Psalms – Chapter 50

Old Testament21 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 50 opens with the words: "Unto the end, a psalm of David," The chapter centers on Bathsheba, Nathan and David. Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and worship and praise. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Unto the end, a psalm of David,

2When Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had sinned with Bethsabee.

3Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity.

4Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

5For I know my iniquity, and my sin is always before me.

6To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee: that thou mayst be justified in thy words, and mayst overcome when thou art judged.

7For behold I was conceived in iniquities; and in sins did my mother conceive me.

8For behold thou hast loved truth: the uncertain and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made manifest to me.

9Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

10To my hearing thou shalt give joy and gladness: and the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice.

11Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

12Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels.

13Cast me not away from thy face; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

14Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.

15I will teach the unjust thy ways: and the wicked shall be converted to thee.

16Deliver me from blood, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall extol thy justice.

17O Lord, thou wilt open my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy praise.

18For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it: with burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted.

19A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

20Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy good will with Sion; that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.

21Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings: then shall they lay calves upon thy altar.

Important Verses in Psalms 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity.

Psalms 50:3

For behold thou hast loved truth: the uncertain and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made manifest to me.

Psalms 50:8

Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels.

Psalms 50:12

Deliver me from blood, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall extol thy justice.

Psalms 50:16

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 50 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Bathsheba, Nathan and David, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "Unto the end, a psalm of David," The final verse reads: "Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings: then shall they lay calves upon…" In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 3: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1324).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

Bathsheba1 mentionNathan1 mentionDavid1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 50, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 50 supports that call by drawing attention to the moral law as path to freedom within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

As you continue through Psalms, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 50 about?

Psalms 50 contains 21 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, a psalm of David," and closes with "Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings: then shall they lay calves upon…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 50?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 50?

This chapter mentions Bathsheba, Nathan, David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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