2 Samuel 22:21 Meaning and Explanation
“The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David says the LORD rewarded him according to his righteousness and clean hands.
What Does 2 Samuel 22:21 Mean?
The song shifts from rescue to integrity. David testifies that God responded to his 'righteousness' and 'cleanness of hands.' He is not boasting of sinlessness but pointing to a life lived in loyal faithfulness, especially his refusal to seize the throne by violence against Saul.
'Clean hands' means conduct kept honest and undefiled. David had repeatedly chosen the right path even when wrong would have been easier. The verse affirms that how we live truly matters to God, who sees and honors a heart that seeks to walk uprightly before Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 22:21
What does 2 Samuel 22:21 mean?
David says the LORD rewarded him according to his righteousness and clean hands.