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Psalms 51:16

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For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

For thou desirest {H2654}{H8799)} not sacrifice {H2077}; else would I give {H5414}{H8799)} it: thou delightest {H7521}{H8799)} not in burnt offering {H5930}.

For you don't want sacrifices, or I would give them; you don't take pleasure in burnt offerings.

For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings.

For thou delightest not in sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering.

Commentary

Psalms 51:16 in the King James Version is a profound statement from David's prayer of repentance, highlighting God's true desire in the face of sin and brokenness. It reveals that outward religious acts, like sacrifices, are insufficient on their own if the heart is not right with God.

Context

Psalm 51 is David's contrite prayer after being confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah (see 2 Samuel chapter 12). In the verses preceding this, David cries out for cleansing and acknowledges the depth of his sin. Here, in verse 16, he anticipates offering sacrifices but recognizes that God is looking for something deeper than mere ritual offerings under these circumstances.

Key Themes

  • God's Preference for Sincerity over Ritual: The verse emphasizes that God values the state of the heart and genuine repentance more than the performance of religious duties or offerings (compare with 1 Samuel 15:22).
  • Inadequacy of Sacrifice Alone: While sacrifices were part of the Mosaic Law for dealing with certain sins, David understands that for a sin of this magnitude and depth, mere animal sacrifice cannot fully atone or restore the relationship broken by rebellion.
  • True Worship: This verse points towards a understanding of worship that is not merely external but rooted in an internal disposition towards God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for 'sacrifice' here is zebach, referring generally to animal sacrifices, often peace or fellowship offerings. 'Burnt offering' is olah, a sacrifice entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication. David states that God does not 'desire' or 'delight' in these in the context of his deep, personal sin, hinting at what God truly desires, which is revealed in the very next verse.

Reflection and Application

Psalms 51:16 serves as a timeless reminder that our relationship with God is not based on outward performance or religious rituals alone. While corporate worship and acts of service are important, they must flow from a sincere heart of genuine repentance and a broken spirit. God looks beyond the external act to the internal attitude. This verse challenges us to examine our motives in worship and service, ensuring they are driven by love for God and a desire for holiness, rather than obligation or mere tradition. True worship is offering ourselves, our hearts, and our lives to God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 10:5 (15 votes)

    Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

  • Hebrews 10:6 (15 votes)

    In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

  • Psalms 40:6 (14 votes)

    ¶ Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

  • Hosea 6:6 (13 votes)

    For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 (10 votes)

    And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

  • Psalms 51:6 (8 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 21:27 (7 votes)

    ¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?