Psalms 51:6

KJV

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, thou desirest {H2654}{H8804)} truth {H571} in the inward parts {H2910}: and in the hidden {H5640}{H8803)} part thou shalt make me to know {H3045}{H8686)} wisdom {H2451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Still, you want truth in the inner person; so make me know wisdom in my inmost heart.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

American Standard Version

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 51:6, a pivotal verse within David's profound prayer of repentance, articulates God's ultimate desire for genuine truth and integrity within the deepest recesses of the human heart. It reveals that divine wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge acquired by human effort, but a profound spiritual insight divinely imparted into the innermost being, guiding one towards righteous living. This verse underscores the foundational biblical principle that God values an authentic inner state over outward religious performance, emphasizing a radical call for internal transformation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 51 is a deeply personal and penitential psalm, traditionally attributed to King David following his egregious sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah, as recounted in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David's Sin with Bathsheba and Uriah") and [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan's Rebuke of David"). The psalm immediately follows David's confession in response to the prophet Nathan's confrontation. Verses 1-2 establish David's desperate plea for God's mercy and cleansing, acknowledging the depth of his transgression. Verse 3 continues his confession, while verse 4 strikingly declares his sin as primarily against God Himself ("Against thee, thee only, have I sinned"). Psalms 51:6 builds upon this profound confession, shifting the focus from the outward act of sin to the inward disposition of the heart, revealing God's fundamental expectation of truth and integrity from His people. It sets the stage for David's subsequent prayers for inner renewal and a right spirit in verses 10-12.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, religious practice often involved outward rituals, sacrifices, and adherence to the Law. However, the prophets consistently emphasized that God desired more than mere external conformity; He sought a genuine heart of obedience and righteousness. This tension is evident throughout the Old Testament, where ritual without inner truth was condemned (e.g., [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-11 - God Rejects Empty Rituals")). David, as king, was not exempt from this divine standard. His actions, while grievous, were committed by a man who was otherwise described as "a man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a Man After His Own Heart")). Psalms 51:6 reflects this prophetic understanding, asserting that God's desire for truth extends to the deepest, most private aspects of one's being, a concept that would have challenged any superficial understanding of covenant relationship. The "hidden part" alludes to the inner self, distinct from public persona, where true character is formed.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 51:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **God's absolute holiness and His demand for moral integrity**, emphasizing that His standard penetrates beyond outward appearance to the very core of one's being. This resonates with the divine declaration in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"), where God states He looks at the heart, not outward appearance. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **true repentance and inner transformation**, underscoring that genuine sorrow for sin must involve a recognition of one's internal corruption and a desire for God to re-establish truth within. This concept is foundational to the call for a "new heart" found in passages like [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart"). Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **divine wisdom as an imparted gift**, not a human achievement. True wisdom, enabling righteous living, originates from God and is revealed in the "hidden part," emphasizing dependence on divine revelation for spiritual understanding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inward Parts (Hebrew, _ṭuḥôt'_):** This term literally refers to the kidneys or reins, which in ancient Hebrew thought were considered the seat of one's deepest emotions, conscience, and moral decisions. Unlike the heart (which often represented the intellect or will), the "inward parts" signified the most hidden, sensitive, and vulnerable aspects of a person's being, where true character and motives reside. David acknowledges that God's scrutiny penetrates beyond superficial actions to this innermost core.
* **Hidden Part (Hebrew, _sāṭum'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be closed, concealed, or impenetrable," this word reinforces the idea of the most private, secret, and inaccessible areas of a person's inner life. It speaks to the parts of our being that are often hidden even from ourselves, let alone from others. God, however, sees and desires truth in this very place, emphasizing His omniscience and His demand for absolute transparency.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _’ĕmet'_):** More than mere factual accuracy, _’ĕmet_ encompasses concepts of faithfulness, reliability, integrity, and moral consistency. It denotes a state of being genuine and authentic, without hypocrisy or deceit. When God desires "truth in the inward parts," He is seeking a fundamental alignment of one's inner character with His righteous standards, a steadfast commitment to what is real and true in His sight.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _ḥokmâ'_):** In biblical terms, _ḥokmâ_ is not simply intellectual knowledge or cleverness, but the practical skill of living a life that is pleasing to God. It involves discernment, moral insight, and the ability to apply divine principles to daily life. The verse emphasizes that this wisdom is not self-generated but is divinely imparted ("thou shalt make me to know"), specifically in the "hidden part," indicating a deep, intuitive, and God-given understanding of righteous living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts":** This opening clause serves as a powerful declaration, a "behold" (Hebrew: _hinnēh_) drawing attention to a profound divine revelation. David recognizes that God's fundamental desire is not for outward conformity or ritualistic performance, but for an internal state of authenticity and integrity. The "inward parts" (the deepest recesses of one's being) are where God seeks this truth, implying that all external actions must flow from a genuine, sincere heart. This highlights God's penetrating gaze into the human soul, where true character is formed.
* **"and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom":** This second clause reveals the divine response to a heart seeking truth. In the most private and concealed aspects of David's being, God promises to impart wisdom. This wisdom is not discovered through human effort or intellectual pursuit alone, but is a divine gift, "made known" by God Himself. It signifies a profound, intuitive, and transformative understanding of God's ways and His will, enabling the individual to live righteously from the inside out. This emphasizes God's active role in sanctification and the source of true spiritual insight.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, with "inward parts" paralleling "hidden part," and "desirest truth" paralleling "make me to know wisdom." This reinforces the central idea of God's deep penetration into the human psyche and His active role in revealing wisdom there. **Metonymy** is used with "inward parts" (referring to kidneys/reins) and "hidden part" to represent the entire inner person, the seat of thought, emotion, and will, rather than literal organs. This emphasizes the spiritual and psychological depth of God's desire. The use of "Behold" (**Hinne**) acts as an **exclamation** or **interjection**, drawing immediate attention to the profound truth being revealed, underscoring its importance and divine origin. The verse also implicitly uses **contrast** by shifting focus from outward actions (the sin David committed) to the inward disposition God truly desires, highlighting the inadequacy of external religious acts without internal sincerity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 51:6 stands as a theological cornerstone, asserting that God's primary concern is not merely with human behavior but with the very core of one's being—the heart, mind, and spirit. This profound truth challenges any superficial understanding of religion that prioritizes external rituals or outward appearances over genuine inner transformation. It teaches that true righteousness flows from an authentic, truthful disposition cultivated by God's grace. The verse underscores divine omniscience and omnipresence, demonstrating that God sees beyond the façade, desiring a relationship founded on integrity and sincerity. Furthermore, it highlights God's active role in imparting wisdom, revealing that spiritual understanding and the capacity for righteous living are divine gifts, not human achievements. This concept lays the groundwork for a theology of grace, where God initiates and enables the inner change He desires.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9-10 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")
* [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27-28 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 51:6 calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to look beyond our outward actions and consider the true state of our "inward parts." In a world often preoccupied with appearances and public perception, this verse reminds us that God's gaze penetrates to the deepest, most hidden recesses of our hearts, where our true motives, desires, and character reside. It challenges us to cultivate genuine integrity, recognizing that hypocrisy, even if unseen by others, is fully exposed before God. Our prayers, our worship, our acts of service—all are rendered hollow if they do not spring from a heart made true by God. This verse also offers immense hope: the wisdom to live righteously is not something we must generate on our own, but something God Himself promises to impart in those hidden places. It invites us to humbly acknowledge our need for divine wisdom and to actively seek God's transformative work within us, allowing Him to shape our innermost being into conformity with His truth. This leads to a life of authentic faith, where our inner reality aligns with our outward profession, bringing true honor to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hidden parts" of your life might need God's truth and wisdom to penetrate?**
* **How does the emphasis on inner truth challenge any tendency towards outward religious performance without genuine heart engagement?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek God's wisdom for your innermost being, rather than relying solely on your own understanding?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of God's desire for "truth in the inward parts" impact your daily choices and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "inward parts" and "hidden part" mean in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 51:6, "inward parts" (Hebrew: _ṭuḥôt_) and "hidden part" (Hebrew: _sāṭum_) are metaphorical expressions referring to the deepest, most private, and often concealed aspects of a person's being. The "inward parts" were often associated with the kidneys or reins in ancient Hebrew thought, believed to be the seat of emotions, conscience, and moral decision-making. The "hidden part" reinforces this, pointing to the secret core of one's personality, inaccessible to others. Together, they emphasize that God desires truth and integrity not just in outward actions, but in the very core of one's character and motives, where true authenticity resides. This aligns with the biblical principle that [God looks at the heart](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"), not merely outward appearance.

