Psalms 103:9
What does Psalms 103:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 103:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 103:9 means
This verse offers comfort and reassurance, stating that God will not perpetually contend or remain angry forever. While God does chide and express displeasure for sin, His nature is not to maintain an eternal state of wrath against His people. This emphasizes His patience and willingness to forgive, aligning with His character as "slow to anger" (verse 8), and demonstrating that His discipline is temporary, aimed at restoration rather than endless condemnation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He will not always chide; Neither will he keephis angerfor ever.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He will not always chide; Neither will he keephis angerfor ever.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949His feeling will no longer be bitter; he will not keep his wrath for ever.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Not for ever doth He strive, Nor to the age doth He watch.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou hast set a bound which they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He will not always chide, neither will he keep [his anger] for ever.
Context
Following the declaration of God's merciful and patient character in verse 8, this verse provides a direct expression of the implications of those attributes regarding divine anger and discipline. It sets the stage for the powerful contrast in verse 10, which further emphasizes God's gracious disinclination to punish His people as their sins deserve, reinforcing the theme of His abundant lovingkindness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 3:12
Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith Jehovah; I will not look in anger upon you; for I am merciful, saith Jehovah, I will not keep anger for ever.
- 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.
- Jeremiah 3:5
Will he retain his anger for ever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and hast done evil things, and hast had thy way.
- Psalms 30:5
For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a life-time: Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning.
- Isaiah 57:16
For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls that I have made.
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