1 Samuel 26:23
New International Version
The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed.

New Living Translation
The LORD gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal, and I refused to kill you even when the LORD placed you in my power, for you are the LORD’s anointed one.

English Standard Version
The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

Berean Standard Bible
May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

New American Standard Bible
And the LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD handed you over to me today, but I refused to reach out with my hand against the LORD’S anointed.

NASB 1995
“The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the LORD’S anointed.

NASB 1977
“And the LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Yahweh will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for Yahweh gave you into my hand today, but I was not willing to send forth my hand against the anointed of Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD handed you over to me today, but I refused to put out my hand against the LORD’S anointed.

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD will repay every man for his righteousness and his loyalty. I wasn’t willing to lift my hand against the LORD’s anointed, even though the LORD handed you over to me today.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and his loyalty. I wasn’t willing to lift my hand against the LORD’s anointed, even though the LORD handed you over to me today.

American Standard Version
And Jehovah will render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; forasmuch as Jehovah delivered thee into my hand to-day, and I would not put forth my hand against Jehovah's anointed.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD put you in my power today, but you are his chosen king and I wouldn't harm you. The LORD rewards people who are faithful and live right.

English Revised Version
And the LORD shall render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: forasmuch as the LORD delivered thee into my hand today, and I would not put forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD will reward any person who is righteous and faithful. The LORD handed you over to me today, but I refused to attack the LORD's anointed king.

Good News Translation
The LORD rewards those who are faithful and righteous. Today he put you in my power, but I did not harm you, whom the LORD made king.

International Standard Version
The LORD repays a person for his righteousness and his faithfulness. The LORD gave you into my control today, but I refused to raise my hand against the LORD's anointed.

Majority Standard Bible
May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD?s anointed.

NET Bible
The LORD rewards each man for his integrity and loyalty. Even though today the LORD delivered you into my hand, I was not willing to extend my hand against the LORD's chosen one.

New Heart English Bible
The LORD will render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; because the LORD delivered you into my hand today, and I wouldn't put forth my hand against the LORD's anointed.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 my hand against the LORD'S anointed.

World English Bible
Yahweh will render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; because Yahweh delivered you into my hand today, and I wouldn’t stretch out my hand against Yahweh’s anointed.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and YHWH turns each back to his righteousness and his faithfulness, in that YHWH has given you into [my] hand today, and I have not been willing to put forth my hand against the anointed of YHWH,

Young's Literal Translation
and Jehovah doth turn back to each his righteousness and his faithfulness, in that Jehovah hath given thee to-day into my hand, and I have not been willing to put forth my hand against the anointed of Jehovah,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah will turn back to a man his justice and his truth; for Jehovah gave thee this day in hand, and I would not stretch forth my hand against Jehovah's Messiah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord will reward every one according to his justice, and his faithfulness: for the Lord hath delivered thee this day into my hand, and I would not put forth my hand against the Lord's anointed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord will repay each one according to his justice and faith. For the Lord has delivered you this day into my hand, but I was not willing to extend my hand against the Christ of the Lord.

New American Bible
The LORD repays everyone’s righteousness and faithfulness. Although the LORD delivered you into my hands today, I could not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed.

New Revised Standard Version
The LORD rewards everyone for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD gave you into my hand today, but I would not raise my hand against the LORD’s anointed.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The LORD renders to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not stretch forth my hand against the LORD'S anointed.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH shall return to a man his righteousness and his faithfulness, for LORD JEHOVAH delivered you today into my hands, and I do not chose to stretch my hands against the Anointed of LORD JEHOVAH!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD will render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; forasmuch as the LORD delivered thee into my hand to-day, and I would not put forth my hand against the LORD'S anointed.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord shall recompense each according to his righteousness and his truth, since the Lord delivered thee this day into my hands, and I would not lift my hand against the Lord's anointed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Acknowledges His Sin
22“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of the young men come over and get it. 23May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. 24As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble.”…

Cross References
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Proverbs 24:12
If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?

Matthew 7:2
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.

Psalm 18:20-24
The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. / For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God. / For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes. ...

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.

Luke 6:36
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Romans 2:6
God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.

Psalm 62:12
and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

2 Samuel 22:21-25
The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. / For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God. / For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes. ...


