Psalms 51:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist prays for God's blessing on Zion and the restoration of Jerusalem.
The Context of Psalms 51:18
The prayer expands from personal restoration to the restoration of the covenant community.
What Does Psalms 51:18 Mean?
The prayer shifts to the corporate realm—from personal restoration to the city's rebuilding. The mention of broken walls suggests Jerusalem's destruction, likely during exile or threat thereof. The psalmist's petition is not 'restore me and let Zion suffer' but 'let thy good pleasure extend to Zion's restoration.' This move indicates that the individual's redemption is inseparable from the community's.
The request for God to 'build thou the walls of Jerusalem' parallels the interior re-creation of verse 10. Just as God creates a clean heart in the individual, He rebuilds the city's fortifications. This parallel suggests that personal and corporate restoration are expressions of the same divine will—the same mercies that touch the individual also embrace the community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 51:18
What does Psalms 51:18 mean?
The psalmist prays for God's blessing on Zion and the restoration of Jerusalem.
What is the context of Psalms 51:18?
The prayer expands from personal restoration to the restoration of the covenant community.