Psalms 51:18
16 For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
- KJV
- Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
- WEB
- Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem.
- ASV
- Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
- DARBY
- Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem.
- BLB
- By Your pleasure, do good to Zion; may You build up the walls of Jerusalem.
- ÅB
- Gjør vel imot Sion etter din nåde, bygg Jerusalems murer!
- OTB
- Gjør vel mot Sion i din nåde;
Bygg Jerusalems murer. - B1930
- Gjør vel imot Sion efter din nåde, bygg Jerusalems murer!
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Psalms 102:16
For the LORD will rebuild Zion; He has appeared in His glory.
Read in contextPhilippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
Read in contextEphesians 1:5
He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Read in contextZechariah 2:5
For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’”
Read in contextLuke 12:32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
Read in contextPsalms 122:6–9
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper.
Read in contextIsaiah 58:12
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.
Read in contextIsaiah 62:6–7
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,
Read in context