Verse (Click for Chapter) 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 Versionand 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 BibleAnd 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 BibleThe 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 1917And 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'tJump to Next Anointed Delivered Hand Hands Holy LORD's Marked Oil Refused Render Repay Reward Righteousness Stretch Today To-Day Turn Wouldn't1 Samuel 26 1. Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David4. 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 May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. This phrase reflects the biblical principle of divine justice and reward. Throughout Scripture, righteousness and faithfulness are qualities highly esteemed by God. In the context of 1 Samuel, David speaks these words to Saul, emphasizing his own integrity and trust in God's justice. The idea that God rewards righteousness is echoed in passages like Psalm 18:20 and Proverbs 11:18. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a strong emphasis on covenant faithfulness, both to God and to others, which David exemplifies here. This statement also foreshadows New Testament teachings, such as in Matthew 5:12, where Jesus speaks of rewards in heaven for those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe 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 AnointedDavid'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 LORDוַֽיהוָה֙ (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 Links 1 Samuel 26:23 NIV1 Samuel 26:23 NLT 1 Samuel 26:23 ESV 1 Samuel 26:23 NASB 1 Samuel 26:23 KJV 1 Samuel 26:23 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 26:23 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 26:23 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 26:23 French Bible 1 Samuel 26:23 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 26:23 Yahweh will render to every man his (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |