2 Samuel 22:21

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִגְמְלֵ֥נִי
rewarded
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
#2
יְהוָ֖ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
כְּצִדְקָתִ֑י
me according to my righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#4
כְּבֹ֥ר
according to the cleanness
purify
#5
יָדַ֖י
of my hands
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
#6
יָשִׁ֥יב
hath he recompensed
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
לִֽי׃
H0

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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