King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:23 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:23 in the King James Version says “The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, bu... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

1 Samuel 26:23 · KJV


Context

21

Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly .

22

And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.

23

The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

24

And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

25

Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's closing declaration establishes the theological framework for the entire encounter: 'The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness.' The Hebrew verbs emphasize divine reciprocity in moral judgment. David explicitly states that 'the LORD delivered thee into my hand' while simultaneously affirming his refusal to 'stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.' This theological tension reveals mature faith: recognizing divine providence while rejecting sinful response to providential opportunity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of God rendering according to righteousness appears throughout Israel's wisdom literature and finds fullest expression in the prophets' vision of final judgment. David's appeal anticipates the eschatological hope that sustained Israel through centuries of apparent injustice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you trust God to render justice when you could take matters into your own hands?
  2. What does it mean to leave vengeance to God while still acting with wisdom and integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
יְהוָֽה׃1 of 18

The LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יָשִׁ֣יב2 of 18

render

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לָאִ֔ישׁ3 of 18

to every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת4 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

צִדְקָת֖וֹ5 of 18

his righteousness

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

וְאֶת6 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱמֻֽנָת֑וֹ7 of 18

and his faithfulness

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

אֲשֶׁר֩8 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נְתָֽנְךָ֙9 of 18

delivered

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 18

The LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַיּוֹם֙11 of 18

to day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יָדִ֖י12 of 18

mine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְלֹ֣א13 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבִ֔יתִי14 of 18

but I would

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

לִשְׁלֹ֥חַ15 of 18

not stretch forth

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יָדִ֖י16 of 18

mine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בִּמְשִׁ֥יחַ17 of 18

anointed

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 18

The LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 26:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 26:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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