Psalms 51:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist requests thorough cleansing from iniquity and sin.
The Context of Psalms 51:2
The psalmist shifts from asking for forgiveness to asking for cleansing, establishing restoration as an active, transforming work.
What Does Psalms 51:2 Mean?
The repeated request to 'wash' and 'cleanse' introduces the imagery of purification throughout the psalm. Iniquity and sin are presented as states requiring complete removal, not mere adjustment. The doubling of the petition—two verbs, two nouns—emphasizes the totality of what the psalmist seeks.
'Throughly' (thoroughly) indicates completeness; this is not partial or temporary forgiveness. The language suggests penetrating to the deepest levels, as if sin has stained the very substance of the self, requiring total transformation through divine action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 51:2
What does Psalms 51:2 mean?
The psalmist requests thorough cleansing from iniquity and sin.
What is the context of Psalms 51:2?
The psalmist shifts from asking for forgiveness to asking for cleansing, establishing restoration as an active, transforming work.