Psalms 51:16

For thou desirest not sacrifice R.V., For thou delightest not in sacrifice. The verb is the same as in Psalms 51:6; Psalms 51:19, and Psalms 40:6. Forgives the reason for the nature of the thank-offering which he proposes to offer: not material sacrifice which God does not desire, but the sacrifice of a contrite heart. Cp. Psalms 40:6, the sacrifice of obedience; Psalms 50:14; Psalms 50:23; the sacrifice of thanksgiving.

thou delightest not R.V., thou hast no pleasure: a word used of accepting a sacrifice (Psalms 119:108; cp. Psalms 19:14). For the sense in which God is said to have no pleasure in sacrifice, see Introd. to Psalms 50. An absolute repudiation of all sacrificial worship cannot be intended.