Bible Strands
Psalms 26:6
I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist speaks to the LORD, declaring a personal boundary against the wicked and describing the approach to the altar that precedes a vow to offer thanksgiving.
The words — The Hebrew אֶרְחַ֣ץ ('er.chatz) means "I wash," combined with בְּנִקָּיוֹן (be/nikka.Yon) for "in innocence," to describe the physical cleansing of the hands before approaching the altar.
The thread — The text links this act to Psalms 73:13, where the psalmist questions the value of maintaining innocence, to Isaiah 1:16, which commands washing and cleansing to remove evil deeds, and to Exodus 30:19, which records the ritual washing of hands and feet.
Why it lands — The verse requires a deliberate separation from wickedness and a tangible demonstration of purity before engaging in worship.
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 will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:
Cross-references
- Psalms 73:13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.
- Isaiah 1:16 Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!
- Exodus 30:19 with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet.
- Titus 3:5 He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
- Psalms 24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.
- Psalms 43:4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.
- Malachi 2:11 Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god.
- Matthew 5:23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
- 1 Corinthians 11:28 Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
- 1 Timothy 2:8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.