Psalms 18:20

KJV

¶ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} rewarded {H1580} me according to my righteousness {H6664}; according to the cleanness {H1252} of my hands {H3027} hath he recompensed {H7725} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI rewarded me for my uprightness, he repaid me because my hands were clean.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:20 stands as a powerful declaration of divine vindication, where King David asserts that the LORD, in His perfect justice, rewarded him commensurate with his integrity and blameless conduct. This verse, nestled within a grand psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance from all his enemies, illuminates God's righteous character in responding to the faithful obedience of His servant. It profoundly underscores the principle that God actively observes and recompenses those who walk uprightly, especially when they face unjust persecution or false accusation, thereby demonstrating His unwavering involvement in the affairs of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 18 is a monumental royal psalm, a triumphant song of thanksgiving attributed to David, celebrating his deliverance "from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." This psalm's profound theological depth and poetic grandeur are so significant that it is also preserved, with minor variations, in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"). Following a vivid and dramatic portrayal of God's majestic power and swift intervention—where the very earth trembles and the heavens bow to rescue David from his adversaries ([Psalm 18:7-15](/psalms/18-7-15 "Psalm 18:7-15 - God's Majestic Intervention and Deliverance"))—the psalm shifts to a crucial reflection on the *basis* for this divine rescue. Verses [18:20-24](/psalms/18-20-24 "Psalm 18:20-24 - David's Affirmation of Righteousness and God's Vindication") form a distinct section where David boldly asserts his integrity and blamelessness. This is not a claim of sinless perfection, but rather a profound declaration of his unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God's covenant ways, particularly in stark contrast to the malicious actions of his enemies and his steadfast refusal to retaliate against King Saul, even when presented with clear opportunities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm is deeply embedded in the tumultuous historical experiences of King David, especially his prolonged period of relentless persecution by King Saul before his ascension to the throne. Throughout this ordeal, David consistently exemplified remarkable integrity, famously refusing to lift his hand against "the LORD's anointed," even when Saul actively sought his life ([1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life") and [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Spares Saul a Second Time")). Within ancient Israel, the concept of divine justice, often termed "retribution theology," was a foundational element of the covenant framework: obedience to God's commands was understood to bring blessings, while disobedience incurred curses. The idiom "clean hands" was a widely recognized cultural and religious symbol, signifying moral purity, blamelessness in one's actions, and often indicating eligibility for worship or divine favor ([Psalm 24:4](/psalms/24-4 "Psalm 24:4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the LORD?")). David's assertion in this verse, therefore, functions as a public and solemn declaration of his innocence before both God and humanity concerning the specific charges or persecutions leveled against him by his adversaries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes powerfully to several pivotal themes woven throughout Psalm 18 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Vindication**, portraying God as a righteous and active judge who intervenes decisively to uphold the cause of the innocent and faithful. Secondly, it profoundly emphasizes **Covenant Faithfulness and Integrity**. David's "righteousness" and "cleanness of hands" refer to his steadfast adherence to God's commands and his upright conduct within the covenant relationship, particularly in his dealings with his adversaries. This is not an assertion of inherent sinlessness but of consistent obedience and moral purity in his actions and intentions. Thirdly, the theme of **Divine Reward and Recompense** is central, illustrating God's established principle of responding to human actions with appropriate consequences, whether positive or negative. David's profound experience serves as a compelling testimony to God's faithfulness to those who walk in His ways, providing a foundational model for theocratic kingship where the king's success and prosperity are intrinsically linked to his obedience and moral uprightness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rewarded (Hebrew, _gâmal'_):** This verb, derived from a primitive root, signifies to treat a person (whether well or ill), to benefit, or to requite. In the context of Psalms 18:20, it specifically denotes a positive, just return for David's actions. It implies that God's intervention and deliverance were not arbitrary acts but a direct, equitable, and deserved response to David's faithful conduct, thereby demonstrating a divine principle of just recompense.
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** This term refers to the right—whether natural, moral, or legal—and abstractly, to equity or even prosperity. Here, it describes David's conformity to God's ethical and covenantal standards. It does not imply absolute sinlessness (as David himself confesses sin elsewhere, such as in [Psalm 51](/psalms/51 "Psalm 51 - A Prayer for Cleansing")), but rather refers to his uprightness and faithfulness in his covenant relationship with God, particularly in his dealings with his enemies and his refusal to act maliciously. It speaks to his moral integrity and adherence to God's ways in the specific circumstances of his persecution.
* **cleanness (Hebrew, _bôr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to purify," this noun denotes purity, cleanness, or moral innocence. When used in the idiom "cleanness of my hands" (paired with _yâd_, meaning "hand"), it forms a powerful metaphor for blamelessness in action and conduct. It signifies that David's deeds were free from guilt, corruption, or malicious intent, especially concerning the false accusations or provocations he faced from his adversaries. This idiom is also found in [Psalm 24:4](/psalms/24-4 "Psalm 24:4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the LORD?"), emphasizing both moral and ritual purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness;":** This initial clause unequivocally establishes God ("The LORD," _Yᵉhôvâh_) as the sovereign and active agent, the ultimate source of the recompense David received. The crucial phrase "according to my righteousness" clarifies the precise basis of God's action. David is not claiming inherent perfection or sinlessness, but rather affirming that his conduct—his steadfast adherence to God's covenant, his integrity in refusing to harm Saul, and his uprightness in the face of unjust persecution—served as the just standard by which God intervened on his behalf. This is a profound declaration of divine vindication, where God's perfect justice perfectly aligns with David's faithful and obedient actions.
* **"according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.":** This second clause functions as a masterful synonymous parallel to the first, powerfully reinforcing and intensifying the core message. The phrase "cleanness of my hands" is a potent idiom signifying David's blamelessness in his actions, motives, and intentions. It underscores that his deeds were pure, free from the malice, deceit, or wrongdoing that characterized his enemies. God's "recompense" (from _shûwb_, meaning to turn back, return, or restore) is thus portrayed as a direct, equitable, and restorative response to David's pure and just dealings, definitively affirming his innocence and integrity in the discerning eyes of the divine Judge.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 18:20 primarily employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a hallmark feature of Hebrew poetry. The two clauses, "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness" and "according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me," express the same fundamental idea using different yet closely related phrasing and vocabulary. This intentional repetition serves to emphasize, intensify, and affirm David's assertion of integrity and God's just and responsive action. The phrase "cleanness of my hands" is a powerful **Metonymy** or **Idiom**, where a concrete physical image (clean hands, signifying ritual or moral purity) stands in for an abstract moral state (blameless conduct, integrity, and pure motives). This vivid imagery effectively conveys abstract moral purity in a tangible way. Furthermore, the depiction of God "rewarding" and "recompensing" David utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like judicial actions and responses to the divine. This literary technique makes God's divine justice and His active, personal involvement in human affairs more relatable and comprehensible to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers a profound theological statement on the biblical principle of divine justice and God's active, discerning response to human conduct. While the New Covenant reveals salvation as a gracious gift received solely through faith in Jesus Christ, the Old Testament consistently teaches that God is a righteous and just God who sees, evaluates, and responds to the deeds of humanity within the framework of His covenant. David's experience here is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to vindicate those who walk in integrity and righteousness, especially when they are unjustly persecuted or falsely accused. This is not a claim of earning salvation or meriting grace, but rather a declaration of God's just dealings within the earthly and covenantal realm. It affirms that God is neither indifferent to human suffering nor blind to injustice, but actively intervenes to uphold the cause of the righteous, ultimately bringing forth appropriate recompense and restoration.

