1 Samuel 26:23
The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָֽה׃
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יָשִׁ֣יב
render
H7725
יָשִׁ֣יב
render
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
2 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לָאִ֔ישׁ
to every man
H376
לָאִ֔ישׁ
to every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
צִדְקָת֖וֹ
his righteousness
H6666
צִדְקָת֖וֹ
his righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
5 of 18
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱמֻֽנָת֑וֹ
and his faithfulness
H530
אֱמֻֽנָת֑וֹ
and his faithfulness
Strong's:
H530
Word #:
7 of 18
literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
אֲשֶׁר֩
H834
אֲשֶׁר֩
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נְתָֽנְךָ֙
delivered
H5414
נְתָֽנְךָ֙
delivered
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַיּוֹם֙
to day
H3117
הַיּוֹם֙
to day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 18
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
יָדִ֖י
mine hand
H3027
יָדִ֖י
mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 18
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָבִ֔יתִי
but I would
H14
אָבִ֔יתִי
but I would
Strong's:
H14
Word #:
14 of 18
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
לִשְׁלֹ֥חַ
not stretch forth
H7971
לִשְׁלֹ֥חַ
not stretch forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
15 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יָדִ֖י
mine hand
H3027
יָדִ֖י
mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
16 of 18
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Historical Context
The concept of God rendering according to righteousness appears throughout Israel's wisdom literature and finds fullest expression in the prophets' vision of final judgment. David's appeal anticipates the eschatological hope that sustained Israel through centuries of apparent injustice.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you trust God to render justice when you could take matters into your own hands?
- What does it mean to leave vengeance to God while still acting with wisdom and integrity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's closing declaration establishes the theological framework for the entire encounter: 'The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness.' The Hebrew verbs emphasize divine reciprocity in moral judgment. David explicitly states that 'the LORD delivered thee into my hand' while simultaneously affirming his refusal to 'stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.' This theological tension reveals mature faith: recognizing divine providence while rejecting sinful response to providential opportunity.