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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 18:20 The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/18-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_018_020.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 18:20 - The LORD is My Rock" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has repaid me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness (moral character, spiritual integrity); According to the cleanness of my hands He has rewarded me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; he repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; He repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Jehovah hath rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You are good to me, LORD, because I do right, and you reward me because I am innocent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me because of my righteousness, because my hands are clean. He paid me back<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD rewards me because I do what is right; he blesses me because I am innocent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD will reward me because I am righteous; because my hands are clean he will restore me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD repaid me for my godly deeds; he rewarded my blameless behavior. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness. According to the cleanness of my hands has he recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness. According to the cleanness of my hands, he has recompensed me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />YHWH repays me "" According to my righteousness, "" According to the cleanness of my hands, "" He returns to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Jehovah doth recompense me According to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands, He doth return to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Jehovah will recompense me according to my justice, according to the cleanness of my hands he will turn back to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord will reward me according to my justice; and will repay me according to the cleanness of my hands: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 17:21>And the Lord will reward me according to my justice, and he will repay me according to the purity of my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The LORD acknowledged my righteousness, rewarded my clean hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he recompensed me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands has he recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH rewarded me according to my righteousness, and according to the purity of my hands he repaid me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands hath He recompensed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord will recompense me according to my righteousness; even according to the purity of my hands will he recompense me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/18-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=1635" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/18.htm">The LORD is My Rock</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1580.htm" title="1580: yiḡ·mə·lê·nî (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; to treat a person, i.e. Benefit or requite; by implication, to ripen, i.e. to wean.">has rewarded me</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: kə·ṣiḏ·qî (Prep-k:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">according to my righteousness;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: yā·šîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">He has repaid me</a> <a href="/hebrew/1252.htm" title="1252: kə·ḇōr (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- Cleanness, pureness. From barar; purify.">according to the cleanness</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏay (N-fdc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">of my hands.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21</a></span><br />The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-31.htm">Proverbs 11:31</a></span><br />If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/22-30.htm">Job 22:30</a></span><br />He will deliver even one who is not innocent, rescuing him through the cleanness of your hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">1 Samuel 26:23</a></span><br />May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-32.htm">1 Kings 8:32</a></span><br />then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-23.htm">2 Chronicles 6:23</a></span><br />then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-10.htm">Isaiah 3:10</a></span><br />Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm">Ezekiel 18:24</a></span><br />But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-26.htm">Ezekiel 18:26</a></span><br />If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, he will die for this. He will die because of the iniquity he has committed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-13.htm">Ezekiel 33:13</a></span><br />If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but he then trusts in his righteousness and commits iniquity, then none of his righteous works will be remembered; he will die because of the iniquity he has committed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-18.htm">Ezekiel 33:18</a></span><br />If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will die for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a></span><br />Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10</a></span><br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12</a></span><br />Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20</a></span><br />For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands has he recompensed me.</p><p class="hdg">rewarded</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Psalm 58:11</a></b></br> So that a man shall say, Verily <i>there is</i> a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">1 Samuel 24:17,20</a></b></br> And he said to David, Thou <i>art</i> more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Proverbs 11:18</a></b></br> The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness <i>shall be</i> a sure reward.</p><p class="hdg">cleanness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Psalm 18:24</a></b></br> Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-3.htm">Psalm 7:3</a></b></br> O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Psalm 24:4</a></b></br> He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/job/22-30.htm">Cleanness</a> <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/psalms/16-7.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/psalms/10-14.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/job/34-33.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">Recompensed</a> <a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/psalms/7-4.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/psalms/17-15.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Cleanness</a> <a href="/psalms/44-17.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/psalms/18-50.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/psalms/28-4.