* [Proverbs 11:18](/proverbs/11-18 "Proverbs 11:18 - The Wicked Earn Deceptive Wages, But the Sower of Righteousness Gets a True Reward")
* [Isaiah 3:10](/isaiah/3-10 "Isaiah 3:10 - Say to the Righteous That It Shall Be Well with Them, For They Shall Eat the Fruit of Their Deeds")
* [Matthew 16:27](/matthew/16-27 "Matthew 16:27 - For the Son of Man is Going to Come with His Angels in the Glory of His Father, and Then He Will Repay Each Person According to What He Has Done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 18:20 offers profound encouragement and a vital challenge for believers today. While we firmly grasp that our righteousness for salvation is imputed to us solely through faith in Jesus Christ, this verse speaks powerfully to the practical outworking of our faith in our daily lives. It serves as a potent reminder that God, in His omniscience, truly sees our integrity, our earnest efforts to live according to His Word, and our blamelessness, particularly when we are misunderstood, falsely accused, or unjustly treated by others. David's experience encourages us to persist steadfastly in doing what is right, even when our righteous actions seem to go unrewarded or when others act maliciously towards us. We are called to trust that God is a perfectly just God who will ultimately vindicate His own. Living with "clean hands" means striving for moral purity, engaging in honest dealings, and cultivating a conscience that is clear before both God and humanity. It calls us to confidently trust that while we may not always perceive immediate earthly recompense, our heavenly Father is intimately aware of our every deed and motive, and His ultimate justice will unfailingly prevail, whether in this life or the life to come. This verse profoundly inspires us to live lives of unwavering integrity and faithful obedience, knowing that our sincere walk with Him is never unnoticed by the One who truly matters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently seeking to walk in integrity, even when it is difficult, costly, or unrecognized by others?**
* **How does understanding God's character as a just rewarder and vindicator encourage you when you face false accusations, unfair treatment, or unmerited suffering?**
* **What does "cleanness of hands" practically look like in your daily interactions, professional decisions, and personal relationships, particularly in a world that often compromises on truth, purity, and ethical conduct?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that David was sinless or that humans can earn God's favor through their own righteousness?**

