But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

PSALMS 26:11KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 26:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 26:11 mean?

Psalms 26:11 expresses a personal commitment to live honestly and asks God for rescue and kindness. The writer, speaking directly to God, contrasts his own desire to act with integrity with the wrongdoing of others, seeking God’s help and mercy.

King David is the speaker in this psalm, praying to God during a time when he feels surrounded by people who do wrong. David sets himself apart by choosing to "walk in mine integrity," meaning he aims to live uprightly, and he asks God both to "redeem" him (save or deliver) and to show him mercy. The verse highlights both David’s resolve to do right and his dependence on God’s grace.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 26:11

  • "walk" (יָלַךְ, yalak): This word means to go or to live in a certain way. Here, it points to an ongoing lifestyle, not just a single action—David is talking about a pattern of living with integrity.
  • "integrity" (תֹּם, tom): This word refers to blamelessness, innocence, or wholeness. David is not claiming to be perfect, but he is sincere in his desire to live honestly before God.
  • "redeem" (פָּדָה, padah): This verb means to rescue or deliver, often with the sense of being bought back from trouble or danger. David is asking God to actively intervene and save him from harm.
  • "merciful" (חָנַן, chanan): This word means to show favor or grace. David is appealing to God’s kindness, not just his own good behavior, for help.

Why Psalms 26:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that integrity is not about claiming perfection, but about a sincere commitment to live rightly and depend on God’s mercy.
  • The verse shows that even someone striving to do right still needs God’s help and forgiveness, highlighting both personal responsibility and divine grace.
  • In the context of the psalm, this verse stands out as a turning point where David separates himself from the wicked and places his hope in God’s intervention and compassion.

Where else these words appear

“integrity” Hebrew H8537 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 20:5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
  • Job 21:23 One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

“redeem” Hebrew H6299 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
  • Deuteronomy 24:18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
  • Psalms 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

“merciful” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.