Psalms 24:4
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Original Language Analysis
כַפַּ֗יִם
hands
H3709
כַפַּ֗יִם
hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
2 of 12
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
אֲשֶׁ֤ר׀
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר׀
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָשָׂ֣א
who hath not lifted up
H5375
נָשָׂ֣א
who hath not lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
7 of 12
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
לַשָּׁ֣וְא
unto vanity
H7723
לַשָּׁ֣וְא
unto vanity
Strong's:
H7723
Word #:
8 of 12
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
נַפְשִׁ֑י
his soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
his soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְלֹ֖א
H3808
וְלֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.Job 17:9The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Psalms 73:1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.Psalms 26:6I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:1 Timothy 2:8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.Psalms 18:20The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.Acts 15:9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Historical Context
These qualifications echoed Torah requirements for priests and worshipers. They established an ethical standard that constantly drove Israel back to sacrifice and atonement, anticipating Christ's perfect fulfillment of all righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do these requirements expose your need for Christ's righteousness?
- What does 'clean hands and pure heart' mean in practical Christian living?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The answer requires moral purity: 'clean hands and a pure heart.' Hands represent deeds (external righteousness), heart represents motives (internal righteousness). 'Not lifted up his soul unto vanity' means rejecting idolatry and false worship. 'Nor sworn deceitfully' requires truthfulness. From a Reformed perspective, these requirements are impossible for fallen humanity (Rom. 3:23), pointing to our need for Christ's imputed righteousness. Only through union with Christ do believers meet these standards—His purity covers us.