Answer: No, this verse absolutely does not imply that David was sinless, nor does it teach that humans can earn salvation or God's ultimate favor through their own works. David, like all humans, was a sinner who openly confessed his transgressions (e.g., [Psalm 51](/psalms/51 "Psalm 51 - A Prayer for Cleansing")). In Psalms 18:20, "righteousness" and "cleanness of hands" refer to his integrity and blamelessness *relative to his specific situation*—his faithful adherence to God's covenant and his upright conduct in contrast to his enemies, particularly Saul, whom he consistently refused to harm despite numerous opportunities ([1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life")). This verse speaks to God's just dealings within the earthly, covenantal realm, where God vindicates those who walk in His ways, not to the means of eternal salvation, which is by grace through faith alone.

**How does this Old Testament concept of "reward according to righteousness" relate to the New Testament teaching of salvation by grace through faith?**

Answer: This verse describes God's just governance of the world and His response to human conduct within a covenantal framework, rather than the means of eternal salvation. The New Testament unequivocally teaches that salvation is a sovereign gift of God's grace, received solely through faith in Jesus Christ, entirely apart from human works or merit ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). However, this truth does not negate the principle that God is a just God who will ultimately reward believers for their faithfulness and deeds done in Christ, which are the fruit of their salvation ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ")). While our works do not save us, they are the evidence and outflow of our salvation, and they are seen and honored by God. David's experience in this psalm powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness to those who strive to live righteously *after* entering into a covenant relationship with Him.

**Is God always going to reward my "righteousness" or vindicate me in this life if I live with "clean hands"?**

Answer: While God is perfectly just and sees all, His rewards and vindication do not always manifest immediately or in the precise way we might expect in this earthly life. The Bible also candidly speaks of the righteous suffering and facing many afflictions ([Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous")). Sometimes, the "reward" is spiritual growth, profound inner peace, a deeper and more intimate relationship with God, or the preservation of one's character and integrity through trials. Ultimately, the full and perfect recompense for those who live faithfully in Christ is reserved for eternity, when Christ returns to give to each person according to what they have done ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus Is Coming Soon")). This verse assures us of God's unchanging character as a just Judge who will ultimately make all things right, providing a foundational truth upon which to build our trust, even when earthly circumstances seem to contradict it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 18:20, with David's declaration of God rewarding his righteousness and clean hands, finds its ultimate, perfect, and redemptive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's "righteousness" was always relative, imperfect, and a striving toward covenant faithfulness within the limitations of his humanity. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the only one who lived a life of absolute and perfect righteousness, with truly "clean hands" in every thought, word, and deed, utterly without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). He perfectly fulfilled the Law and lived in complete, unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of sacrificial death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Therefore, the "reward" and "recompense" that God the Father bestowed upon Christ were not merely earthly vindication but cosmic exaltation, raising Him triumphantly from the dead and seating Him at His own right hand in heavenly places ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Highly Exalted Him")). For believers, our own "righteousness" before God is not our imperfect deeds, but the perfect, imputed righteousness of Christ, credited to us by grace through faith ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - For Our Sake He Made Him to Be Sin Who Knew No Sin, So That in Him We Might Become the Righteousness of God")). Thus, God "rewards" and accepts us not according to our own clean hands, but according to the perfect "cleanness of hands" and absolute righteousness of Christ, in whom we are found blameless and fully accepted before the Father ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 24:4

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Psalms 58:11

So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Matthew 6:4

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

1 Corinthians 3:8

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

Proverbs 11:18

¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.

Job 22:30

He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.

Isaiah 49:4

Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: [yet] surely my judgment [is] with the LORD, and my work with my God.