The psalmist prays, “Cleanse me with hyssop” (51:7). This plant is most likely Origanum syriacum, shown here. 51:5 sinful at birth. While the doctrine of original sin may not be in mind here—nor is it a doctrine in Judaism—David may be thinking of the sinful nature and sinful tendencies of humanity, from the very beginning of the biblical story. In truth, this affects human beings “at birth,” inclining them in the direction of sin.9 51:6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me