Psalms 18:20
Psalms 18:20 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 hath 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 righteousnes: according to the purenes of mine hands he recompensed me:
Jehovah doth recompense me According to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands, He doth return to me.
The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness. According to the cleanness of my hands, he has recompensed me.
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
Yahweh has rewarded me because I do what is right; he has blessed me because I ◄am innocent/have not done things that are wrong►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:20
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 18:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יּוֹצִיאֵ֥/נִי
לַ/מֶּרְחָ֑ב
יְ֝חַלְּצֵ֗/נִי
כִּ֘י
חָ֥פֵֽץ
בִּֽ/י
וַ/יּוֹצִיאֵ֥/נִי
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לַ/מֶּרְחָ֑ב
merchâb
H4800
broad
Prep | N-ms
יְ֝חַלְּצֵ֗/נִי
châlats
H2502
to rescue
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
כִּ֘י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
חָ֥פֵֽץ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִּֽ/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 18:20
וַ/יּוֹצִיאֵ֥/נִי
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לַ/מֶּרְחָ֑ב
merchâb
H4800
"broad"
Prep | N-ms
Merchab refers to a broad or roomy place, often describing a wide or expansive area. It symbolizes liberty and openness. This concept is mentioned in the Bible as a desirable state.
Definition: broad or roomy place, wide, expanses
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: breadth, large place (room). See also: 2 Samuel 22:20; Psalms 118:5; Psalms 18:20.
יְ֝חַלְּצֵ֗/נִי
châlats
H2502
"to rescue"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To arm or equip for war is the meaning of this verb, used to describe preparing for battle. It is translated as arm, deliver, or strengthen in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to draw off or out, withdraw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw, draw off 1a2) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be delivered 1b2) to be saved 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to pull out, tear out 1c2) to rescue, deliver, set free 1c3) to take away, plunder
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: arm (self), (go, ready) armed ([idiom] man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self. See also: Leviticus 14:40; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalms 6:5.
כִּ֘י
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.
חָ֥פֵֽץ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
בִּֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 18:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:20
- Sermons on Psalms 18:20
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
18They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support.
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.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 | Matthew 6:4 | so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. |
| 3 | Psalms 58:11 | Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!” |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 3:8 | He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. |
| 5 | Job 22:30 | He will deliver even one who is not innocent, rescuing him through the cleanness of your hands.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 11:18 | The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward. |
| 7 | Isaiah 62:11 | Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: See, your Savior comes! Look, His reward is with Him, and His recompense goes before Him.” |
| 8 | Psalms 7:3 | O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, |
| 9 | Hebrews 7:26 | Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. |
| 10 | Isaiah 49:4 | But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.” |
Psalms 18:20 Summary
This verse means that God rewards those who seek to follow Him and walk in righteousness. It's not about being perfect, but about having a heart that wants to please God. As it says in Psalms 18:21, David kept the ways of the Lord and did not wickedly depart from Him, and as a result, God rewarded him. We can trust that God will reward us too, if we seek to follow Him and have clean hands, just like it says in Psalms 24:4 and Matthew 16:27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this verse mean that God only rewards those who are perfect?
No, this verse is not saying that God only rewards perfect people, but rather that He rewards those who walk in righteousness and have a heart that seeks to follow Him, as seen in Psalms 18:21 and Psalms 18:22, where David says he has kept the ways of the Lord and has not wickedly departed from Him.
What does it mean to have 'clean hands'?
Having clean hands means to be free from wickedness and to be living a life that is pleasing to God, as mentioned in Psalms 24:4, where it says 'He who has clean hands and a pure heart'.
Is this verse saying that our good works earn us rewards from God?
No, this verse is not saying that our good works earn us rewards, but rather that God rewards those who have a heart that seeks to follow Him and walk in righteousness, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, where it says that our salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our works.
How can we apply this verse to our lives?
We can apply this verse to our lives by seeking to walk in righteousness and to follow God's ways, knowing that He will reward us according to our hearts and actions, as mentioned in Matthew 16:27, where Jesus says that God will reward each person according to what they have done.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek to walk in righteousness and follow God's ways?
- How can I cultivate a heart that seeks to follow God and have clean hands?
- What are some rewards that I have seen in my life as a result of seeking to follow God?
- How can I trust God to reward me according to my righteousness and the cleanness of my hands, even when I don't see immediate results?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:20
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness,.... Which, if applied to David, cannot be understood of his own personal righteousness, or of works of righteousness done by him, for these merit
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:20
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteouness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:20
As I had a just cause, and made it my care and business to deal righteously with God, and with Saul, and all others; so God (who hath engaged himself by his promise to suceour and reward them that are such) was graciously pleased to own me, and to plead my cause against my unrighteous enemies. And because I would not deliver myself from straits and miseries by unrighteous means, namely, by killing Saul, as I was advised to do, God was pleased to deliver me in a more honourable and effectual manner. The cleanness of my hands, i.e. the innocency of my actions and carriage towards Saul, from whose blood I kept my hands pure.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:20
Psalms 18:20 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.Ver. 20. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness] viz. The righteousness of my cause; and my freedom from such crimes of disloyalty and ambition, wherewith mine enemies charged me, as if pricked on by my pride I sought the kingdom. As also, according to mine honest desire and endeavour in all things else to keep a good conscience, void of offence toward God and men. This, though God’ s own work, and a debt most due to him, yet he is pleased graciously to reward.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:20
(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 18:20
Verse 20. The Lord rewarded me] David proceeds to give the reasons why God had so marvellously interposed in his behalf. According to my righteousness] Instead of being an enemy to Saul, I was his friend. I dealt righteously with him while he dealt unrighteously with me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:20
20–23. The language is inspired by the courage of a childlike simplicity. It is no vainglorious 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 sinless righteousness, but to single-hearted sincerity 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. Cp. Psalms 7:8, Psalms 17:3-4; and see Introd. p. lxxxvii f. Is not this conscious rectitude, this “princely heart of innocence,” a clear indication that the Psalm was written before his great fall?
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:20
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness - That is, he saw that I did not deserve the treatment which I received from my enemies, and therefore he interposed to save me. Compare the note at Psalms 17:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:20
20. According to my righteousness—Psalms 18:20-26 seem to date the psalm before David’s great sin. But he specially appeals to his righteousness as relating to the causes of his wars, for which he had given no provocation.
Sermons on Psalms 18:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Basis of Faith Is Trust by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of God's word to transform and reward individuals. He shares a personal anecdote about his old hockey coach being amazed by his tra |
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According to My Righteousness by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to prepare for what lies ahead. He reads from Psalm 18, highlighting the importance of righteousness and obedience to God's laws. T |
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Delighting in God by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God, highlighting how God delights in us when we walk with integrity and obey His Word. The passage |
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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 |