Psalms 103:12
What does Psalms 103:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:12 means
Using another vivid spatial metaphor, this verse powerfully describes the completeness of God's forgiveness. As far as the east is from the west—an infinite distance that can never meet—so thoroughly has God removed our transgressions from us. This imagery speaks to the absolute and permanent nature of His pardon, indicating that when God forgives, He not only absolves guilt but also completely separates the sin from the sinner, removing its record and power.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our sins from us.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862As the distance of east from west He hath put far from us our transgressions.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Over them the birds of the air shall dwell: from the midst of the rocks they shall give forth their voices.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Context
Following the demonstration of the *height* of God's lovingkindness in verse 11, this verse powerfully illustrates the *breadth* and *completeness* of His forgiveness. Together, verses 11 and 12 provide a dual picture of God's boundless grace, transitioning to an explanation of His compassionate nature and understanding of human frailty in verses 13 and 14, thereby explaining *why* such grace is extended.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake; and I will not remember thy sins.
- 2 Samuel 12:13
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against Jehovah. And Nathan said unto David, Jehovah also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
- Hebrews 10:2
Else would they not have ceased to be offered? because the worshippers, having been once cleansed, would have had no more consciousness of sins.
- Isaiah 45:6
that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none besides me: I am Jehovah, and there is none else.
- Micah 7:18
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in lovingkindness.
- Isaiah 38:17
Behold, it wasformypeacethatI had great bitterness: But thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; For thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
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