Psalms 103:10
What does Psalms 103:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:10 means
This verse powerfully declares God's benevolent restraint in dealing with humanity's sin. It clarifies that God does not punish or repay us according to the full measure of our transgressions and iniquities. This is a profound statement of grace, as it underscores that God’s response to sin is tempered by His mercy and abundant lovingkindness (verse 8). It highlights that His justice is not merely retributive but is always framed by His compassion, offering hope and relief to the undeserving.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He hath not dealt with us after our sins, Nor rewarded us after our iniquities.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He hath not dealt with us after our sins, Nor rewarded us after our iniquities.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He has not given us the punishment for our sins, or the reward of our wrongdoing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Not according to our sins hath He done to us, Nor according to our iniquities Hath He conferred benefits upon us.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou sendest forth springs in the vales: between the midst of the hills the waters shall pass.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He hath not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Context
Following the assurance that God's anger is not perpetual in verse 9, this verse provides a crucial affirmation of God's grace by stating He does not deal with us according to our sins. This concept of God's unmerited favor serves as a powerful foundation for the expansive descriptions of His great lovingkindness that follow in verses 11 and 12, explaining *how* His love transcends human sinfulness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 9:31
Nevertheless in thy manifold mercies thou didst not make a full end of them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
- Lamentations 3:22
It is of Jehovah’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
- Ezra 9:13
And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great guilt, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such a remnant,
- Habakkuk 3:2
O Jehovah, I have heard the report of thee, and am afraid: O Jehovah, revive thy work in the midst of the years; In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.
- Psalms 130:3
If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
- Daniel 9:18
O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies’ sake.
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