Psalms 51:16
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י׀
H3588
כִּ֤י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַחְפֹּ֣ץ
For thou desirest
H2654
תַחְפֹּ֣ץ
For thou desirest
Strong's:
H2654
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
זֶ֣בַח
not sacrifice
H2077
זֶ֣בַח
not sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
וְאֶתֵּ֑נָה
else would I give
H5414
וְאֶתֵּ֑נָה
else would I give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
ע֝וֹלָ֗ה
not in burnt offering
H5930
ע֝וֹלָ֗ה
not in burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
6 of 8
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
Cross References
Psalms 40:6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.Hosea 6:6For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.1 Samuel 15:22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.Psalms 51:6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.Proverbs 21:27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?Psalms 50:8I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.Proverbs 15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.Jeremiah 7:27Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee.
Historical Context
The sacrificial system provided for sins committed unintentionally (Leviticus 4). For deliberate sins like adultery and murder, no sacrifice was prescribed--only throwing oneself on divine mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- Why couldn't sacrifice alone address David's sin?
- What does this verse teach about the limits of religious ritual?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The inadequacy of ritual: 'For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.' David cannot simply offer an animal and be cleansed. His sin exceeds ritual remedy. God desires something sacrifice alone cannot provide. This isn't rejecting sacrifice but recognizing its limits.