Psalms 51:16 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

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

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

You don't want sacrifices from me; if you did, I would gladly give them. You don't take pleasure in burnt offerings.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is telling God that he understands God cares more about the heart than religious rituals or ceremonies.

📚 Historical Context

David wrote this psalm after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. In ancient Israel, people offered animal sacrifices and burnt offerings at the temple to seek God's forgiveness for sins. David realizes that these external religious acts alone cannot fix his broken relationship with God.

Explore Similar Verses

Hebrews 10:6

You never actually wanted all those burnt offerings and sin sacrifices.

Hebrews 10:8

So when he said earlier, 'You don't want sacrifices, offerings, burnt offerings, or sin offerings — none of that stuff brings you joy' (and remember, all of those were required by the law),

Isaiah 1:11

What's the point of all these sacrifices you bring to me? says the LORD. I've had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat from well-fed animals. I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs, or goats.

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📚 Historical Context

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