Psalms 103:13

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Psalms 103
  4. Psalms 103:13

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Psalms 1 Psalms 2 Psalms 3 Psalms 4 Psalms 5 Psalms 6 Psalms 7 Psalms 8 Psalms 9 Psalms 10 Psalms 11 Psalms 12 Psalms 13 Psalms 14 Psalms 15 Psalms 16 Psalms 17 Psalms 18 Psalms 19 Psalms 20 Psalms 21 Psalms 22 Psalms 23 Psalms 24 Psalms 25 Psalms 26 Psalms 27 Psalms 28 Psalms 29 Psalms 30 Psalms 31 Psalms 32 Psalms 33 Psalms 34 Psalms 35 Psalms 36 Psalms 37 Psalms 38 Psalms 39 Psalms 40 Psalms 41 Psalms 42 Psalms 43 Psalms 44 Psalms 45 Psalms 46 Psalms 47 Psalms 48 Psalms 49 Psalms 50 Psalms 51 Psalms 52 Psalms 53 Psalms 54 Psalms 55 Psalms 56 Psalms 57 Psalms 58 Psalms 59 Psalms 60 Psalms 61 Psalms 62 Psalms 63 Psalms 64 Psalms 65 Psalms 66 Psalms 67 Psalms 68 Psalms 69 Psalms 70 Psalms 71 Psalms 72 Psalms 73 Psalms 74 Psalms 75 Psalms 76 Psalms 77 Psalms 78 Psalms 79 Psalms 80 Psalms 81 Psalms 82 Psalms 83 Psalms 84 Psalms 85 Psalms 86 Psalms 87 Psalms 88 Psalms 89 Psalms 90 Psalms 91 Psalms 92 Psalms 93 Psalms 94 Psalms 95 Psalms 96 Psalms 97 Psalms 98 Psalms 99 Psalms 100 Psalms 101 Psalms 102 Psalms 103 Psalms 104 Psalms 105 Psalms 106 Psalms 107 Psalms 108 Psalms 109 Psalms 110 Psalms 111 Psalms 112 Psalms 113 Psalms 114 Psalms 115 Psalms 116 Psalms 117 Psalms 118 Psalms 119 Psalms 120 Psalms 121 Psalms 122 Psalms 123 Psalms 124 Psalms 125 Psalms 126 Psalms 127 Psalms 128 Psalms 129 Psalms 130 Psalms 131 Psalms 132 Psalms 133 Psalms 134 Psalms 135 Psalms 136 Psalms 137 Psalms 138 Psalms 139 Psalms 140 Psalms 141 Psalms 142 Psalms 143 Psalms 144 Psalms 145 Psalms 146 Psalms 147 Psalms 148 Psalms 149 Psalms 150

Verse

Psalms 103:1 Psalms 103:2 Psalms 103:3 Psalms 103:4 Psalms 103:5 Psalms 103:6 Psalms 103:7 Psalms 103:8 Psalms 103:9 Psalms 103:10 Psalms 103:11 Psalms 103:12 Psalms 103:13 Psalms 103:14 Psalms 103:15 Psalms 103:16 Psalms 103:17 Psalms 103:18 Psalms 103:19 Psalms 103:20 Psalms 103:21 Psalms 103:22

Psalms 103:13 KJV

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Previous Verse
« Psalms 103:12
Next Verse
Psalms 103:14 »

Psalms 103:13 Bible Commentary

Bible Verse Commentary: Psalms 103:13

Verse: "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." (Psalms 103:13)

Introduction

The verse of Psalms 103:13 draws a beautiful parallel between the compassion of a human father and the divine compassion of God. The Psalmist highlights the affectionate nature of God towards those who revere Him, drawing from the familiar imagery of parental love which resonates deeply within the human experience.

Commentary Insights

In this section, we will explore the insights from esteemed public domain commentaries such as those by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.

Matthew Henry's Insights

Matthew Henry emphasizes the tenderness of God’s mercy which is comparable to that of a father's love. He points out that just as a father feels sympathetic towards his children, especially when they are in distress or facing difficulties, so does God look upon His people. This comparison serves to assure believers of God's gentle and forgiving nature.

  • Parental Compassion: Henry notes that fathers often exhibit a natural inclination to forgive and restore their children when they stray. This is reflective of God's readiness to pardon sinners who come to Him with a humble heart.
  • Covenantal Affection: The 'fear' mentioned in the verse refers to reverence and respect for God, establishing a covenantal relationship that invites divine compassion. Henry stresses that this fear is not one of terror but one that fosters love and trust.

Albert Barnes' Perspectives

Albert Barnes expands on the implications of God's compassion by illustrating how it is both immeasurable and exacting. He states that God, in His infinite wisdom, can judge each person's heart and thus understands the struggles of His creation.

  • Divine Understanding: Barnes posits that God's pity arises from His unique ability to comprehend human frailty and weaknesses, which prompts His merciful interventions.
  • The Nature of Fear: He elaborates on the 'fear of the Lord' as an essential aspect of the believer’s life, underscoring that this fear is coupled with love and reverence, much like a child’s attitude towards a loving father.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke provides a nuanced understanding of the Hebrew terminology used in this verse, emphasizing the nature of God's paternal feelings. He describes God’s pity as representing an inward affection that leads to action.

  • Active Compassion: Clarke suggests that divine pity is not passive but actively engaged, encouraging believers to seek God's help earnestly and trust in His responsive nature.
  • The Significance of Fear: Clarke also reiterates that the ‘fear’ of God is rooted in knowledge and is foundational for a healthy relationship with the divine, leading to a dependence on God's grace and mercy.

Theological Reflections

This verse touches profoundly on theological themes of divine compassion, grace, and the relational dynamics between God and humanity. The following reflections emerge:

  • The Nature of God's Love: The comparison to a father suggests an inherent tenderness in God's dealings with His children. His love is not abstract but relational and personal, manifesting in mercy and care.
  • The Right Response to God: Understanding that God pities those who fear Him encourages believers to cultivate a healthy reverence and honor towards God, which in turn fosters mutual respect and closeness.
  • Assurance of Forgiveness: The assurance that God pities us serves as a comfort to often wayward souls, reminding them that God is ever willing to forgive and renew His relationship with them.

Practical Applications

For pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars, Psalm 103:13 provides valuable lessons for both personal faith and communal teachings:

  • Encouragement in Counseling: Christian leaders can draw upon this rich imagery to offer comfort to those struggling with guilt and shame, emphasizing God’s readiness to forgive.
  • Discipling on Fear of God: It's vital to teach that the fear of God should be transformational, characterized by reverence and trust rather than dread.
  • Highlighting Divine Attributes: This verse is a springboard for discussing God’s attributes, particularly His mercy and paternal care, promoting a deeper worship experience among believers.

Conclusion

Psalms 103:13 encapsulates a profound truth regarding the nature of God’s love and compassion. By understanding this verse through the lens of public domain commentaries, readers can appreciate the depth of divine mercy in their relationship with God. This verse not only reflects the heart of God but also serves as a guiding principle in the lives of His followers, encouraging them to reciprocate that same compassion and reverence towards Him.

Psalms 103 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 103:1 Psalms 103:2 Psalms 103:3 Psalms 103:4 Psalms 103:5 Psalms 103:6 Psalms 103:7 Psalms 103:8 Psalms 103:9 Psalms 103:10 Psalms 103:11 Psalms 103:12 Psalms 103:13 Psalms 103:14 Psalms 103:15 Psalms 103:16 Psalms 103:17 Psalms 103:18 Psalms 103:19 Psalms 103:20 Psalms 103:21 Psalms 103:22

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »