Word Study: Psalm 51:4 (NKJV)
Text: "Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge."
Context
This is David's confession after being confronted by Nathan the prophet regarding his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11-12).
Key Words and Phrases
"Against You, You only" (Hebrew: לְךָ לְבַדְּךָ, l'kha l'vad'kha)

Lamed (ל) = "to" or "against"
Lebad = "alone," "only," "by yourself"
David acknowledges that ultimately all sin is against God, even when it harms others. This doesn't minimize his offenses against Bathsheba and Uriah, but recognizes God as the ultimate lawgiver and authority.

"Have I sinned" (Hebrew: חָטָאתִי, chatati)

Root: chata (חטא) = "to miss the mark," "to sin," "to go wrong"
Perfect tense, indicating completed action with ongoing effects
This is the fundamental Hebrew word for sin, conveying the idea of falling short of God's standard

"Done this evil" (Hebrew: הָרַע עָשִׂיתִי, hara asiti)

Ra (רַע) = "evil," "bad," "wickedness"
Asah (עשׂה) = "to do," "to make," "to accomplish"
David takes full responsibility for actively doing evil, not merely making a mistake

"In Your sight" (Hebrew: בְּעֵינֶיךָ, b'eynekha)

Literally "in Your eyes"
Emphasizes God's omniscience—nothing is hidden from Him
David acknowledges God as the primary witness to his sin

"That You may be found just" (Hebrew: לְמַעַן תִּצְדַּק, l'ma'an titzdaq)

Lema'an = "in order that," "so that," "for the purpose of"
Tzadaq (צדק) = "to be righteous," "to be justified," "to be vindicated"
This phrase has generated theological discussion: Is David saying his sin somehow serves God's justice, or is he acknowledging that God's judgment of him will reveal God's righteousness?

"When You speak" (Hebrew: בְּדָבְרֶךָ, b'dav'rekha)

From dabar (דבר) = "to speak," "word"
God's pronouncement or verdict

"Blameless when You judge" (Hebrew: תִּזְכֶּה בְשָׁפְטֶךָ, tizke b'shoft'kha)

Zakah (זכה) = "to be pure," "to be clean," "to be innocent"
Shaphat (שפט) = "to judge," "to govern," "to decide"
God's judgment is always pure and without fault

Theological Significance
David's confession reveals several profound truths:

God-centeredness of sin - Though David sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, and the nation, he recognizes all sin is ultimately rebellion against God
Divine justice - Whatever judgment God pronounces will demonstrate His perfect righteousness
No excuses - David makes no attempt to justify himself or shift blame
God's character vindicated - Even human sin cannot tarnish God's perfect justice; His judgments always prove Him righteous

This verse is quoted by Paul in Romans 3:4 to demonstrate that human unfaithfulness actually highlights God's faithfulness and righteousness.