Psalms 51:8
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Original Language Analysis
תַּ֭שְׁמִיעֵנִי
Make me to hear
H8085
תַּ֭שְׁמִיעֵנִי
Make me to hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְשִׂמְחָ֑ה
and gladness
H8057
וְשִׂמְחָ֑ה
and gladness
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
3 of 6
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
תָּ֝גֵ֗לְנָה
may rejoice
H1523
תָּ֝גֵ֗לְנָה
may rejoice
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
Cross References
Matthew 5:4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.Psalms 35:10All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?Luke 4:18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,Psalms 38:3There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.Psalms 30:11Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;Isaiah 35:10And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.Psalms 13:5But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
Historical Context
The imagery of broken bones describes the physical and emotional toll of unconfessed sin (cf. Psalm 32:3-4). Joy requires God's healing word, not just forgetting.
Questions for Reflection
- How does unconfessed sin affect us physically and emotionally?
- What is the 'joy and gladness' David needs to hear?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The plea for joy: 'Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.' Sin has not only brought guilt but destroyed joy. David's 'bones' (deepest being) feel broken by divine judgment. Restored joy will come from hearing God's word of forgiveness.