Psalm 103 8

Psalm 103:8 kjv

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Psalm 103:8 nkjv

The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

Psalm 103:8 niv

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Psalm 103:8 esv

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Psalm 103:8 nlt

The LORD is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

Psalm 103 verses

Psalm 103 8 Meaning

Psalm 103:8 proclaims the core attributes of the Lord's character: His divine mercy, unmerited favor, profound patience in the face of human rebellion, and boundless covenant loyalty. This verse is a concise summary of God's essential nature, particularly in His dealings with humanity, emphasizing His desire to forgive, restore, and maintain relationship rather than immediately judge. It declares His benevolence and steadfastness as central to His being.

Psalm 103 8 Context

Psalm 103 is a fervent song of praise from David, encouraging himself and all within him to bless the Lord. The initial verses (Ps 103:1-5) focus on the benefits God provides for the individual – forgiveness, healing, redemption, crowning with love and mercy, satisfying desires. Verse 8 marks a shift from what God does to who God is. It reveals the unchanging divine character that underlies all of God's benevolent actions mentioned earlier and throughout Scripture. This character revelation is foundational to Israel's understanding of YHWH, stemming directly from God's self-proclamation to Moses on Mount Sinai after the Golden Calf incident (Exod 34:6-7), making it a covenantal truth passed down through generations. Historically, this declaration contrasted sharply with the volatile, unpredictable deities of surrounding pagan cultures, emphasizing YHWH's reliable and relational nature.

Psalm 103 8 Word analysis

• The Lord (יְהוָה - YHWH):

  • This is the covenant name of God, often translated as LORD (in small capitals) in English Bibles.
  • Signifies God's personal, eternal, and self-existent nature ("I AM WHO I AM").
  • Emphasizes His relationship with His people and His reliability in fulfilling covenant promises.
  • Not merely "a god," but the supreme, living, active God who reveals Himself.

• merciful (רַחוּם - rakhum):

  • Rooted in rechem, meaning "womb" or "bowels," suggesting a deep, visceral compassion.
  • Conveys a tender, protective love akin to a parent's for a child.
  • Signifies actively feeling and responding to the distress and need of others.
  • Goes beyond pity to provide comfort and relief.

• and gracious (וְחַנּוּן - v'khanun):

  • From chen, meaning "grace" or "favor."
  • Refers to bestowing unmerited favor or kindness, particularly to those who do not deserve it.
  • It's a giving attribute, flowing freely from God's character.
  • Highlights God's willingness to give freely, without obligation, even to the unworthy.

• slow to anger (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם - erekh appayim):

  • Literally, "long of nostrils" or "long of face." In ancient Semitic cultures, anger was associated with the flaring of nostrils and heat in the face.
  • Denotes immense patience, forbearance, and slowness to express wrath.
  • God is not quick to condemn or punish, but provides ample opportunity for repentance.
  • It shows His deliberate and controlled nature, not impulsive rage.

• abounding (וְרַב - v'rav):

  • Means "great," "much," "plentiful," "abundant."
  • Indicates that the following quality, "steadfast love," is not merely present, but exists in vast, overflowing quantity.
  • There is an endless supply of this attribute from God.

• in steadfast love (חֶסֶד - chesed):

  • One of the richest theological terms in the Hebrew Bible. Often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," "devotion," or "covenant loyalty."
  • It is love demonstrated through action, faithfulness, and loyalty within a relationship, especially a covenant relationship.
  • Not just an emotion, but a deep, unbreakable commitment.
  • It’s a love that perseveres despite human failure and rebellion, always seeking the welfare of the other party within the established bond.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

• The Lord is merciful and gracious: These two attributes are often linked, demonstrating God's inherent inclination towards compassion and benevolent giving. He actively pities and also freely bestows favor. This forms the basis of His desire to save and bless.

• slow to anger: This attribute speaks to God's immense patience and restraint. Despite humanity's constant rebellion and failure, God does not immediately unleash judgment but grants ample time for repentance, reflecting His enduring forbearance. This prevents humanity's immediate destruction.

• abounding in steadfast love: The pairing of "abounding" with hesed underscores the infinite, inexhaustible nature of God's loyal, covenantal love. This hesed is the bedrock of His relationship with His people, ensuring His commitment and faithfulness will never diminish. It’s a love that guarantees His persistent goodness.

Psalm 103 8 Bonus section

This verse's description of God's attributes forms what theologians often refer to as the "Thirteen Attributes of God" from Exodus 34:6-7, serving as a core statement of His character. It is the very essence of God's revelatory nature for Israel. This description of God's character became a liturgical confession repeated throughout Israelite worship and prayers, forming a vital part of their identity and hope. The "slowness to anger" points to God's eschatological patience, allowing time for humanity to turn to Him before the final judgment. It is an invitation to repentance, not a license to sin. Furthermore, these attributes are not in conflict with God's justice but serve as the foundation of His redemptive plan, where His justice is satisfied through His abundant grace and steadfast love, supremely demonstrated in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 103 8 Commentary

Psalm 103:8 paints a beautiful and profound picture of God's character, echoing His own self-revelation from Exodus. It highlights that the Lord's very being is defined by compassion, grace, patience, and unwavering faithfulness. This isn't just a list of virtues God possesses, but an insight into His disposition towards humanity. He is moved by mercy to address our needs, inclined to give unmerited favor because of His nature, patient in our sin because He desires our redemption, and absolutely loyal in His covenant relationship. This quartet of attributes assures believers that God is not capricious or vengeful but deeply invested in their well-being, consistently providing hope and opportunity for relationship, even amidst their shortcomings. It calls believers to trust Him fully and serves as an example for how they, too, should extend grace and mercy to others.