**How does God "make me to know wisdom" in the hidden part?**

Answer: God imparts wisdom in the "hidden part" through a process of divine revelation and spiritual transformation. This isn't merely intellectual knowledge, but a profound, intuitive understanding and discernment that guides one's moral and spiritual life. It is a gift of grace, often given through His Spirit, His Word, and through the refining experiences of life. As David repents and seeks God's truth, God responds by shaping his innermost being, aligning his desires and understanding with divine will. This wisdom enables genuine righteousness, flowing from an internal source rather than external compulsion. It is a spiritual enlightenment that leads to living skillfully and righteously before God, as promised in passages like [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 51:6 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the truth in His inward parts and was the very embodiment of divine wisdom. Unlike David, whose inner truth was marred by sin, Jesus lived a life of absolute integrity, fulfilling God's desire for perfect truth in every aspect of His being. He consistently exposed the hypocrisy of those who prioritized outward religious performance over inner purity, as seen in His condemnation of the Pharisees for being like [whitewashed tombs](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27 - Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy of Pharisees")—beautiful on the outside but full of corruption within. Jesus taught that true righteousness comes from the heart, declaring that [out of the heart proceed evil thoughts](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - What Defiles a Person") and that [those who are pure in heart will see God](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - The Beatitudes: Pure in Heart"). Furthermore, Jesus is revealed as the very source of the wisdom God desires to impart. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom") declares that in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Through faith in Christ, believers are not only forgiven of their outward sins but are also given a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart")), enabling them to genuinely desire and live out the truth in their inward parts by the power of the [Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, Teacher of Truth"), who guides them into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")). Thus, what David longed for—a divinely imparted wisdom and an inner truth—is fully realized in the believer's union with Christ, who is our [wisdom from God](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom").

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

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Psalms 15:2

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

Job 38:36

Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

1 Peter 3:4

But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Romans 7:22

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

Luke 11:39

And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.