Psalms 51:15 Meaning and Explanation
“O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to enable his lips to praise and declare God's glory.
The Context of Psalms 51:15
Praise requires God's initial action to open the lips; it then flows naturally.
What Does Psalms 51:15 Mean?
'Open thou my lips' is not a request to enable speech but to unlock praise specifically. In the context of the preceding verse's vow, it acknowledges that genuine praise is not the psalmist's native language—it requires God's action. The image of sealed or bound lips becoming open suggests that praise will flow once freed, as if it is the psalmist's truest speech once released.
'My mouth shall shew forth thy praise' promises that once lips are opened, the mouth will naturally pour forth praise. The future 'shall shew' indicates certainty: opening the lips guarantees praise. This is not thank-you as obligation but praise as spontaneous overflow, the expression of a heart renewed and restored.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 51:15
What does Psalms 51:15 mean?
The psalmist asks God to enable his lips to praise and declare God's glory.
What is the context of Psalms 51:15?
Praise requires God's initial action to open the lips; it then flows naturally.