Psalms 26:6 Meaning and Explanation
“I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist, clean in conscience, approaches God's altar with confidence.
The Context of Psalms 26:6
The psalmist moves from separation from evil to standing before God's altar.
What Does Psalms 26:6 Mean?
Washing the hands in innocency is both literal temple practice and spiritual metaphor. In the ancient tabernacle, priests washed their hands before approaching the altar. The psalmist claims to come with clean hands and clean conscience—ready to worship.
Encompassing the altar (circling it, standing before it) is an act of worship and communion with God. The psalmist's confidence to approach rests on his integrity—he has not compromised his loyalty to God through deception or evil association.
Psalms 26:6 in the Original Language
niqayon (נִקָּיוֹן), 'innocency' — freedom from guilt, cleanness of conduct and conscience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 26:6
What does Psalms 26:6 mean?
The psalmist, clean in conscience, approaches God's altar with confidence.
What is the context of Psalms 26:6?
The psalmist moves from separation from evil to standing before God's altar.