Treasury of Scripture

The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed.

render

1 Kings 8:32
Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

Nehemiah 13:14
Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

Psalm 7:8,9
The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me…

I would not

1 Samuel 26:9,11
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? …

1 Samuel 24:6,7
And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD…

Jump to Previous
Anointed Delivered Hand Hands Holy LORD's Marked Oil Refused Render Repay Reward Righteousness Stretch Today To-Day Turn Wouldn't
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Anointed Delivered Hand Hands Holy LORD's Marked Oil Refused Render Repay Reward Righteousness Stretch Today To-Day Turn Wouldn't
1 Samuel 26
1. Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David
4. David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul,
11. but takes his spear and jug
13. David reproves Abner
17. and exhorts Saul
21. Saul acknowledges his sin














The LORD
This phrase refers to Yahweh, the covenantal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate judge and rewarder. In the context of 1 Samuel, Yahweh is the God who has chosen and anointed kings over Israel, and His authority is supreme over all human actions and decisions.

rewards
The Hebrew root for "rewards" is "shalam," which means to make whole or to repay. This suggests that God is just and will ensure that righteousness and faithfulness are acknowledged and compensated. The concept of divine recompense is central to the biblical understanding of justice, where God is seen as the ultimate arbiter who balances the scales.

every man
This phrase underscores the universality of God's justice. It implies that God's rewards are not limited to a select few but are available to all who demonstrate righteousness and faithfulness. This inclusivity reflects the biblical principle that God's moral standards apply to all humanity.

for his righteousness
"Righteousness" in Hebrew is "tsedaqah," which refers to ethical conduct and living in accordance with God's laws. In the biblical context, righteousness is not merely about legalistic adherence but involves a relational aspect of being in right standing with God and others. David's actions in sparing Saul demonstrate this righteousness.

and faithfulness
The Hebrew word for "faithfulness" is "emunah," which conveys steadfastness and reliability. It is a quality that reflects God's own nature and is expected of His followers. David's faithfulness is evident in his respect for Saul as the LORD's anointed, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him.

For the LORD delivered you into my hand today
This phrase acknowledges God's providence and control over the events. David recognizes that it was not by his own strength or cunning that he had the opportunity to harm Saul, but by God's orchestration. This highlights the biblical theme of divine sovereignty in human affairs.

but I refused to stretch out my hand
David's refusal to harm Saul is a testament to his moral integrity and respect for God's anointed. The phrase "stretch out my hand" is a Hebrew idiom for taking action, particularly in violence. David's restraint is a powerful example of self-control and obedience to God's will.

against the LORD’s anointed
The term "anointed" refers to someone chosen and consecrated by God for a specific purpose, in this case, Saul as king. The Hebrew word "mashiach" (Messiah) is used here, indicating the sacredness of Saul's position despite his failings. David's respect for Saul's anointing reflects his reverence for God's choices and timing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who demonstrates restraint and respect for God's anointed king, Saul, despite being pursued by him.

2. Saul
The current king of Israel, who is pursuing David to kill him, yet is spared by David in this encounter.

3. The Wilderness of Ziph
The location where this event takes place, highlighting the ongoing tension and pursuit between Saul and David.

4. Abishai
David's companion who accompanies him into Saul's camp and suggests killing Saul, but is restrained by David.

5. The LORD
The central figure in this account, whose justice and sovereignty are acknowledged by David as he refrains from harming Saul.
Teaching Points
Respect for God's Anointed
David's refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us to respect those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are flawed.

Trust in Divine Justice
David's actions demonstrate a deep trust in God's justice and timing, encouraging believers to rely on God to right wrongs rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Righteousness and Faithfulness
The verse highlights the importance of living a life of righteousness and faithfulness, trusting that God sees and rewards such behavior.

Restraint and Mercy
David's restraint in not killing Saul is a powerful example of mercy, reminding us to show mercy to others, even when it is within our power to harm them.

God's Sovereignty
Recognizing God's control over situations, as David did, can bring peace and patience in times of trial and conflict.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
May the LORD
וַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

repay
יָשִׁ֣יב (yā·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

every man
לָאִ֔ישׁ (lā·’îš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

for his righteousness
צִדְקָת֖וֹ (ṣiḏ·qā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

faithfulness.
אֱמֻנָת֑וֹ (’ĕ·mu·nā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 530: Firmness, steadfastness, fidelity

For
אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֤ה ׀ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

delivered you
נְתָנְךָ֨ (nə·ṯā·nə·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

into [my] hand
בְּיָ֔ד (bə·yāḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

today,
הַיּוֹם֙ (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

but
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

I would not
אָבִ֔יתִי (’ā·ḇî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 14: To breathe after, to be acquiescent

stretch out
לִשְׁלֹ֥חַ (liš·lō·aḥ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

my hand
יָדִ֖י (yā·ḏî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

against the LORD's
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

anointed.
בִּמְשִׁ֥יחַ (bim·šî·aḥ)
Preposition-b | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4899: Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah


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OT History: 1 Samuel 26:23 Yahweh will render to every man his (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 26:22
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