Psalms 103:4
What does Psalms 103:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:4 means
Continuing the list of divine benefits, this verse declares God's work in redeeming life from destruction and crowning the believer with lovingkindness and tender mercies. "Redeemeth thy life from destruction" signifies rescue from perishing, both physically and spiritually. The imagery of being "crowned" implies honor and favor, suggesting that God lavishes His loyal covenant love (lovingkindness) and deep compassion (tender mercies) upon His people, elevating them to a place of dignity and security in Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He keeps back your life from destruction, crowning you with mercy and grace.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who is redeeming from destruction thy life, Who is crowning thee--kindness and mercies,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who makest thy angels spirits: and thy ministers a burning fire.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who redeemeth thy life from the pit, who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies;
Context
Following the forgiveness of sins and healing of diseases in verse 3, this verse expands on God's saving acts by highlighting redemption from destruction and the bestowal of His enduring love. It continues the progression of personal benefits before verse 5 adds another dimension of God's provision, demonstrating the full scope of His care for individuals.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 65:11
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; And thy paths drop fatness.
- Psalms 34:22
Jehovah redeemeth the soul of his servants; And none of them that take refuge in him shall be condemned.
- Revelation 5:9
And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,
- Psalms 71:23
My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises unto thee; And my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
- James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.
- Psalms 8:5
For thou hast made him but little lower than God, And crownest him with glory and honor.
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