Psalms 51:16 akjv — For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering.

American King James Version

" For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering. "

— Psalms 51:16, American King James Version

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Psalms 51:16 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Psalms 51 — Context

13

Then will I teach transgressors your ways; and sinners shall be converted to you.

14

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, you God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

15

O Lord, open you my lips; and my mouth shall show forth your praise.

16

For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering.

17

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

18

Do good in your good pleasure to Zion: build you the walls of Jerusalem.

19

Then shall you be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks on your altar.

Psalms 51:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Psalms 51:16 say?
Psalms 51:16 in the American King James Version reads: “ For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering. ”
Where is Psalms 51:16 in the Bible?
Psalms 51:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Psalms, chapter 51, verse 16.
Who wrote Psalms?
Psalms is traditionally attributed to Multiple authors (David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, others). Approximately 73 psalms are attributed to David; others to Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Heman, and Ethan; the remainder are anonymous. It was written c. 1410–430 BC.
What is the book of Psalms about?
The Psalms are the prayer book and hymnal of God's people, gathering a thousand years of inspired song — praise, lament, thanksgiving, confession, and royal and messianic worship. Every emotion of the believing heart finds a voice here, and every voice finds its center in Christ.
What are the major themes of Psalms?
Psalms explores themes including Praise, Lament, Trust, Messiah, Refuge, Kingship. These themes shape the meaning and context of Psalms 51:16.
What translation should I read Psalms 51:16 in?
Psalms 51:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Psalms 51:16?
Psalms 51:16 reads (AKJV): “ For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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