Psalms 103:11
Psalms 103:11 in Multiple Translations
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his lovingkindness toward them that fear him.
For as the heaven is high over the earth, so great is his mercy to his worshippers.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth is the extent of his trustworthy love to those who honor him.
For as high as the heauen is aboue ye earth, so great is his mercie toward them that feare him.
For, as the height of the heavens [is] above the earth, His kindness hath been mighty over those fearing Him.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy towards them that fear him.
All the beasts of the field shall drink: the wild asses shall expect in their thirst.
The skies are very high above the earth, and Yahweh’s faithful love for all those who revere him is just as great.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 103:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 103:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
כִ/גְבֹ֣הַּ
שָׁ֭מַיִם
עַל
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
גָּבַ֥ר
חַ֝סְדּ֗/וֹ
עַל
יְרֵאָֽי/ו
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כִ/גְבֹ֣הַּ
gâbahh
H1361
to exult
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
גָּבַ֥ר
gâbar
H1396
to prevail
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
חַ֝סְדּ֗/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְרֵאָֽי/ו
yârêʼ
H3373
afraid
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 103:11
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כִ/גְבֹ֣הַּ
gâbahh
H1361
"to exult"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To exult means to feel proud or haughty, like being lofty or high, as described in Psalms where God's ways are lofty and good.
Definition: 1) to be high, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, lofty, tall 1a2) to be exalted 1a3) to be lofty 1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense) 1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense) 1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward. See also: 1 Samuel 10:23; Isaiah 7:11; Psalms 103:11.
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
גָּבַ֥ר
gâbar
H1396
"to prevail"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be strong or prevail, often implying a sense of power or might. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah, to describe God's strength and human courage.
Definition: 1) to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, be great 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, mighty 1a2) to prevail 1b) (Piel) to make strong, strengthen 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to confirm, give strength 1c2) to confirm (a covenant) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to show oneself mighty 1d2) to act proudly (toward God)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant. See also: Genesis 7:18; Job 36:9; Psalms 12:5.
חַ֝סְדּ֗/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְרֵאָֽי/ו
yârêʼ
H3373
"afraid"
Adj | Suff
This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.
Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 103:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 103:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
- Sermons on Psalms 103:11
Context — Bless the LORD, O My Soul
9He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever.
10He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities.
11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him.
12As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 57:10 | For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds. |
| 2 | Luke 1:50 | His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. |
| 3 | Psalms 36:5 | Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. |
| 4 | Psalms 103:17 | But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children— |
| 5 | Ephesians 2:4–7 | But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. |
| 6 | Proverbs 25:3 | As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched. |
| 7 | Isaiah 55:9 | “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. |
| 8 | Psalms 89:2 | For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.” |
| 9 | Ephesians 3:18–19 | will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. |
| 10 | Job 22:12 | Is not God as high as the heavens? Look at the highest stars, how lofty they are! |
Psalms 103:11 Summary
Psalms 103:11 tells us that God's love is as big as the distance between the heavens and the earth, which is incredibly vast. This means that God's love is huge and available to those who respect and reverence Him. We can experience this love by trusting in God and seeking a personal relationship with Him, as we see in Jeremiah 29:13. Just as a parent loves their child, God loves us and wants us to know Him, as seen in John 3:16 and Ephesians 3:18-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear God in Psalms 103:11?
To fear God means to have a deep respect and reverence for Him, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
How does God's loving devotion compare to the distance between the heavens and the earth?
The comparison in Psalms 103:11 highlights the vastness of God's love, emphasizing that just as the heavens are infinitely higher than the earth, God's loving devotion is boundless and immeasurable, as also described in Ephesians 3:18-19.
Is God's love only for those who fear Him?
While Psalms 103:11 specifically mentions those who fear Him, God's love is available to everyone, as stated in John 3:16, which says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
How can we experience God's loving devotion in our lives?
We can experience God's loving devotion by trusting in Him, obeying His commands, and seeking a personal relationship with Him, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:13, which says that we will find Him when we seek Him with all our heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my fear and reverence for God in my daily life?
- How does the vastness of God's love, as described in Psalms 103:11, impact my understanding of His character and my relationship with Him?
- In what ways have I experienced God's loving devotion in my life, and how can I share this with others?
- What are some things that I can do to deepen my understanding and experience of God's love, as described in Psalms 103:11 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:11
For as the heaven is high above the earth,.... Which is the greatest distance known, or can be conceived of; the space between the heaven and the earth is seemingly almost infinite; and nothing can
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:11
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
So much above their deserts and expectations, and above the mercy which one man showeth to another. Toward them that fear them; which clause he adds here, as also ,18, to prevent men’ s mistakes and abuses of God’ s mercy, and to dash the vain hopes of impenitent sinners in God’ s mercy.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
Psalms 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him.Ver. 11. For as the heaven is high above the earth] How high the third heaven is cannot be conjectured. But for the middlemost heaven (wherein the sun, moon, and stars are placed), how exceeding high it is may be guessed and gathered, in that the stars (whereof those of the first magnitude are said to be every one above a hundred and seven times as big again as the whole earth) do yet seem to us but as so many sparks or spangles. See Proverbs 25:3 Ephesians 4:10. So great is his mercy] The heavens are exceeding high above the earth, but God’ s mercy to his is above the heavens, Psalms 108:4. The original word, gabbar, here used, is the same with that, Genesis 7:20, used for the prevailing of the waters above the mountains.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
(11) So great is his mercy toward.—Literally, Strong is his mercy upon (or, over). (Comp. Psalms 117:2.) The comparison in the first clause, and the use of this expression in Genesis 49:26 and 2 Samuel 11:23, suggests as the right rendering here For as the heaven is higher than the earth, So far (above what was expected) for them fearing him prevails his mercy. (For the same comparison, see Isaiah 55:7-9; and comp. Isaiah 38:17; Micah 7:19.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
Verse 11. For as the heaven is high above the earth] Great and provoking as our crimes may have been, yet his mercies have, in their magnitude and number, surpassed these, as far as the heavens are elevated beyond the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:11
11–14. The greatness and tenderness of Jehovah’s forgiving love.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:11
For as the heaven is high above the earth - See the notes at Psalms 57:10. Compare the notes at Isaiah 55:9.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:11
11. As the heaven is high above the earth—The highest measure of comparison the mind can grasp. Comp. Psalms 36:5; Psalms 57:10. Them that fear him—So, also, Psalms 103:13; Psalms 103:17-18.
Sermons on Psalms 103:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
To Talk With the Father by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon transcript, Basilia Schlenk emphasizes the importance of having a childlike relationship with God as a loving Father. She addresses those who may feel distant from G |
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Measuring Immeasurable Distances by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of sharing the mercy of God with others. They describe how when God saves a person, they are compelled to tell others about t |
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Global Outreach Spotlight by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to pick up various books and resources to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith. They mention an introductory packet |
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The Unsearchable Riches of Christ by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about the unsearchable riches of Christ, using the transformation of Saul of Tarsus as an example of the amazing work of conversion. He emphasizes the importa |
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The Wonder of God by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the majesty and wonder of God, taking us back to the very beginning of creation as described by Moses in Genesis 1:1. He highlights that God transcends time a |
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All He Thinks Of by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the profound love of God towards us, emphasizing that dwelling in love means dwelling in God and having God dwell in us. She reflects on the tra |
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Precious in the Sight of God by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of fearing God, illustrating that this reverence is what makes individuals precious in His sight. He highlights Job as a prime example, no |