King James Version

What Does Psalms 51:2 Mean?

“Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.”

Context

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Wash me thoroughly.**—Literally, *Wash me much, *whether we follow the Hebrew text or the Hebrew margin. The two clauses of the verse are not merely antithetic. The terms *wash *and *cleanse *seem to imply respectively the *actual *and the *ceremonial *purification, the former meaning literally *to tread, *describing the process of washing clothes (as blankets are washed to this day in Scotland) by trampling them with the feet, the latter used of the formal declaration of cleanliness by the priest in the case of leprosy (Leviticus 13:6-34). (For the *iniquity *and *sin, *see Psalm 32:1.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 51:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.