2 Samuel 22:26 Meaning and Explanation
“With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God shows Himself merciful to the merciful and upright to the upright.
What Does 2 Samuel 22:26 Mean?
David turns from his own story to a wider truth about God's character: He meets people in kind. To the 'merciful' He shows mercy; to the 'upright' He shows uprightness. God answers the heart that is turned toward Him with His own faithfulness.
The word translated 'merciful' is the great word for covenant love and loyal kindness. Those who show such steadfast love discover it returned from God a hundredfold. This is not a cold transaction but an invitation: draw near in mercy and faithfulness, and you will find the God who delights to meet you there.
2 Samuel 22:26 in the Original Language
chasid (חָסִיד), 'merciful' -- one marked by hesed, faithful covenant love and loyal kindness.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 22:26
What does 2 Samuel 22:26 mean?
God shows Himself merciful to the merciful and upright to the upright.