CINXE.COM

<!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>2 Samuel 22:21 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/2_samuel/22-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/10_2Sa_22_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 22:21 - David's Song of Deliverance" /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/22-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/22-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/22-20.htm" title="2 Samuel 22:20">◄</a> 2 Samuel 22:21 <a href="/2_samuel/22-22.htm" title="2 Samuel 22:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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_/2_samuel/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“The LORD has treated me in accordance with my righteousness; In accordance with the cleanliness of my hands He has repaid me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220The 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="/nasb77/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has rewarded me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Jehovah 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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness, rewarding me according to the degree of my innocence, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness. He rewarded me according to the cleanness of my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh rewarded me according to my righteousness. He rewarded me according to the cleanness of my hands. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Jehovah recompenseth 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/2_samuel/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Jehovah will recompense me according to my justice: According to the cleanness of my hands he turned back to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The Lord will reward me according to my justice: and according to the cleanness of my hands he will render to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The Lord will reward me according to my justice. And he will repay me according to the cleanness of my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />LORD JEHOVAH rewarded me according to my righteousness and according to the purity of my hands he turned to me<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/22.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/2_samuel/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness; even according to the purity of my hands did he recompense me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/22-21.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/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=6832" 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/2_samuel/22.htm">David's Song of Deliverance</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me. <span class="reftext">21</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/6666.htm" title="6666: kə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯî (Prep-k:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">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</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">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> </span><span class="reftext">22</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="/psalms/18-20.htm">Psalm 18:20</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="/psalms/18-24.htm">Psalm 18:24</a></span><br />So the LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-8.htm">Psalm 7:8</a></span><br />The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Psalm 24:4-5</a></span><br />He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. / He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from the God of his salvation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Psalm 26:6</a></span><br />I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Psalm 37:28</a></span><br />For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-12.htm">Psalm 62:12</a></span><br />and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Psalm 103:17-18</a></span><br />But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children— / to those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Proverbs 11:18</a></span><br />The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.<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="/isaiah/59-18.htm">Isaiah 59:18</a></span><br />So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes, and recompense to the islands.<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 5:10-12</a></span><br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / 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/16-27.htm">Matthew 16:27</a></span><br />For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-22.htm">Luke 6:22-23</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. / Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.</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="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">2 Samuel 22:25</a></b></br> Therefore the LORD hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">1 Samuel 26:23</a></b></br> The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into <i>my</i> hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/8-32.htm">1 Kings 8:32</a></b></br> Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.</p><p class="hdg">cleanness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/17-9.htm">Job 17:9</a></b></br> The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.</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><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8</a></b></br> Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse <i>your</i> hands, <i>ye</i> sinners; and purify <i>your</i> hearts, <i>ye</i> double minded.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/11-4.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-13.htm">Cleanness</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-13.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-27.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-1.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/numbers/5-8.htm">Recompensed</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-21.htm">Recompenseth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-36.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-6.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">Cleanness</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-47.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-51.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">Recompensed</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-21.htm">Recompenseth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-25.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/22-1.htm">David's psalm of thanksgiving for God's deliverance and 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/2_samuel/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/22.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="/2_samuel/22.htm">2 Samuel 22</a>, David is expressing gratitude for God's deliverance and favor, attributing it to his own righteousness. This righteousness is not self-proclaimed but is seen in the light of David's covenant relationship with God. The concept of righteousness in the Old Testament often involves adherence to God's laws and commands, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-25.htm">Deuteronomy 6:25</a>. David's life, despite its flaws, is marked by a heart that seeks after God, as noted in <a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate righteousness found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and offers His righteousness to believers (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a>).<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 blamelessness, as seen in <a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Psalm 24:4</a>. David's claim here is not of sinless perfection but of a life generally characterized by faithfulness to God. This phrase can be connected to the cultural practice of ritual purification, which was essential for worship and community life in Israel (Leviticus 15). Theologically, it points to the idea that God sees and judges the heart and actions of individuals, rewarding them accordingly. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to live pure and blameless lives (<a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a>). The ultimate fulfillment of this purity is found in Christ, who cleanses believers and presents them spotless before God (<a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Ephesians 5:27</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of this song of praise, David is reflecting on his life and God's deliverance. He acknowledges God's justice and faithfulness in rewarding him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, God is portrayed as the righteous judge who rewards individuals based on their 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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/deliverance.htm">Deliverance</a></b><br>The broader context of <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/22.htm">2 Samuel 22</a> is a song of deliverance, where David praises God for rescuing him from his enemies and Saul.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which David ruled, representing the people who benefit from David's righteous leadership and God's favor.<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. This encourages believers to pursue a life of integrity and moral uprightness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_righteousness.htm">The Importance of Righteousness</a></b><br>Righteousness is not just about external actions but also about the condition of the heart. Believers are called to align their hearts and actions with God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/purity_in_conduct.htm">Purity in Conduct</a></b><br>The "cleanness of hands" signifies living a life free from sin and corruption. Christians are encouraged to examine their lives and seek purity in their daily actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_deliverance.htm">God's Faithfulness in Deliverance</a></b><br>Just as God delivered David, He is faithful to deliver those who trust in Him. This assurance should strengthen believers' faith in God's protection and provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_personal_integrity.htm">Reflecting on Personal Integrity</a></b><br>Believers should regularly reflect on their own lives, seeking God's help to maintain integrity and righteousness in all areas.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'called_by_his_purpose'_mean.htm">How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_'pleasing_aroma'_significant.htm">In Leviticus 1:9, why is a 'pleasing aroma' significant to an omnipotent, immaterial God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_regain_faith_when_distant_from_god.htm">How can you regain faith when feeling distant from God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 21-25.</span> - <p><span class="accented">"Jehovah hath requited me according to my righteousness,<br />According to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.<br />For I have kept the ways of Jehovah,<br />And sinned not so as to depart from my God.<br />For all his judgments have been kept in sight,</span> <p><span class="accented">And from his statutes I have not departed.<br />I was also perfect towards him,<br />And was on my guard against my sin.<br />Therefore hath Jehovah recompensed me according to my righteousness,<br />According to my cleanness in his eyesight."</span> It is impossible to suppose that these verses could have been written after David's fall. For while be acknowledges in them a tendency to sin, he affirms that he had been on his guard against it, and that he had ever kept God's statutes present before his view. However complete may be the penitent's recovery, yet can he never again be "perfect," the word applied to an animal without blemish, and therefore fit for sacrifice. The crime remains a blemish, even though the intense sorrow for the sin may make it the means of even attaining to a higher stage of spirituality and devotion. In ver. 22 the words literally are, "I have not sinned away from God," sin necessarily removing the sinner away from that nearness to God which is the privilege of the saint. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/22-21.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">יְהוָ֖ה</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">יִגְמְלֵ֥נִי</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">כְּצִדְקָתִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</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">יָדַ֖י</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/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/22-21.htm">2 Samuel 22:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/22-21.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 22:21 Yahweh rewarded me according to my righteousness (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/22-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 22:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 22:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/22-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 22:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 22:22" /></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>