Meaning, commentary and cross references
2 Samuel 22:31
“This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
NIV · New International Version
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
WEB · World English Bible
As for God, his way is perfect. The LORD’s word is tested. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
What does 2 Samuel 22:31 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 2 Samuel 22:31
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. See Gill on Psalm 18:30.
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 2 Samuel 22:28–34 (WEB)
28You will save the afflicted people, but your eyes are on the arrogant, that you may bring them down. 29For you are my lamp, LORD. The LORD will light up my darkness. 30For by you, I run against a troop. By my God, I leap over a wall. 31As for God, his way is perfect. The LORD’s word is tested. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him. 32For who is God, besides the LORD? Who is a rock, besides our God? 33God is my strong fortress. He makes my way perfect. 34He makes his feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me on my high places.
Cross references
- Deuteronomy 32:4
The Rock: his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness who does no wrong, just and right is he.
- Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
- Psalms 18:30
- Matthew 5:48
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
- Psalms 12:6
- 2 Samuel 22:3
God is my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence.
- Psalms 119:140
- Daniel 4:37
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.