King James Version

What Does Psalms 26:6 Mean?

Psalms 26:6 in the King James Version says “I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: — study this verse from Psalms chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

Psalms 26:6 · KJV


Context

4

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

5

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

6

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

7

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

8

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. where: Heb. of the tabernacle of thy honour


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'I will wash mine hands in innocency' uses ritual purification imagery to express moral purity. Washing hands symbolized cleansing from guilt. 'So will I compass thine altar, O LORD' describes approaching God's presence for worship. Reformed theology emphasizes that approaching God requires cleansing—ultimately provided through Christ's blood, not our works. The psalmist's claim to innocence is relative (covenant faithfulness), not absolute (sinlessness). Only Christ perfectly combines innocence and altar-service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical law required priests to wash before serving at the altar (Ex. 30:17-21). This ritual symbolized moral purity necessary for approaching holy God. The psalmist spiritualizes this—moral integrity qualifies for worship more than mere ritual compliance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's blood 'wash your hands' to qualify you for worship?
  2. What does approaching God's altar with 'innocency' mean practically?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֶרְחַ֣ץ1 of 7

I will wash

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

בְּנִקָּי֣וֹן2 of 7

in innocency

H5356

clearness (literally or figuratively)

כַּפָּ֑י3 of 7

mine hands

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וַאֲסֹבְבָ֖ה4 of 7

so will I compass

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶת5 of 7
H853

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

מִזְבַּחֲךָ֣6 of 7

thine altar

H4196

an altar

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 7

O 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 Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 26:6 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 26:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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