Bible Strands
2 Samuel 22:24
And I have been blameless before Him and kept myself from iniquity.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David speaks these words as part of a poetic song of deliverance, recounting his past conduct in light of God’s faithfulness. The declaration immediately follows his statement that God’s statutes remained constantly before him.
The words — The Hebrew תָמִים (ta.Mim) translates to "blameless" or "complete," while אֶשְׁתַּמֵּר (esh.ta.me.Ra/h) means "I kept myself." These terms frame the speaker’s active maintenance of moral integrity.
The thread — This language of blamelessness recurs in Genesis 6:9 regarding Noah, Genesis 17:1 regarding Abram, and Job 1:1 regarding Job’s upright character. Each reference establishes a pattern of walking in moral wholeness before God.
Why it lands — The text demands a reader examine whether their conduct aligns with God’s ordinances rather than claiming inherent perfection. It requires acknowledging personal responsibility to actively guard against iniquity.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.
Cross-references
- Genesis 6:9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God.
- Genesis 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.
- Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil.
- Ephesians 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love
- Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
- Psalms 51:6 Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
- Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.
- Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
- John 1:47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.