Psalms 18:23
Psalms 18:23 in Multiple Translations
And I have been blameless before Him and kept myself from iniquity.
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
I was also perfect with him, And I kept myself from mine iniquity.
And I was upright before him, and I kept myself from sin.
I am blameless in his sight; I keep myself from sinning.
I was vpright also with him, and haue kept me from my wickednes.
And I am perfect with him, And I keep myself from mine iniquity.
I was also blameless with him. I kept myself from my iniquity.
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from my iniquity.
He knows that I have not done what is wrong; I have kept myself from sinning.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:23
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 18:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
כָל
מִשְׁפָּטָ֣י/ו
לְ/נֶגְדִּ֑/י
וְ֝/חֻקֹּתָ֗י/ו
לֹא
אָסִ֥יר
מֶֽנִּ/י
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מִשְׁפָּטָ֣י/ו
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-mp | Suff
לְ/נֶגְדִּ֑/י
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep | Suff
וְ֝/חֻקֹּתָ֗י/ו
chuqqâh
H2708
statute
Conj | N-cp | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אָסִ֥יר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
מֶֽנִּ/י
min
H4480
from
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 18:23
כִּ֣י
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.
כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מִשְׁפָּטָ֣י/ו
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-mp | Suff
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
לְ/נֶגְדִּ֑/י
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep | Suff
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
וְ֝/חֻקֹּתָ֗י/ו
chuqqâh
H2708
"statute"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.
Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
אָסִ֥יר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מֶֽנִּ/י
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:23
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:23
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:23
- Sermons on Psalms 18:23
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
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.
24So the LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight. 25To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 18:8–9 | If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. |
| 2 | Psalms 11:7 | For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 29:17 | I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Matthew 5:29–30 | If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell. |
| 6 | Psalms 17:3 | You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth. |
| 7 | Psalms 37:27 | Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever. |
| 8 | Psalms 7:1–8 | O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers, or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me. 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, then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and ordain judgment. Let the assembled peoples gather around You; take Your seat over them on high. The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity. |
Psalms 18:23 Summary
[This verse means that David is saying he has tried his best to live a good life and follow God's rules, and he has not done anything that would make God unhappy with him, as seen in Psalms 18:23. He is not saying he is perfect, but that he has made an effort to be obedient to God, which is something we can all strive for, as encouraged in Matthew 5:48. By following God's commands and seeking to live a blameless life, we can experience God's faithfulness and blessings in our lives, as promised in Psalms 18:25. This is not about earning God's love, but about responding to His love and living a life that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be blameless before God?
Being blameless before God means living a life that is upright and pure, following His commands and statutes, as seen in Psalms 18:23 and also in Psalms 101:2-3, where David expresses his desire to live a blameless life before God.
How can we keep ourselves from iniquity?
Keeping ourselves from iniquity requires a deliberate choice to follow God's ways and obey His commands, as stated in Psalms 18:21, and also seeking God's help and guidance through prayer and reading His Word, as encouraged in Psalms 119:9-11.
Is it possible for a human to be completely blameless before God?
While it is not possible for humans to be completely blameless on their own, as stated in Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23, God provides a way for us to be made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, as explained in Romans 3:24-25 and 2 Corinthians 5:21.
What is the relationship between being blameless and God's faithfulness?
According to Psalms 18:25, God shows Himself faithful to those who are faithful to Him, and blameless to those who are blameless, indicating a reciprocal relationship between our walk with God and His response to us, as also seen in Matthew 5:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more intentional about keeping myself from iniquity, and how can I seek God's help in those areas?
- How does my understanding of God's holiness and my own sinfulness impact my desire to live a blameless life before Him?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to following God's ways and obeying His commands, as expressed in Psalms 18:21-22?
- How can I balance the desire to be blameless before God with the recognition of my own sinfulness and need for God's mercy and forgiveness?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:23
I was also upright before him,.... In heart and conversation, being sincere and faithful; so David was in the sight of God; but this is much more true of Christ, in whom there was no unrighteousness
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:23
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. I was also upright before him - literally, with Him (Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 18:13).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:23
I did not pretend religion before men for my own ends, but did approve my heart and ways to the all-seeing God. And I kept myself from mine iniquity, i e. from that sin which I was most inclined or tempted to; either, 1. From my hereditary and natural corruption, so far that it should not have dominion over me, nor break forth into any presumptuous or scandalous sins. Or rather, 2. From the sin of killing Saul, which might be called his sin, because this might seem most agreeable and desirable to him, both as a man and as a soldier, and as anointed to be king, as being a likely way both to revenge, and to preserve, and to advance himself; to which also he might seem to be both invited by the fair opportunity which Providence had put into his hand, 26:8, and necessitated by Saul’ s implacable malice, and his own perpetual and extreme dangers and distresses; and to which he was so strongly tempted by his own followers, in the place now quoted.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:23
Psalms 18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.Ver. 23. I was also upright before him] This he had because he kept God’ s commandments, as Psalms 18:22, had respect to them all, Psalms 119:6, both to the magnalia and minutula legis, which he kept as the apple of his eye, Proverbs 7:2, even all God’ s wills, Acts 13:22, and was therefore approved in Christ, as Apelles, Romans 16:10, and passed for an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile, as Nathanael, John 1:47. And I kept myself from mine iniquity] i.e. From my peccatum in deliciis, my darling sin, whereto I am either by nature or custom most inclined and addicted; from the iniquity of my heart and secret thoughts, which no man can charge me with, saith Aben Ezra; from that sin of disloyalty, which Saul and his courtiers charge me with, say others.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:23
(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 18:23
Verse 23. I was also upright] The times in which David was most afflicted were the times of his greatest uprightness. Adversity was always to him a time of spiritual prosperity. Mine iniquity.] Probably meaning what is generally termed the easily-besetting sin; the sin of his constitution, or that to which the temperament of his body most powerfully disposed him. What this was, is a subject of useless conjecture.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:23
23. upright before him] R.V., perfect with him, living in the fellowship of a sincere devotion. See note on Psalms 15:2. I kept myself from mine iniquity] I have watched over myself that I might not transgress, lest I should cherish any sin till it became a part of me. There is no reference to indwelling corruption or a besetting sin.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:23
I was also upright before him - Margin, with. The meaning is that he was upright in his sight. The word rendered upright is the same which in Job 1:1 is rendered perfect. See the note at that passage.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:23
23. Mine iniquity—The iniquity that a king in my circumstances is exposed to, such as ambition, pride, revenge, forgetfulness of God. All conditions of life have their besetting sins. Hebrews 12:1
Sermons on Psalms 18:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How Do You Know That? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a sincere willingness to part with every sin is a clear indication of saving grace. He asserts that true integrity and saving faith are demonstrated b |
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Grieving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was on the verge of losing everything due to his addiction. Despite asking for prayer, he couldn't resist getting high b |
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An Urgent Call for Revival by Edgar Reich | This sermon emphasizes the need for revival God's way, focusing on the importance of surrendering to God, repentance, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. It h |
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Hell Is Real by William Blackburn | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of talking about hell. He explains that preaching about hell is necessary because it is mentioned in the Bible. The preacher |
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Two Roads Two Destinies 09 Ireland st.chapel by Worth Ellis | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being active and engaged in the word of God. He criticizes those who are complacent and just going through the motions of |
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Cut Them Off by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of cutting off anything that leads us away from reliance on Christ, as illustrated by Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:8. He explains that the |
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The Holiness of God - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a profound episode in the history of Ben Israel, emphasizing the transformative power of encountering the truth. He highlights the importanc |