2 Samuel 22:21
2 Samuel 22:21 in Multiple Translations
The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
Jehovah rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
The Lord gives me the reward of my righteousness, because my hands are clean before him.
The Lord rewarded me because I do what's right; he repaid me because I am innocent.
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousnesse: according to the purenesse of mine handes he recompensed me.
Jehovah recompenseth me, According to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands, He doth return to me.
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness. He rewarded me according to the cleanness of my hands.
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
The Lord will reward me according to my justice: and according to the cleanness of my hands he will render to me.
“Yahweh, you rewarded me because I do what is right; you did good things for me because I ◄was innocent/had not done things that are wrong►.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 22:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 22:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִגְמְלֵ֥/נִי
יְהוָ֖ה
כְּ/צִדְקָתִ֑/י
כְּ/בֹ֥ר
יָדַ֖/י
יָשִׁ֥יב
לִֽ/י
יִגְמְלֵ֥/נִי
gâmal
H1580
to wean
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כְּ/צִדְקָתִ֑/י
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Prep | N-fs | Suff
כְּ/בֹ֥ר
bôr
H1252
cleanness
Prep | N-ms
יָדַ֖/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
יָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 22:21
יִגְמְלֵ֥/נִי
gâmal
H1580
"to wean"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to wean a child or to treat someone well or poorly. It can also mean to ripen or bear fruit, and is translated as bestow, recompense, or requite in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to deal fully with, recompense 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to deal out to, do to 1a2) to deal bountifully with 1a3) to recompense, repay, requite 2) (Qal) to wean a child (Niphal) to be weaned 3) (Qal) to ripen, bear ripe (almonds)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, [phrase] serve, mean, yield. See also: Genesis 21:8; Psalms 103:10; Psalms 7:5.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כְּ/צִדְקָתִ֑/י
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
כְּ/בֹ֥ר
bôr
H1252
"cleanness"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means cleanness or pureness, describing something as free from dirt or impurities. It appears in the Bible as a state of being clean. In the KJV, it is translated as cleanness or pureness.
Definition: cleanness, pureness
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: cleanness, pureness. See also: 2 Samuel 22:21; Job 22:30; Psalms 18:21.
יָדַ֖/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
יָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 22:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David’s Song of Deliverance
19They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support.
20He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me.
21The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.
22For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God. 23For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 24:4 | He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 26:23 | May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. |
| 3 | Psalms 7:8 | The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 8:32 | 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. |
| 5 | James 4:8 | Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 22:25 | So the LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His sight. |
| 7 | Psalms 19:11 | By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 9 | Psalms 7:3–4 | O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, |
| 10 | Psalms 18:20–25 | The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes. And I have been blameless before Him and kept myself from iniquity. So the LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight. To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless; |
2 Samuel 22:21 Summary
[This verse means that God is a rewarder of those who live according to His standards of righteousness and holiness. When we live in a way that is pleasing to Him, He blesses and rewards us, as seen in Matthew 5:12, where it says that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake will be blessed. This is not about earning our salvation, but about living a life that is a response to God's love and grace, as seen in John 14:15, where it says that if we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD rewards us according to our righteousness?
This verse means that God blesses and rewards those who live according to His standards of righteousness, as seen in Psalm 37:3-6, where it says that those who trust in the LORD and do good will be blessed and have their righteousness rewarded.
How can I have clean hands before God?
Having clean hands before God means living a life of obedience to His commands and statutes, as mentioned in Psalm 24:3-4, where it says that those who have clean hands and a pure heart will ascend to the hill of the LORD and stand in His holy place.
Is this verse saying that I can earn my salvation through good works?
No, this verse is not saying that we can earn our salvation through good works, but rather that as believers, our righteous actions are a result of our faith and relationship with God, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-10, where it says that we are saved by faith, not by works, but that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's grace?
This verse relates to the concept of God's grace in that it shows how God's favor and blessing are poured out on those who live according to His will, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it says that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can demonstrate righteousness and cleanness of hands before God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper desire to live according to God's standards of righteousness in my daily life?
- What are some specific ways that I can trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when I face challenges and difficulties?
- How can I use this verse to encourage and motivate myself to live a life that is pleasing to God?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 22:21
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. [See comments on Psalms 18:20].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 22:21
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 22:21
21. according to my righteousness] This is no vain-glorious boasting of his own merits, but a testimony to the faithfulness of Jehovah to guard and reward His faithful servants. David does not lay claim to a perfect righteousness, but to sincerity and single-heartedness in his devotion to God. Compare his own testimony (1 Samuel 26:23), God’s testimony (1 Kings 14:8), and the testimony of history (1 Kings 11:4; 1 Kings 15:5), to his essential integrity. Is not this conscious rectitude, this “princely heart of innocence,” a clear indication that the Psalm was written before his great fall? the cleanness of my hands] = the purity of my actions. Cp. Psalms 24:4.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:21
21. My righteousness — “The righteousness and cleanness of hands, that is, the innocence, which David attributed to himself, were not perfect righteousness or holiness before God, but the
Sermons on 2 Samuel 22:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Worship - Then Prayer - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time with God over worldly distractions. He criticizes the tendency to spend hours watching TV shows but not |
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Col - (4) One in Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son and the impact of his discipline. He emphasizes the importance of being a good father and raising children in a go |
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The End of the Commandment by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman who realizes that she has never tried to share her faith with two people she knows. She decides to approach them, but they |
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Hold the Church to Love by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who encountered a couple in need of help. The man quickly offered assistance and showed genuine care for their situation. The |
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"Who Hath Not Lifted Up His Soul to vanity." by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the dangers of self-love and pride within the soul, which can lead to isolation and a judgmental attitude towards others. He warns that even the most spirit |
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Exposition on Psalm 25 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the psalm of David, emphasizing the importance of lifting up our souls to the Lord in trust and avoiding the mockery of enemies who lead us astray. He urg |
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Is Your Heart Blameless? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the call for Christians to live blameless lives, drawing from Paul's example in 1 Thessalonians 2:10. He explains that a blameless Christian is character |