Psalms Chapter 51 · Verse 6
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Original Language Analysis
אֱ֭מֶת
truth
H571
אֱ֭מֶת
truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
2 of 7
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
חָפַ֣צְתָּ
Behold thou desirest
H2654
חָפַ֣צְתָּ
Behold thou desirest
Strong's:
H2654
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
בַטֻּח֑וֹת
in the inward parts
H2910
בַטֻּח֑וֹת
in the inward parts
Strong's:
H2910
Word #:
4 of 7
(in the plural only) the kidneys (as being covered); hence (figuratively) the inmost thought
Cross References
Psalms 15:2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Job 38:36Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?1 Peter 3:4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.Proverbs 2:6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.Romans 7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:Luke 11:39And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.Psalms 5:9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.1 Chronicles 29:17I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
Historical Context
The superscription dates this psalm to Nathan's confrontation of David after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12). David's external life seemed fine—he was king, performing royal duties. But internal corruption produced devastating consequences. This psalm became the template for genuine repentance: acknowledging sin's gravity, recognizing it's ultimately against God, desiring heart cleansing not merely behavioral modification. Ancient Near Eastern religion focused on ritual purity; biblical faith demands heart transformation.
Questions for Reflection
- What gap exists between your external religious performance and internal spiritual reality?
- How does God's desire for "truth in the inward parts" challenge merely outward conformity to Christian behaviors?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals God's concern for internal reality over external performance. "Thou desirest truth" (אֱמֶת חָפַצְתָּ/'emet chafatzta)—God delights in, takes pleasure in truth. "In the inward parts" (בַּטֻּחוֹת/batuchot) refers to the hidden, covered places—the interior self beyond public view. "The hidden part" (בַּסָּתֻם/bassatum) emphasizes concealment. God wants authenticity where only He sees. "Thou shalt make me to know wisdom" (חָכְמָה תוֹדִיעֵנִי/chokmah todi'eni)—God teaches, causes to know wisdom internally. External rituals mean nothing without heart transformation. This follows David's confession after his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah—his sin wasn't merely external actions but internal corruption requiring divine cleansing.