Psalms 103:6
What does Psalms 103:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:6 means
Transitioning from personal benefits, this verse broadens the scope to God's character as a righteous ruler. It affirms that Jehovah actively carries out righteous acts and issues judgments specifically for the oppressed. This underscores God's commitment to justice and His intervention on behalf of those who suffer injustice. It assures believers that God is not indifferent to suffering but is a God of equitable governance who champions the cause of the vulnerable and ensures justice prevails.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah executeth righteous acts, And judgments for all that are oppressed.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah executeth righteous acts, And judgments for all that are oppressed.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord gives decisions in righteousness for all who are in trouble.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jehovah is doing righteousness and judgments For all the oppressed.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The deep like a garment is its clothing: above the mountains shall the waters stand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah executeth righteousness and justice for all that are oppressed.
Context
Following the enumeration of personal benefits in verses 3-5, this verse shifts the psalm's focus from individual experience to God's universal attributes, particularly His justice. It serves as a bridge, introducing God's righteous actions on a larger scale before the psalmist elaborates on God's specific dealings with Israel in verse 7 and then His enduring character in verses 8 and 9.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Micah 2:1
Woe to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.
- Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
- Job 27:13
This is the portion of a wicked man with God, And the heritage of oppressors, which they receive from the Almighty:
- James 5:1
Come now, ye rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you.
- Jeremiah 7:6
if ye oppress not the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your own hurt:
- Proverbs 22:22
Rob not the poor, because he is poor; Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
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