2 Samuel 22:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 22:24 mean?

In 2 Samuel 22:24, David describes his conduct as upright in God’s sight. He also says he guarded himself against his own wrongdoing. The verse presents David’s account of how he lived before God as part of his song after God rescued him.

The phrase “mine iniquity” makes the claim personal: David speaks about wrongdoing as something he must guard against in himself. After referring to God’s commands in verse 23, David describes his own conduct in relation to them.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 22:24

• “upright” — תָּמִים (tamim): This word can carry the sense of being whole or having integrity. Here it describes David’s conduct before God as having integrity.
• “kept” — שָׁמַר (shamar): This word often means to guard or watch over. Here David pictures himself as keeping watch against his own wrongdoing.
• “iniquity” — עָוֹן (ʿavon): This word refers to wrongdoing or guilt. David uses it with “mine,” making his statement about his own conduct.

Why 2 Samuel 22:24 matters

• David describes his conduct in relation to God, not merely in relation to other people. The words “before him” place his claim in God’s sight.
• David’s words about guarding himself belong within a larger account of God’s help. In verses 20–21, David connects God’s rescue and reward with his account of his conduct.