King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:31 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:31 in the King James Version says “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. tried: or,...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. tried: or, refined”

2 Samuel 22:31 · KJV

Context

29

For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness. lamp: or, candle

30

For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. run: or, broken

31

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. tried: or, refined

32

For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?

33

God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. maketh: Heb. riddeth, or, looseth

Read 2 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Song, emphasizing praising God for deliverance. David's psalm of deliverance (parallel to Psalm 18) celebrates God's faithfulness throughout his tumultuous reign. The Hebrew poetry employs vivid imagery of divine intervention, warrior language, and covenant terminology. Theological themes include praising God for deliverance, reviewing God's faithfulness in retrospect, the righteousness of God's judgments, and anticipation of ultimate victory through God's anointed (messianic overtones).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 22 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding praising God for deliverance provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of praising God for deliverance?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הָאֵ֖ל1 of 11

“As for God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

תָּמִ֣ים2 of 11

“is perfect”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

דַּרְכּ֑וֹ3 of 11

“his way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אִמְרַ֤ת4 of 11

“the word”

H565

an utterance

יְהוָה֙5 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

צְרוּפָ֔ה6 of 11

“is tried”

H6884

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

מָגֵ֣ן7 of 11

“he is a buckler”

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

ה֔וּא8 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְכֹ֖ל9 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַֽחֹסִ֥ים10 of 11

“to all them that trust”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

בּֽוֹ׃11 of 11
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 22:31 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 2 Samuel 22:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:4Proverbs 30:5Psalms 18:30Matthew 5:48Psalms 119:1402 Samuel 22:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 22 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes