Peccavi super numerum arenæ maris

General information

Text based on the Prayer of Manasseh 1:9 (Apocrypha), sometimes conjoined with Psalm 51 v.5

Settings by composers

• William Byrd (1:9a, 1:9b) SATTB
• Antonio Caldara ATB
• Giovanni Priuli (1:9a, 1:9b) SS or TT

Other settings possibly not included in the manual list above

• Girolamo Frescobaldi — Peccavi super numerum arenæ maris

Text and translations

Latin text 1:9a Peccavi super numerum arenæ maris et multiplicata sunt peccata mea: 1:9b et non sum dignus videre altitudinem cœli, præ multitudine iniquitatis meæ. 1:9c Quoniam irritavi iram tuam, et malum coram te feci. 51:5 Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego cognosco et peccatum meum contra me est semper, quia tibi soli peccavi et malum coram te feci.

English translation 1:9a I have sinned above the number of the sand in the sea, my transgressions are exceeding many: 1:9b and I am not worthy to behold and see the height of the heavens, for the multitude of mine unrighteousness. 1:9c For I have provoked thy wrath, and done evil before thee. 51:5 For I know mine iniquities, and my sin is ever before me.Against thee, against thee only have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight. (Geneva Bible)