King James Version

What Does Psalms 18:26 Mean?

Psalms 18:26 in the King James Version says “With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. shew thyself froward: or... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 18:26 · King James Version


Context

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

27

For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.

28

For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. candle: or, lamp


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
With the blameless God shows Himself blameless, with the pure He shows Himself pure. The Hebrew 'tamim' (blameless) and 'barar' (pure/clean) indicate integrity and moral purity. This doesn't mean God changes but that people experience Him according to their relationship with Him. Jesus taught that the pure in heart shall see God (Matthew 5:8). Reformed theology affirms that while God's character is unchanging, our experience of Him varies with our spiritual state.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wisdom principle that the righteous experience God's favor while the wicked experience His opposition—seen throughout Proverbs and Psalms.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your spiritual condition affect your perception of God?
  2. What impurities hinder you from experiencing God's presence fully?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
עִם1 of 6
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

תִּתְבָּרָ֑ר2 of 6

With the pure

H1305

to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select

תִּתְבָּרָ֑ר3 of 6

With the pure

H1305

to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select

וְעִם4 of 6
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עִ֝קֵּ֗שׁ5 of 6

and with the froward

H6141

distorted; hence, false

תִּתְפַּתָּֽל׃6 of 6

thou wilt shew thyself froward

H6617

to twine, i.e., (literally) to struggle or (figuratively) be (morally) tortuous


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 18:26 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 18:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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