What does Psalms 51:5 mean?
"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." - Psalms 51:5

The Bible verse Psalms 51:5 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." This verse is part of Psalm 51, which is a penitential psalm written by King David. It is traditionally believed to have been written after David's adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah.
The verse, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me," speaks to the inherent sinful nature of all humans. David is acknowledging his own sinfulness and expressing his deep remorse for his actions. This verse is often used to emphasize the fallen nature of humanity and the need for repentance and redemption.
One of the key themes of this verse is the concept of original sin. This is the Christian doctrine that all humans are born with a sinful nature due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. According to this belief, the sin of Adam and Eve has been passed down through the generations, leading to all of humanity being born with a predisposition towards sin. This verse is often cited as evidence of the biblical basis for the doctrine of original sin.
The verse also speaks to the universal experience of sin and the human condition. It acknowledges the reality that all humans are born into a world that is tainted by sin, and that each person must grapple with their own sinful nature. This recognition of the universality of sin can be a source of comfort and encouragement for believers, as it demonstrates that they are not alone in their struggles and that God offers forgiveness and grace to all who seek it.
In addition to its theological significance, this verse also has a deeply personal and emotional resonance. It reflects the deep sense of guilt and shame that David feels over his own actions. Despite being a beloved and powerful king, David is acutely aware of his own failings and is humbled before God. This serves as a powerful reminder that even the most prominent figures in the Bible are not immune to sin and the need for repentance.
The context of this verse is also important to consider. As mentioned earlier, Psalm 51 was written by David after his affair with Bathsheba. In the preceding verses, David expresses his deep regret and sorrow for his actions and pleads for God's mercy and forgiveness. This verse is a pivotal moment in the psalm, as David acknowledges the root of his sin and his need for God's cleansing and renewal.
Symbolically, this verse serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption. It points to the universal human experience of sin and the hope for forgiveness and transformation. It also emphasizes the importance of humility and confession in the process of seeking God's grace.
In conclusion, Psalm 51:5 in the King James Version is a powerful reflection on the nature of sin and the need for repentance. It speaks to the theological concept of original sin, the universal experience of sin, and the personal experience of guilt and remorse. It also serves as a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the hope for redemption. This verse continues to resonate with believers today, offering both a challenge and a source of comfort in the journey of faith.
Have questions about Psalms 51:5?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Psalms 51:5 Artwork
Psalms 51:5 - "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."
"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." - Psalms 51:5
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 78:51 - "And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:"
"Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." - Psalms 51:13
Psalms 51:3 - "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me."
Psalms 51:13 - "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee."
"For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering." - Psalms 51:16
Psalms 51:9 - "Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities."
Psalms 51:10 - "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
Psalms 51:2 - "Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."
Psalms 51:16 - "For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering."
Psalms 51:12 - "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
Psalms 51:18 - "Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem."
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. (Psalms 51:1)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." - Psalms 51:10
"Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." - Psalms 98:5
"Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice." - Psalms 51:8
Psalms 51:8 - "Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice."
Psalms 51:11 - "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me."
Psalms 51:17 - "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
Psalms 89:51 - "Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 51:15 - "O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise."
Psalms 119:51 - "The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law."
Psalms 51:6 - "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."