Psalms 18:21
Psalms 18:21 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.
Because 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 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.
I have obeyed Yahweh’s laws; I have not abandoned him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:21
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.
Psalms 18:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִגְמְלֵ֣/נִי
יְהוָ֣ה
כְּ/צִדְקִ֑/י
כְּ/בֹ֥ר
יָ֝דַ֗/י
יָשִׁ֥יב
לִֽ/י
יִגְמְלֵ֣/נִי
gâmal
H1580
to wean
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כְּ/צִדְקִ֑/י
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כְּ/בֹ֥ר
bôr
H1252
cleanness
Prep | N-ms
יָ֝דַ֗/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
יָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לִֽ/י
Prep | 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 — Psalms 18:21
יִגְמְלֵ֣/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.
יְהוָ֣ה
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/צִדְקִ֑/י
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
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.
יָ֝דַ֗/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 — Psalms 18:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:21
- Sermons on Psalms 18:21
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
19He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me.
20The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.
21For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.
22For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes. 23And I have been blameless before Him and kept myself from iniquity.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:102 | I have not departed from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me. |
| 2 | Psalms 17:4 | As for the deeds of men— by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. |
| 3 | Psalms 26:1 | Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. |
| 4 | Proverbs 8:32 | Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. |
| 5 | Acts 24:16 | In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. |
| 6 | 1 John 2:19 | They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 2:10 | You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 34:33 | And Josiah removed all the abominations from all the lands belonging to the Israelites, and he required everyone in Israel to serve the LORD their God. Throughout his reign they did not turn aside from following the LORD, the God of their fathers. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 15:11 | “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:10–11 | With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. |
Psalms 18:21 Summary
[Psalms 18:21 tells us that keeping the ways of the LORD and not turning away from Him is very important. It means we follow God's commands and teachings, like we see in Deuteronomy 8:6, and live a life that is pleasing to Him. By doing this, we can experience a deeper relationship with God and receive His rewards, as seen in Psalms 18:20. This verse reminds us to always seek God and follow His ways, just like David did, and trust that He will guide and reward us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'keep the ways of the LORD' as mentioned in Psalms 18:21?
Keeping the ways of the LORD means to follow and obey His commandments and teachings, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:6 and Psalms 119:3, which guide us in living a righteous and holy life.
How can we be sure we are not 'wickedly departing' from God?
We can be sure by regularly examining our hearts and actions, as in Psalms 139:23-24, and making sure we are living according to God's Word, as in Joshua 1:8, which will help us stay on the right path.
What is the relationship between keeping God's ways and receiving His rewards?
According to Psalms 18:20, keeping God's ways and being righteous leads to Him rewarding us, which is also seen in Proverbs 11:18, where it is written that the righteous will be rewarded with what is good.
How does this verse relate to our everyday Christian life?
This verse reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, as in Colossians 1:10, by following His ways and commands, which will lead to a deeper relationship with Him and a more fulfilling life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can ensure I am keeping the ways of the LORD in my daily life?
- How can I recognize when I am wickedly departing from God, and what steps can I take to return to Him?
- What are some rewards I have experienced in my life as a result of keeping God's ways, and how can I continue to seek Him?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of this verse to my relationships with others, and how can it impact my witness for Christ?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:21
For I have kept the ways of the Lord,.... Not those which the Lord himself walks in, his ways of providence, or of grace; though these are and should be taken notice of and observed by good men, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:21
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:21
I have observed and obeyed his precepts, and made mine own will, and passions, and interest stoop to them. And I have not knowingly and wilfully forsaken God, and broken his laws, as wicked men do; which he adds by way of correction and explication, lest the former or following clauses should be interpreted as a profession of such a perfect and sinless righteousness, whereby he might in strict justice be justified by and before God, which he elsewhere utterly disowns, 143:2, and which David, especially towards the end of his days, (when this Psalm was composed, as the title shows,) could not pretend to without great arrogancy and falsehood, as having been guilty of those great sins of murder and adultery, and many other errors, as he confesseth, , and oft elsewhere.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:21
Psalms 18:21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.Ver. 21. For I have kept the ways of the Lord] For the main, and for the most part, though not without some particular stumblings and startings aside, against my general resolution and the tendency of mine heart. And have not wickedly departed from my God] By an utter defection; I have not been transformed into sin’ s image, by projecting sin, by falling into it with full consent, and by lying under the power of it. Non ex superbia sed errore, saith E. David here; not of presumption have I offended, or with a high hand, but of infirmity, and with reluctance; rising up again by repentance, and renewing my covenant.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:21
(20-23) for this protestation of innocence comp. Psalms 7, 17 and Job, passim. Self-righteous pride and vindication of one’s character under calumny are very different things. If taken of the nation at large, comp. Numbers 23:21. Here, also, the text in Samuel offers one or two trifling variations from ours.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:21
Verse 21. I have kept the ways of the Lord] I was neither an infidel nor a profligate; I trusted in God, and carefully observed all the ordinances of his religion.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:21
21. He goes on to substantiate the assertion of the preceding verse. Cp. the prayer of Psa 5:8. Sin is in its nature a separation from God. Cp. Hebrews 3:12.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:21
For I have kept the ways of the Lord - I have obeyed his laws. I have not so violated the laws which God has given to regulate my conduct with my fellow-men as to deserve to be treated by them as a guilty man.
Sermons on Psalms 18:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Study Your Bible - Part 2 by Kay Arthur | In this video, Kay Arthur presents part two of her sermon on how to study the Bible. She emphasizes the importance of studying the word of God and teaches the audience how to conne |
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Habakkuk - Part 4 by Roy Hession | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of mercy and its role in restoring individuals who have sinned. The speaker references biblical stories, such as that of David, to illus |
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The Bible! by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the vital facets of the Bible, highlighting its role as the source of salvation, evidence of true faith, and the means for spiritual growth, renewal, and sur |
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This Sacred Book by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the vital facets of the Bible, highlighting its role as the source of salvation, the evidence of true faith, the importance of not neglecting it to avoid bac |
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The Art of Pleading to God by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and the art of pleading with God. It delves into the disciples' request to Jesus to teach them to pray, highlighting the need for Go |
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Exposition on Psalm 27 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the unwavering faith and trust in the Lord that David expresses in Psalms 26, highlighting the confidence in God's protection, guidance, and deliverance f |
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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 |