Psalm 51:4
“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.”
KJV
Read in Psalm 51Meaning
“Against you” emphasizes sin’s offense against God and the justice of God’s judgment; it must not be used to erase the real human victims of David’s actions.
Mercy, confession, and truth before God
Psalm 51 is a penitential prayer traditionally linked by its superscription to David after Nathan confronted him. It moves from appeal to God’s steadfast love and honest confession, through cleansing and inner renewal, toward restored witness, humble worship, and concern for Zion. Repentance here neither erases harm done to others nor turns contrition into self-hatred.
Read carefully
“Against you” emphasizes sin’s offense against God and the justice of God’s judgment; it must not be used to erase the real human victims of David’s actions.
Reflection
“Against you” emphasizes sin’s offense against God and the justice of God’s judgment; it must not be used to erase the real human victims of David’s actions.