Psalms 103:11
What does Psalms 103:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:11 means
This verse uses a majestic simile to illustrate the immeasurable extent of God's lovingkindness. Just as the heavens are vast and high above the earth, so too is the greatness of His steadfast covenant love toward those who revere Him. The image conveys an almost inconceivable scale, emphasizing that God's faithful love is boundless and far surpasses human comprehension, especially for those who honor and respect Him in their lives.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his lovingkindness toward them that fear him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his lovingkindness toward them that fear him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For as the heaven is high over the earth, so great is his mercy to his worshippers.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For, as the height of the heavens <FI>is<Fi> above the earth, His kindness hath been mighty over those fearing Him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All the beasts of the field shall drink: the wild asses shall expect in their thirst.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving-kindness toward them that fear him.
Context
Building on the theme of God's gracious dealings in verse 10, this verse profoundly illustrates the *magnitude* of His lovingkindness through a powerful comparison to the height of the heavens. It prepares the reader for the equally grand metaphor in verse 12, which describes the *distance* God removes transgressions, further expanding on the boundless nature of His mercy and grace.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 57:10
For thy lovingkindness is great unto the heavens, And thy truth unto the skies.
- Ephesians 2:4
but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
- Job 22:12
Is not God in the height of heaven? And behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
- Luke 1:50
And his mercy is unto generations and generations On them that fear him.
- Psalms 89:2
For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever; Thy faithfulness wilt thou establish in the very heavens.
- Proverbs 25:3
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
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