Psalm 103 17

Psalm 103:17 kjv

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

Psalm 103:17 nkjv

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,

Psalm 103:17 niv

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children?

Psalm 103:17 esv

But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,

Psalm 103:17 nlt

But the love of the LORD remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children's children

Psalm 103 verses

Psalm 103 17 Meaning

Psalm 103:17 declares the enduring and infinite nature of God's steadfast love (chesed) and His righteousness. In stark contrast to the fleeting and temporary existence of humanity described in previous verses, God's essential character of covenant loyalty and moral perfection spans from everlasting to everlasting. This perpetual divine kindness and just dealing are specifically directed toward those who reverence and obey Him, and their blessings extend generationally to their descendants.

Psalm 103 17 Context

Psalm 103 is a song of profound praise and thanksgiving to the LORD, recounting His attributes and merciful deeds. David, the psalmist, exhorts his soul to bless the LORD and not forget His benefits, listing God's forgiveness, healing, redemption, and satisfaction. Leading up to verse 17, the psalm contrasts God's enduring character with the fleeting nature of humanity. Verses 14-16 specifically depict man as frail, short-lived like grass or a flower that quickly withers. Psalm 103:17 stands as a dramatic theological contrast, proclaiming that while human life is transient, God's love and righteousness are eternal and dependable, a divine anchor in the face of human frailty. The historical context reflects a covenant people (Israel) experiencing both their dependence on God and their inherent mortality, with this verse offering immense comfort in God's unending faithfulness across generations.

Psalm 103 17 Word analysis

• But the steadfast love (וְחֶסֶד - v'chesed):
  • `וְ` (v ): The conjunctive "and" or "but." Here it functions as a strong contrast to the preceding verses (15-16) that highlight human frailty, emphasizing God's stability amidst human transience.
  • `חֶסֶד` (chesed): A richly textured Hebrew term, often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," "unfailing love," "loyal love," or "covenant loyalty." It implies more than mere affection; it's a profound, active commitment based on a relationship or covenant, characterized by loyalty, compassion, and goodness. It signifies God's persistent devotion to His covenant people, even when they falter.
• of the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH):
  • `יְהוָה` (YHWH): The sacred covenant name of God, often rendered as "LORD" in English Bibles. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal presence, and His personal, relational aspect as the God who makes and keeps covenants with His people. It points to His unique identity as the active, ever-present deliverer.
• is from everlasting to everlasting (מֵעוֹלָם וְעַד עוֹלָם - me'olam v'ad olam):
  • `מֵעוֹלָם` (me'olam): "From eternity," "from ancient times," "from of old." Implies boundless duration stretching backward in time.
  • `וְעַד עוֹלָם` (v'ad olam): "And to eternity," "forever." Implies boundless duration stretching forward infinitely.
  • This double phrase is a powerful Hebrew idiom for absolute, perpetual, unending eternity. It highlights God's timelessness and the unchangeable, infinite nature of His chesed. There is no beginning or end to God's love.
• on those who fear him (עַל־יְרֵאיו - 'al yire'av):
  • `עַל` ('al): "Upon," indicating the recipients or beneficiaries of this divine attribute.
  • `יְרֵאיו` (yire'av): Derived from the root `יָרֵא` (yare'), meaning "to fear." In this context, "fear" does not signify terror or dread but reverential awe, deep respect, submission, and humble obedience to God. It speaks of a worshipful attitude that acknowledges God's majesty and holiness, leading to faithful living and trust. This defines the condition for experiencing God's full chesed.
• and his righteousness (וְצִדְקָתוֹ - v'tzidqato):
  • `וְ` (v): "And," linking chesed and tzidqah.
  • `צִדְקָתוֹ` (tzidqato): "His righteousness." From `צְדָקָה` (tzedaqah). This refers to God's perfect moral character, His absolute justice, His faithfulness to His own character and covenant promises, and His active salvation. It often implies a setting things right, or God acting in a way that is consistent with His perfect nature, particularly in fulfilling promises and delivering His people. God's chesed is not arbitrary but rooted in His righteous character.
• to children's children (לִבְנֵי בָנִים - livnei vanim):
  • `לִבְנֵי` (livnei): "To the children of."
  • `בָנִים` (vanim): "Sons," but broadly meaning children. So, "children of sons" or "grandchildren," implying multiple generations.
  • This phrase signifies the generational continuity of God's blessing. It speaks to the faithfulness of God that extends beyond an individual's lifetime, reaching descendants who also maintain the "fear of the LORD." It highlights God's enduring covenant promises and His desire for an ongoing relationship with families throughout history.

Psalm 103 17 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of human impermanence (Ps 103:15-16) and divine permanence (Ps 103:17) is a deliberate and powerful rhetorical device within the psalm, magnifying God's constancy. The "fear of the LORD" (yireh YHWH) is a cardinal virtue throughout the Old Testament, representing the proper posture of humanity before God, embodying respect, trust, and obedience that leads to true life and blessing (e.g., Prov 9:10). The inclusion of "righteousness" (tzidqah) alongside "steadfast love" (chesed) is also significant, as these two divine attributes frequently appear together in Hebrew poetry. This pairing demonstrates that God's love is never lawless or sentimental, and His justice is never devoid of compassion. They are intrinsically linked facets of His perfect character, ensuring His actions are both merciful and just. The generational nature of the blessing also reflects the collectivist cultural values of ancient Israel, where an individual's spiritual standing deeply impacted their descendants and the community, emphasizing the profound responsibility and benefit of living in covenant with God.

Psalm 103 17 Commentary

Psalm 103:17 stands as a cornerstone of divine promise and character, dramatically contrasting human frailty with God's steadfastness. While verses 15-16 soberly depict humanity as ephemeral, like a flower that withers, verse 17 bursts forth with the eternal reliability of the LORD. God's "steadfast love" (chesed) is not a fleeting emotion but a robust, covenantal loyalty that extends from infinity to infinity, encompassing His unchanging commitment. Paired with "His righteousness" (tzidqah), which refers to His consistent justice, integrity, and saving acts, we see God's character as both merciful and utterly dependable. This boundless chesed and tzidqah are not indiscriminately given, but are bestowed "on those who fear Him"—meaning those who express reverent awe, worship, and humble obedience. Furthermore, this divine beneficence extends "to children's children," underscoring God's faithfulness across generations, providing immense comfort that His covenant blessings endure for families and descendants who walk in His ways. It is a promise of enduring security and faithful inheritance in Him.