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Recompensed</a> <a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/18-1.htm">David praises God for his manifold and marvelous blessings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness;</b><br>This phrase reflects the biblical principle of divine retribution, where God rewards individuals based on their moral conduct. In the context of <a href="/psalms/18.htm">Psalm 18</a>, David is expressing gratitude for God's deliverance from his enemies, particularly Saul. The concept of righteousness here is not about sinless perfection but about a sincere heart and faithfulness to God's covenant. In the Old Testament, righteousness often involves adherence to the Law and maintaining a right relationship with God. This idea is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Proverbs 11:18</a>, which states that the wicked earn deceptive wages, but those who sow righteousness reap a sure reward. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate righteous one, and through whom believers are rewarded with eternal life.<p><b>He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.</b><br>The "cleanness of my hands" symbolizes innocence and purity in actions. In ancient Israel, clean hands were a metaphor for moral integrity and ethical behavior. This imagery is also found in <a href="/psalms/24-3.htm">Psalm 24:3-4</a>, where those with clean hands and a pure heart are described as worthy to ascend the hill of the LORD. The historical context of David's life, particularly his refusal to harm Saul despite being pursued, exemplifies this cleanness. David's actions were in line with God's commands, demonstrating his loyalty and trust in God's justice. This phrase also points forward to Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life and whose hands were truly clean, fulfilling the law perfectly and offering redemption to humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/18.htm">Psalm 18</a>, David is expressing gratitude and praise to God for deliverance from his enemies, including King Saul. This psalm is a reflection of his personal experiences and relationship with God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, Yahweh is portrayed as the righteous judge who rewards and repays according to one's righteousness and purity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness_and_cleanness.htm">Righteousness and Cleanness</a></b><br>These terms refer to moral integrity and purity of actions. In the Hebrew context, "righteousness" (tzedek) and "cleanness" (bor) emphasize living in accordance with God's laws and maintaining purity in one's conduct.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_reward.htm">God's Justice and Reward</a></b><br>God is just and rewards those who live righteously. Our actions and integrity matter to God, and He acknowledges them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_righteous_living.htm">The Importance of Righteous Living</a></b><br>Righteousness is not just about external actions but also about the purity of heart and intentions. Strive to live a life that aligns with God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination_and_confession.htm">Self-Examination and Confession</a></b><br>Regularly examine your life for areas that need cleansing. Confession and repentance are key to maintaining a clean heart before God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_faithfulness.htm">Trust in God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>Trust that God sees your efforts to live righteously and will honor them in His timing. His faithfulness is unwavering.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_grace_in_righteousness.htm">Role of Grace in Righteousness</a></b><br>While striving for righteousness, remember that it is by God's grace that we are empowered to live a life pleasing to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_18_20-24_align_with_2_sam_11.htm">How does David’s claim of righteousness in Psalm 18:20–24 align with accounts of his moral failures elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., 2 Samuel 11)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/compare_psalm_131's_humility_to_vengeful_god..htm">How does the humble tone in Psalm 131 compare to other passages that depict a vengeful or warlike God (e.g., Deuteronomy 20)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_angel_amenadiel.htm">What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_david_claim_blamelessness.htm">(2 Samuel 22:21-25) How can David claim blamelessness here when other passages (e.g., 2 Samuel 11) describe serious moral failures?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20-23) for this protestation of innocence comp. Psalms 7, 17 and Job, <span class= "ital">passim. </span>Self-righteous pride and vindication of one's character under calumny are very different things. If taken of the nation at large, comp. <a href="/numbers/23-21.htm" title="He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither has he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.">Numbers 23:21</a>. Here, also, the text in Samuel offers one or two trifling variations from ours.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness</span>. David has spoken of his "righteousness" already in <a href="/psalms/7-8.htm">Psalm 7:8</a>. We must not suppose him to mean absolute blamelessness, any more than Job means such blamelessness by his "integrity" (<a href="/job/27-5.htm">Job 27:5</a>; <a href="/job/31-6.htm">Job 31:6</a>). He means honesty of purpose, the sincere endeavour to do right, such conduct as brings about "the answer of a good conscience before God" (<a href="/1_peter/3-21.htm">1 Peter 3:21</a>). <span class="cmt_word">According to the cleanness of my hands hath he</span> <span class="cmt_word">recompensed me</span> (comp. <a href="/job/27-9.htm">Job 27:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Psalm 24:4</a>). "Clean hands" are hands unstained by any wicked action. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/18-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has rewarded me</span><br /><span class="heb">יִגְמְלֵ֣נִי</span> <span class="translit">(yiḡ·mə·lê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1580.htm">Strong's 1580: </a> </span><span class="str2">To deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to my righteousness;</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּצִדְקִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ṣiḏ·qî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6664.htm">Strong's 6664: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right, equity, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He has repaid me</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשִׁ֥יב</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to the cleanness</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּבֹ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḇōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1252.htm">Strong's 1252: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cleanness, pureness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of my hands.</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝דַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/18-20.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 18:20 Yahweh has rewarded me according to my (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/18-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 18:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 18:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/18-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 18:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 18:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>