Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

PSALMS 51:6KJV
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Psalms 51:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 51:6 mean?

Psalms 51:6 says that God wants honesty and truth deep within a person, not just outward actions, and that God teaches wisdom in the most hidden parts of a person’s heart. The verse highlights that real change and understanding come from within, where only God truly sees.

King David is speaking to God after being confronted about his sin with Bathsheba. David recognizes that God is not just interested in rituals or appearances, but in genuine truthfulness and wisdom inside a person. This verse sets the stage for David’s confession and his hope for inner renewal, showing that God values what is real and sincere at the core of a person’s being.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 51:6

  • "desirest" (חָפֵץ, chafetz): This word means to delight in or take pleasure in. The verse says God actively wants or delights in truth, not just tolerates it.
  • "truth" (אֱמֶת, emet): This word refers to faithfulness, reliability, and honesty. The focus is on being genuine and trustworthy, not just avoiding lies.
  • "inward parts" (טֻחוֹת, tuchot): This word points to the deepest, most hidden places inside a person, suggesting that God cares about what is truly inside, not just what is visible.
  • "hidden" (סָתֻם, satum): This word means something concealed or covered. The verse says wisdom is given in the most private, secret places of the heart.
  • "know" (יָדַע, yada): This word often means intimate, personal knowledge. The verse is about God making someone truly understand, not just giving information.
  • "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokhmah): This word means practical skill or insight for living. The verse connects wisdom with the inner life, not just intellectual knowledge.

Why Psalms 51:6 matters

  • Psalms 51:6 clarifies that God’s main concern is not outward religious behavior, but the truth and wisdom that exist deep inside a person.
  • The verse shows that confession and change must begin in the heart, not just with words or rituals, which is central to the whole psalm.
  • This verse helps explain why David asks for cleansing and a new heart in the verses that follow—he knows God wants real, inner transformation.

Where else these words appear

“parts” Hebrew H2910 · used in 2 verses

  • Job 38:36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

“hidden” Hebrew H5640 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 26:15 For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.
  • Lamentations 3:8 Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.

“desirest” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
  • Song of Solomon 2:7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

“truth” Hebrew H571 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
  • Psalms 26:3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
  • Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.