King James Version

What Does Psalms 51:19 Mean?

Psalms 51:19 in the King James Version says “Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shal...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Psalms 51:19 · KJV

Context

17

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The proper sacrifices: 'Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness...then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.' After heart-repentance comes appropriate ritual. Sacrifices offered from broken, contrite hearts (v.17) are 'sacrifices of righteousness.' External worship flows from internal transformation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The psalm doesn't reject sacrifice entirely but puts it in proper order: broken heart first, then joyful offering. Post-exilic readers would understand the restored temple sacrifices as following from national repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes a sacrifice 'of righteousness'?
  2. How does the sequence of heart before ritual apply to Christian worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אָ֤ז1 of 11
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

תַּחְפֹּ֣ץ2 of 11

“Then shalt thou be pleased”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

זִבְחֵי3 of 11

“with the sacrifices”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

צֶ֭דֶק4 of 11

“of righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

עוֹלָ֣ה5 of 11

“burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְכָלִ֑יל6 of 11

“and whole”

H3632

complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully

אָ֤ז7 of 11
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יַעֲל֖וּ8 of 11

“then shall they offer”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל9 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִזְבַּחֲךָ֣10 of 11

“upon thine altar”

H4196

an altar

פָרִֽים׃11 of 11

“bullocks”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 51:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 51:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 4:5Ephesians 5:2Psalms 66:13-15Malachi 3:3Romans 12:1Psalms 118:27

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