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2 Samuel 22:22

2 Samuel 22:22 in Multiple Translations

For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

For I have kept the ways of Jehovah, And have not wickedly departed from my God.

For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not been turned away in sin from my God.

For I have followed the Lord's ways; I have not sinned by turning away from my God.

For I kept the wayes of the Lord, and did not wickedly against my God.

For I have kept the ways of Jehovah, And have not done wickedly against my God.

For I have kept the LORD’s ways, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Because I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Yahweh, I have obeyed your laws; I have not turned away from you, my God.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 22:22

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 22:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֥י שָׁמַ֖רְתִּי דַּרְכֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְ/לֹ֥א רָשַׁ֖עְתִּי מֵ/אֱלֹהָֽ/י
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj
שָׁמַ֖רְתִּי shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal-Perf-1cs
דַּרְכֵ֣י derek H1870 way N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
רָשַׁ֖עְתִּי râshaʻ H7561 be wicked V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מֵ/אֱלֹהָֽ/י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 22:22

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁמַ֖רְתִּי shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
דַּרְכֵ֣י derek H1870 "way" N-cp
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
יְהוָ֑ה 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.
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
רָשַׁ֖עְתִּי râshaʻ H7561 "be wicked" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Being wicked or acting wrongly is what this Hebrew word describes. In Psalm 37:7, the Bible warns against being wicked and instead encourages trusting in God.
Definition: 1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a2) to be guilty, be condemned 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to condemn as guilty (in civil relations) 1b2) to condemn as guilty (in ethical or religious relations) 1b3) to act wickedly (in ethics and religion)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 22:8; Job 32:3; Psalms 18:22.
מֵ/אֱלֹהָֽ/י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 22:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 8:32 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
2 Genesis 18:19 For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”
3 Psalms 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!
4 Psalms 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.
5 Psalms 36:3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.
6 Job 23:10–12 Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.
7 Hebrews 10:38–39 But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
8 Zephaniah 1:6 and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”
9 Psalms 125:5 But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.
10 1 Samuel 12:3 Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”

2 Samuel 22:22 Summary

[This verse means that King David tried his best to follow God's rules and do what was right, and he didn't intentionally try to disobey Him, as we see in other verses like Psalm 101:2-3, which describes David's commitment to integrity and righteousness. By doing so, David was able to stay close to God and receive His blessings. We can learn from David's example by seeking to obey God's commands and follow His teachings, as encouraged in verses like Matthew 22:37-40 and Luke 10:27, which remind us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'keep the ways of the LORD'?

To keep the ways of the LORD means to obey His commands and follow His teachings, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Psalm 119:1-3, which emphasize the importance of walking in God's ways and keeping His statutes.

How can we avoid 'wickedly departing' from God?

We can avoid wickedly departing from God by seeking a close relationship with Him through prayer, reading Scripture, and obeying His commands, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 119:11, which remind us to meditate on God's Word and hide it in our hearts to avoid sin.

Is it possible to be perfect and never depart from God's ways?

While it is not possible for humans to be perfect, we can strive to be faithful and obedient to God, as seen in 1 John 1:8-9, which reminds us that we all sin, but God is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins.

What is the relationship between keeping God's ways and receiving His rewards?

Keeping God's ways and receiving His rewards are closely linked, as seen in this verse and others like Psalm 37:3-4, which encourages us to trust in the LORD, do good, and dwell in the land, and Psalm 58:11, which says that the righteous will be rewarded.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can 'keep the ways of the LORD' in my everyday life?
  2. How can I be sure that I am not 'wickedly departing' from God's path for me?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to depart from God's ways, and how can I seek His help to stay on track?
  4. How does keeping God's ways bring me closer to Him, and what are the benefits of this closeness, as seen in verses like John 14:23 and Revelation 3:20?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 22:22

For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. [See comments on Psalms 18:21].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 22:22

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 22:22

22–25. The integrity of David’s life and its reward 22. For I have kept, &c.] He goes on to substantiate the assertion of the preceding verse.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:22

22. Ways of Jehovah — The ways of truth and duty which Jehovah has marked out. To attend to these ways is to walk in them. Not wickedly departed — Foully apostatised.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 22:22

SermonDescription
Don Courville The Progress of the Upright by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the story of Josiah, who became king at the age of eight and ruled for 31 years. Josiah was praised for doing what was right in th
Zac Poonen Listening, Unburdening & Worshipping - Part 1 by Zac Poonen This sermon focuses on the story of Mary of Bethany and how Jesus elevated women in society, emphasizing the importance of learning from godly women and embracing equality between
G. Campbell Morgan The Message of Proverbs by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, asserting that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. He illustrates how this wisdom is appl
Art Katz Ask for the Ancient Paths by Art Katz Art Katz emphasizes the importance of seeking the 'ancient paths' as a means to find true rest for our souls, drawing from the timeless lament of the prophet Jeremiah. He highlight
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 38 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the 38th chapter of the Bible, which reveals the son of Judah. The speaker highlights that the sons of Jacob, with the exception of Joseph an
Denny Kenaston (Godly Home) Part 4 - a Vision That Motivates by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision that sustains and motivates us in our spiritual journey. He highlights the encouraging words found in Ephes
Leonard Ravenhill Praying Men and Women by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living by God's commandments and having a strong prayer life. He highlights the main adversaries that can hinder one's spi

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