A Psalm of penitence after Nathan, the prophet of God, confronted David about his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, the wife of his loyal servant, Uriah, the Hittite.

1Have mercy upon me, O God, and blot out my transgressions in accordance with Your loving-kindness, and Your abundant tender mercies. 2Wash my guilt from me completely, and cleanse me of my sin. 3For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me. 4Against You, You only, have I sinned; You are just to condemn and punish me for this deed which is so evil in Your sight. 5Behold, I was conceived and born a sinner. 6But You desire truth in our innermost parts; and in my hidden part You shall teach me wisdom. 7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, so that I shall be whiter than snow. 8Restore my joy and gladness; let my bones which You have crushed once again rejoice. 9Hide Your face from my sins, and erase all my guilt. 10Create in me a pure heart, O God; and retore a right spirit within me. 11Do not banish me from Your presence; and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation; and sustain me with an obedient spirit. 13Then will I teach wrongdoers Your ways; and sinners will turn to You. 14Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation; then I shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15O LORD, unseal my lips; and my mouth shall exclaim Your praise.

16For You do not delight in sacrifice; else would I give it; nor do You take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17But the sacrifices You desire, O God, are a broken spirit; a broken and a repentant heart, O God, You will not despise.

18May it please You to prosper Zion; and to build the walls of Jerusalem. 19Then shall You be pleased with the sacrifices in the right spirit, with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall bulls be offered and accepted upon Your altar.