Psalms 51:5 kjv — Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

King James Version

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."

— Psalms 51:5, King James Version

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Psalms 51:5 in Other Translations

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Psalms 51 — Context

2

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

3

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

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.

5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Psalms 51:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Psalms 51:5 say?
Psalms 51:5 in the King James Version reads: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
Where is Psalms 51:5 in the Bible?
Psalms 51:5 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Psalms, chapter 51, verse 5.
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 51:5.
What translation should I read Psalms 51:5 in?
Psalms 51:5 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 51:5?
Psalms 51:5 reads (KJV): “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” 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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