Psalm 26 11

Psalm 26:11 kjv

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

Psalm 26:11 nkjv

But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me.

Psalm 26:11 niv

I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me.

Psalm 26:11 esv

But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.

Psalm 26:11 nlt

But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
So redeem me and show me mercy.

Psalm 26 verses

Psalm 26 11 Meaning

(h2)Psalm 26:11 conveys a dual commitment and plea. King David asserts his unwavering personal dedication to live a life of integrity, walking faithfully according to God's ways. Immediately following this resolve, he humbles himself by appealing for divine redemption and mercy. This verse beautifully articulates the balance between human responsibility to pursue righteousness and complete dependence on God's grace for deliverance and favor, acknowledging that even one who strives for blamelessness still requires God's merciful intervention.

Psalm 26 11 Context

(h2)Psalm 26 is a prayer of vindication by David, likely facing false accusations or seeking a judgment from God concerning his conduct amidst adversaries. Throughout the psalm (Ps 26:1-3), David appeals to God as his judge, asserting his blamelessness and integrity in his walk with the Lord. He describes his separation from the wicked (Ps 26:4-5) and expresses his profound desire to worship God in purity and truth (Ps 26:6-8), showing a reverence for the sanctuary and the glory of the Lord. Verses 9-10 are a strong petition for God not to condemn him with sinners, whose hands are full of evil. Verse 11, then, serves as a reaffirmation of his chosen path of integrity in contrast to the wicked, immediately coupled with a humble cry for God's continuing redemption and mercy, acknowledging that his uprightness does not remove his need for divine grace. Historically, this could reflect David's trials during Absalom's rebellion or persecution by Saul, where his moral character was frequently challenged, yet he maintained a consistent devotion to God.

Psalm 26 11 Word analysis

(h2)

• וַאֲנִי (va'ani) - But as for me / And as for me: The prefixed וַ (vav) serves as a strong contrastive "but" or "and yet." It sets David's resolute decision apart from the actions and fate of the wicked described in the preceding verses. It highlights a personal, determined resolve amidst surrounding corruption. This distinct separation underscores his commitment.
• בְּתֻמִּי (b'tummi) - in my integrity / in my blamelessness: The preposition בְּ (b') means "in" or "by means of." תֹּם (tom) or תֻמָּה (tummah) denotes completeness, innocence, blamelessness, or integrity. It refers not to sinless perfection in an absolute sense, but to a sincerity, wholeness, and uprightness of heart and conduct before God, particularly in contrast to hypocrisy or intentional wickedness. It describes a consistent moral character and walk, unblemished by deceit or malice. The possessive suffix ִי (-i) "my" personalizes this commitment deeply.
• אֵלֵךְ (elekh) - I will walk / I will go: From הָלַךְ (halakh), meaning to walk, go, live. In biblical thought, "walking" is a common metaphor for one's way of life, conduct, or spiritual journey (e.g., walking with God, walking in His ways, walking in darkness, walking in righteousness). The imperfect tense (indicating future or ongoing action) expresses David's determined and sustained commitment to this path. It is not merely a static state but an active pursuit.
• פְּדֵנִי (p'deni) - Redeem me / Ransom me: From פָּדָה (padah), which means to ransom, deliver, redeem, or rescue from danger, bondage, or destruction. This word often implies a purchase or liberation by intervention. David is asking God to actively deliver him, not only from his immediate adversaries but also from potential spiritual downfall or the consequences of living in a fallen world. This is an act of divine power and mercy.
• וְחָנֵּנִי (v'ḥanneni) - and be merciful to me / and be gracious to me: The וְ (vav) means "and." חָנַן (chanan) means to be gracious, show favor, have pity, or be merciful. This plea appeals to God's attribute of חֶסֶד (chesed - steadfast love, covenant loyalty, mercy). David asks for God's undeserved kindness and compassion, acknowledging his absolute reliance on divine grace, despite his declared integrity. It's a prayer for favorable intervention motivated purely by God's benevolent character.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But as for me, I will walk in my integrity": This opening phrase establishes David's steadfast commitment. The contrast (va'ani) emphasizes his intentional differentiation from the wicked, asserting a principled and consistent moral and spiritual walk (b'tummi elekh). This is a declarative resolve of a heart wholly devoted to God, aiming for blameless conduct.
• "Redeem me and be merciful to me": This subsequent pair of imperatives (commands) reveals a profound theological understanding. Despite declaring his integrity, David immediately seeks God's active redemption (p'deni) and compassionate grace (v'ḥanneni). This juxtaposition highlights that human effort, however sincere, never negates the absolute need for divine intervention, rescue, and unmerited favor. It demonstrates humility and complete dependence on God for safety, vindication, and well-being. It is a prayer that acknowledges human frailty and the reality that life's challenges require God's power and compassion, even for the upright.

Psalm 26 11 Bonus section

(h2)The term תֹּם (tom) for integrity, as seen here, shares linguistic roots with תָּמִים (tamim), meaning "whole," "complete," or "sound." It often implies moral soundness and genuineness rather than absolute sinless perfection. For instance, Noah (Gen 6:9) and Job (Job 1:1) are described as תָּמִים - blameless or perfect. This indicates a walk characterized by undivided devotion and an unblemished public testimony, setting David apart from the deceitful (Ps 26:4) and bloodthirsty men (Ps 26:9-10). The plea for redemption (פָּדָה, padah) also anticipates the ultimate redemption provided through the sacrificial death of the Messiah. While David sought deliverance from present dangers, this plea echoes the greater redemptive need for humanity. God's act of פָּדָה culminated in Christ's work on the cross, liberating believers from the dominion of sin and death. This highlights how Old Testament pleas for deliverance often find their most profound fulfillment in the New Testament reality of salvation in Jesus. The pairing of פְּדֵנִי (redeem me) and וְחָנֵּנִי (be merciful to me) is crucial, illustrating that rescue is a function of God's power and His mercy—He redeems because He is gracious. This synergy forms a key aspect of divine-human interaction within the covenant.

Psalm 26 11 Commentary

(h2)Psalm 26:11 presents a cornerstone of righteous living: a sincere commitment to personal integrity balanced with a humble reliance on God's sovereign grace. David’s declaration, "I will walk in my integrity," is not a boast of self-sufficiency or sinless perfection. Rather, it is a testament to his determined, wholehearted devotion to live a life pleasing to God, characterized by consistency and sincerity of purpose, even amidst opposition and temptation. This integrity, expressed as a "walk," signifies an ongoing way of life and conduct. However, this commitment to a virtuous life does not remove the need for divine assistance. The immediate following plea, "Redeem me and be merciful to me," underscores the universal human condition. Even those who strive for blamelessness remain dependent on God’s saving power and unmerited favor for deliverance from dangers, redemption from the consequences of living in a fallen world, and an outpouring of His undeserved compassion. The verse thus models true godliness: proactive striving for holiness rooted in an unwavering reliance on God’s grace.Example: A Christian entrepreneur striving to conduct business ethically ("walk in integrity") in a corrupt industry, yet consistently praying for God's protection from schemes and His enabling grace in daily challenges ("redeem me and be merciful to me").Example: A young person committed to purity and biblical standards ("walk in integrity"), yet still prays for God's strength to overcome temptation and grace for forgiveness when they stumble ("redeem me and be merciful to me").