Psalms 18:20

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִגְמְלֵ֣נִי

H1580

rewarded

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כְּצִדְקִ֑י

H6664

me according to my righteousness

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

כְּבֹ֥ר

H1252

according to the cleanness

purify

יָ֝דַ֗י

H3027

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

יָשִׁ֥יב

H7725

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);

לִֽי׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?