King James Version

What Does Psalms 18:24 Mean?

Psalms 18:24 in the King James Version says “Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyes...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight. in: Heb. before his eyes”

Psalms 18:24 · KJV

Context

22

For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.

23

I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. before: Heb. with

24

Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight. in: Heb. before his eyes

25

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

26

With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. shew thyself froward: or, wrestle

Read Psalms 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yahweh repaid David 'according to my righteousness,' 'according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.' The repetition from verse 20 emphasizes covenant faithfulness. The addition 'in His sight' acknowledges God as judge of true righteousness versus mere appearance. This anticipates the Judgment Seat of Christ where works are evaluated (2 Corinthians 5:10) and rewards given for faithfulness (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects David's vindication after years of unjust persecution—God's justice eventually prevailed, establishing David as king and judging Saul's house.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'in God's sight' change your perspective on righteousness?
  2. Do you live for human approval or divine vindication?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיָּֽשֶׁב1 of 8

“recompensed”

H7725

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

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 8

“Therefore hath the LORD”

H3068

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

לִ֣י3 of 8
H0
כְצִדְקִ֑י4 of 8

“me according to my righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

כְּבֹ֥ר5 of 8

“according to the cleanness”

H1252

purify

יָ֝דַ֗י6 of 8

“of my hands”

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

לְנֶ֣גֶד7 of 8
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

עֵינָֽיו׃8 of 8

“in his eyesight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Psalms 18:24 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 Psalms 18:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:41-42Ruth 2:121 Samuel 26:23Hebrews 6:162 Thessalonians 1:6-7

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Psalms 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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