2 Samuel 22:31
New International Version
“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

New Living Translation
“God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

English Standard Version
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

Berean Standard Bible
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

King James Bible
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

New King James Version
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

New American Standard Bible
“As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is refined; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

NASB 1995
“As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

NASB 1977
“As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
As for God, His way is blameless; The word of Yahweh is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Amplified Bible
“As for God, His way is blameless and perfect; The word of the LORD is tested. He is a shield to all those who take refuge and trust in Him.

Christian Standard Bible
God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
God—His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

American Standard Version
As for God, his way is perfect: The word of Jehovah is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him.

Contemporary English Version
Your way is perfect, LORD, and your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help.

English Revised Version
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried; he is a shield unto all them that trust in him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God's way is perfect! The promise of the LORD has proven to be true. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.

Good News Translation
This God--how perfect are his deeds, how dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection.

International Standard Version
This God! His way is perfect! What the LORD declares proves true. He shields everyone who flees for protection to him!

Majority Standard Bible
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

NET Bible
The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the LORD's promise is reliable; he is a shield to all who take shelter in him.

New Heart English Bible
As for God, his way is perfect. The word of the LORD is pure. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.

Webster's Bible Translation
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

World English Bible
As for God, his way is perfect. Yahweh’s word is tested. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
God—His way [is] perfect, "" The saying of YHWH is tried, "" He [is] a shield to all those trusting in Him.

Young's Literal Translation
God! Perfect is His way, The saying of Jehovah is tried, A shield He is to all those trusting in Him.

Smith's Literal Translation
The Strong One, blameless his way The saying of Jehovah purified, A shield to all trusting in him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
God, his way is immaculate, the word of the Lord is tried by fire: he is the shield of all that trust in him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
God, his way is immaculate; the eloquence of the Lord is an exacting fire. He is the shield of all who hope in him.

New American Bible
God’s way is unerring; the LORD’s promise is tried and true; he is a shield for all who trust in him.

New Revised Standard Version
This God—his way is perfect; the promise of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried; he succors all who trust in him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
God whose way is without blemish; the word of LORD JEHOVAH is proven and he helps all who trust upon him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in Him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
As for the Mighty One, his way is blameless: the word of the Lord is strong and tried in the fire: he is a protector to all that put their trust in him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Song of Deliverance
30For in You I can charge an army; with my God I can scale a wall. 31As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. 32For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?…

Cross References
Psalm 18:30
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

Psalm 12:6
The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.

Psalm 19:7-9
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 7:24-25
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

2 Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.

Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:15
so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world


Treasury of Scripture

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

his way

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Daniel 4:37
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

the word

Psalm 12:6
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Psalm 119:140
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

tried.

2 Samuel 22:3
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

Psalm 35:2
Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.

Psalm 91:4
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

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Blameless Buckler Faith Flawless Good Perfect Promise Proves Refuge Safe Shield Tested Tried True. Trust Trusting Way Word
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Blameless Buckler Faith Flawless Good Perfect Promise Proves Refuge Safe Shield Tested Tried True. Trust Trusting Way Word
2 Samuel 22
1. David's psalm of thanksgiving for God's deliverance and blessings














As for God, His way is perfect;
This phrase emphasizes the perfection of God's actions and plans. In the biblical context, David is reflecting on God's faithfulness throughout his life, particularly in delivering him from his enemies. The perfection of God's way is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in passages like Deuteronomy 32:4, which describes God as "a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he." The Hebrew word for "perfect" (tamim) implies completeness and integrity, suggesting that God's ways are without flaw or error. This perfection is also a type of Christ, who is described as the sinless and perfect sacrifice in the New Testament (Hebrews 4:15).

the word of the LORD is flawless.
The phrase underscores the reliability and truth of God's word. In the historical context, the "word of the LORD" would refer to the Torah and the prophetic revelations given to Israel. The term "flawless" (tsaraph) in Hebrew can also mean "refined" or "tested," indicating that God's word has been proven true and trustworthy. This is echoed in Psalm 12:6, which states, "The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times." The flawless nature of God's word is a foundation for Christian doctrine, affirming the inerrancy and authority of Scripture.

He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
This metaphor of God as a shield conveys protection and safety. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a shield was a vital part of a warrior's defense, symbolizing security and defense against attacks. The imagery of God as a shield is prevalent throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 3:3, Psalm 18:2), illustrating God's role as a protector for those who trust in Him. The concept of taking refuge in God implies a relationship of trust and dependence, akin to the faith believers are called to have in Christ. This protection is not just physical but also spiritual, as seen in Ephesians 6:16, where faith is described as a shield that can extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this song of praise, David is reflecting on God's deliverance and faithfulness throughout his life, particularly in times of trouble.

2. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, God is described as perfect and flawless, emphasizing His divine nature and reliability.

3. Israel
The nation over which David ruled, often finding itself in need of God's protection and guidance.

4. Enemies of David
Throughout his life, David faced numerous adversaries, including King Saul and foreign nations, which contextualizes his reliance on God as a shield.

5. The Word of the LORD
Refers to God's promises and commands, which are described as flawless, highlighting their trustworthiness and divine origin.
Teaching Points
God's Perfection
God's ways are perfect, meaning they are complete and without flaw. This should encourage believers to trust in His plans and timing, even when circumstances seem challenging.

The Flawlessness of God's Word
The Bible, as God's word, is reliable and true. Believers are encouraged to study and apply it to their lives, knowing it is a trustworthy guide.

God as a Shield
God offers protection to those who seek refuge in Him. This is a call to actively place our trust in God, especially in times of trouble.

Faith and Trust
Taking refuge in God requires faith. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep trust in God's character and promises.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[As for] God,
הָאֵ֖ל (hā·’êl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

His way
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (dar·kōw)
Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

is perfect;
תָּמִ֣ים (tā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8549: Entire, integrity, truth

the word
אִמְרַ֤ת (’im·raṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 565: Utterance, speech, word

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

is flawless.
צְרוּפָ֔ה (ṣə·rū·p̄āh)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 6884: To smelt, refine, test

He
ה֔וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a shield
מָגֵ֣ן (mā·ḡên)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 4043: A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile

to all
לְכֹ֖ל (lə·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who take refuge
הַחֹסִ֥ים (ha·ḥō·sîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 2620: To flee for, protection, to confide in

in Him.
בּֽוֹ׃ (bōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT History: 2 Samuel 22:31 As for God his way is perfect (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 22:30
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