With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

PSALMS 18:26KJV
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Psalms 18:26 (KJV)

What does Psalms 18:26 mean?

Psalms 18:26 says that God responds to people according to their character: He shows Himself pure to those who are pure, but He appears twisted or difficult to those who are stubborn or devious. This verse highlights that God’s dealings with people reflect the attitudes they bring to Him.

David, the writer of this psalm, is speaking to God after being delivered from his enemies. He is reflecting on how God’s actions toward people often mirror their own hearts and intentions. The verse is part of a larger song of praise, showing that God’s justice and fairness are seen in the way He treats each person.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 18:26

  • pure (בָּרַר, barar): This word means “to be pure, clean, or clear.” In this verse, it describes someone whose motives and actions are honest and sincere. God responds to such a person with the same purity.
  • froward (עִקֵּשׁ, iqqesh): This word means “twisted, crooked, or perverse.” It describes someone who is stubborn, devious, or morally bent. The verse says God shows Himself “froward” (twisted) to such people, meaning He seems difficult or mysterious to those who approach Him with twisted motives.

Why Psalms 18:26 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that God treats everyone the same no matter their attitude; instead, it shows that God’s response is shaped by a person’s own heart and approach.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility in one’s relationship with God, highlighting that sincerity and purity are met with openness from God.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, it deepens the theme that God’s justice is not just about outward actions but also about the inner character of each person.

Where else these words appear

“froward” Hebrew H6617 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 22:27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.
  • Job 5:13 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

“froward” Hebrew H6141 · used in 11 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:5 They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.
  • Proverbs 2:15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
  • Proverbs 17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

“pure” Hebrew H1305 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.
  • Job 33:3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
  • Jeremiah 51:11 Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.