Psalms 103:3
What does Psalms 103:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:3 means
This verse begins the enumeration of God's specific benefits, starting with the profound gift of forgiveness for all sins and the healing of all diseases. David understands that both spiritual and physical restoration are gifts from God. The comprehensive nature of "all thine iniquities" and "all thy diseases" speaks to God's complete power to pardon and restore, addressing both the deepest spiritual need for reconciliation with God and the burdens of physical suffering.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He has forgiveness for all your sins; he takes away all your diseases;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who is forgiving all thine iniquities, Who is healing all thy diseases,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who coverest the higher rooms thereof with water. Who makest the clouds thy chariot: who walkest upon the wings of the winds.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases;
Context
As the first item in the list of God's "benefits" introduced in verse 2, this verse immediately dives into the spiritual and physical blessings God provides. It establishes a pattern where the psalmist details specific acts of divine grace, which continues with redemption and satisfaction in verses 4 and 5, building a comprehensive picture of God's goodness to individuals.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
- Psalms 38:1
O Jehovah, rebuke me not in thy wrath; Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
- Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
- Isaiah 33:24
And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.
- Exodus 15:26
and he said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of Jehovah thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his eyes, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon thee, which I have put upon the Egyptians: for I am Jehovah that healeth thee.
- Mark 2:5
And Jesus seeing their faith saith unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins are forgiven.
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