that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest":** Here, David expresses his understanding that his confession and the subsequent divine judgment serve to vindicate God. His sin, when exposed and judged by God's word (His pronouncements, commands, or even the prophet Nathan's words), proves God to be righteous. It is not that God *needs* to be justified, but that David's humble admission of guilt affirms God's inherent and unchanging righteousness in His dealings with humanity.
* **"[and] be clear when thou judgest":** This complements the previous clause, emphasizing God's purity and blamelessness in His judicial acts. When God renders a verdict against sin, His judgment is not only fair and just but also morally untainted. David's confession acknowledges that any judgment God brings upon him is deserved and perfectly righteous, demonstrating God's unblemished character as a judge.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 51:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically in the phrase "Against thee, thee only." This emphatic doubling of "thee" (לְךָ לְבַדְּךָ) serves to intensify the focus, highlighting the singular and ultimate object of David's sin. It is a rhetorical device that ensures the reader grasps the absolute priority of God in the nature of sin. Additionally, the verse uses **Legal Language/Metaphor**, drawing on courtroom imagery with terms like "justified" (vindicated) and "clear" (blameless) when God "speaks" (pronounces judgment) and "judges." This framing underscores God's role as the supreme moral arbiter and judge, against whom no appeal can be made, and whose verdicts are always righteous. The entire verse also functions as a form of **Confession**, which is a literary genre within the Psalms, characterized by direct address to God, admission of guilt, and often a plea for mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 51:4 offers a foundational theological truth: all sin, regardless of its immediate human impact, is fundamentally an offense against God's holy character and His divine law. David's confession elevates sin from a mere social transgression to an act of rebellion against the Creator, affirming God's absolute sovereignty and righteousness. This perspective is crucial for genuine repentance, as it shifts the focus from avoiding consequences or human disapproval to acknowledging one's direct affront to a holy God. By declaring God "justified" and "clear" in His judgment, David demonstrates a profound humility and acceptance of divine authority, recognizing that God's moral standards are perfect and His verdicts are always true. This understanding forms the basis for seeking God's mercy and restoration, as true forgiveness flows from a God whose justice has been affirmed.

* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")
* [Luke 15:21](/luke/15-21 "Luke 15:21 - The Prodigal Son's Confession")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's radical confession in Psalms 51:4 provides a timeless model for authentic repentance and a profound insight into the nature of sin. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of wrongdoing as merely breaking rules or hurting others, and instead to recognize that every sin, whether public or private, large or small, is ultimately an act of rebellion against the holy God who created us, sustains us, and has revealed His perfect will. This perspective cultivates a deeper sense of conviction and humility, leading us to confess our sins not just out of fear of consequence, but out of a profound reverence for God's character and a desire to honor His name. When we truly grasp that our sin is "against Thee, Thee only," we are better positioned to embrace God's just judgment and, paradoxically, to receive His boundless mercy and forgiveness, which are always extended to the truly contrite heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding sin as primarily "against God" change your perspective on your own past or present failings?**
* **In what ways does affirming God's justice and righteousness, even in His judgment of sin, deepen your trust in His character?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more God-centered view of sin and repentance in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does David's statement "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned" mean he didn't care about Bathsheba or Uriah?**

Answer: No, David's statement does not imply a disregard for the immense harm he inflicted upon Bathsheba, Uriah, and his own family and nation. The narrative in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David's Sin") and [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan's Confrontation") clearly shows the devastating consequences of his actions, including the death of his child. Rather, David's confession in Psalms 51:4 is a profound theological insight: while sin always has horizontal (human) consequences, its ultimate and most grievous offense is vertical, against the holy and righteous God. It's an acknowledgment that all moral law originates from God, and therefore, any transgression of that law is fundamentally a rebellion against Him. This understanding elevates the gravity of sin beyond mere social impropriety to a direct affront to divine authority and character, which is the necessary foundation for true repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 51:4, with its profound declaration of sin as ultimately against God and its affirmation of divine justice, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's confession highlights humanity's desperate need for a righteousness beyond its own, a need perfectly met in Christ. The "evil done in thy sight" (Psalms 51:4) by all humanity was fully borne by Christ on the cross, where He became sin for us (as seen in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), satisfying the very justice that David acknowledged God possessed. Through His atoning sacrifice, God was simultaneously "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (as articulated in [Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and the Justifier")). David's plea for a clean heart and a renewed spirit (Psalms 51:10) is fully realized in the New Covenant, where believers receive a new heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling them to walk in God's statutes (as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, David's penitential cry foreshadows the ultimate solution to sin found only in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly justifying God in His judgment and clearing the path for humanity's reconciliation.

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

2 Samuel 12:13

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

2 Samuel 12:14

Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also [that is] born unto thee shall surely die.

Luke 15:21

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

Romans 3:4

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Genesis 39:9

[There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

Genesis 20:6

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

Leviticus 6:2

If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;