Psalms 18:26

Authorized King James Version

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With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

Original Language Analysis

עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 1 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
תִּתְבָּרָ֑ר With the pure H1305
תִּתְבָּרָ֑ר With the pure
Strong's: H1305
Word #: 2 of 6
to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select
תִּתְבָּרָ֑ר With the pure H1305
תִּתְבָּרָ֑ר With the pure
Strong's: H1305
Word #: 3 of 6
to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select
וְעִם H5973
וְעִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 4 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
עִ֝קֵּ֗שׁ and with the froward H6141
עִ֝קֵּ֗שׁ and with the froward
Strong's: H6141
Word #: 5 of 6
distorted; hence, false
תִּתְפַּתָּֽל׃ thou wilt shew thyself froward H6617
תִּתְפַּתָּֽל׃ thou wilt shew thyself froward
Strong's: H6617
Word #: 6 of 6
to twine, i.e., (literally) to struggle or (figuratively) be (morally) tortuous

Analysis & Commentary

With the blameless God shows Himself blameless, with the pure He shows Himself pure. The Hebrew 'tamim' (blameless) and 'barar' (pure/clean) indicate integrity and moral purity. This doesn't mean God changes but that people experience Him according to their relationship with Him. Jesus taught that the pure in heart shall see God (Matthew 5:8). Reformed theology affirms that while God's character is unchanging, our experience of Him varies with our spiritual state.

Historical Context

Wisdom principle that the righteous experience God's favor while the wicked experience His opposition—seen throughout Proverbs and Psalms.

Questions for Reflection