Psalms 103:13

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Psalms 103:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

King James Version KJV

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

American Standard Version ASV

Like as a father pitieth his children, So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

As a father has pity on his children, so the Lord has pity on his worshippers.

Free Bible Version FBV

Like a loving father, the Lord is kind and compassionate to those who follow him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that feare him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

As a father hath mercy on sons, Jehovah hath mercy on those fearing Him.

World English Bible WEB

Like a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou waterest the hills from thy upper rooms: the earth shall be filled with the fruit of thy works:

Translation for Translators T4T

Just like parents act mercifully toward their children, Yahweh is kind to those who revere him.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 103:13

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 103:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כְּ/רַחֵ֣ם אָ֭ב עַל בָּנִ֑ים רִחַ֥ם יְ֝הוָ֗ה עַל יְרֵאָֽי/ו

כְּ/רַחֵ֣ם râcham H7355 to have compassion Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

אָ֭ב ʼâb H1 father N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

בָּנִ֑ים bên H1121 son N-mp

רִחַ֥ם râcham H7355 to have compassion V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְ֝הוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

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 103:13

כְּ/רַחֵ֣ם râcham H7355 "to have compassion" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to have compassion or show love, often used to describe God's mercy towards humanity, as seen in the Bible. It involves deep feelings of sympathy and kindness. In the KJV, it is translated as having mercy or pity.

Definition: 1) to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion 1a) (Qal) to love 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to have compassion, be compassionate 1b1a) of God, man 1c) (Pual) to be shown compassion, be compassionate

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: have compassion (on, upon), love, (find, have, obtain, shew) mercy(-iful, on, upon), (have) pity, Ruhamah, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 33:19; Isaiah 60:10; Psalms 18:2.

אָ֭ב ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

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.

בָּנִ֑ים bên H1121 "son" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

רִחַ֥ם râcham H7355 "to have compassion" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְ֝הוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

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.

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 103:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 103:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:13
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:13
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:13
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:13
Sermons on Psalms 103:13

Context — Bless the LORD, O My Soul

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.

14For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust. 15As for man, his days are like grass— he blooms like a flower of the field;

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 11:11–12	What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
2	Hebrews 12:5–11	And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.
3	Luke 15:21–22	The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
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	Jeremiah 31:20	Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.
6	Proverbs 3:12	for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.
7	Jeremiah 31:9	They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”
8	Malachi 4:2	“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.
9	Psalms 147:11	The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
10	Malachi 3:16–17	At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.

Psalms 103:13 Summary

This verse means that God loves and cares for us like a father loves his children. He is kind and understanding, and He wants to help us when we are struggling. Just like a good father, God wants what is best for us, and He will guide us and protect us if we trust in Him and follow His ways (Psalms 32:8, Proverbs 3:5-6). As we come to God in humility and reverence, we can experience His compassion and mercy in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to fear the Lord in Psalms 103:13?

To fear the Lord means to have a deep respect and reverence for Him, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where it says, 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.'

How does God's compassion compare to a father's compassion?

God's compassion is like a father's compassion, but much greater, as He is the perfect Father, and His love is not limited by human weaknesses, as seen in Matthew 7:11, where it says, 'If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!'

What is the condition for God to have compassion on us?

The condition for God to have compassion on us is that we fear Him, which means we recognize His authority and live in obedience to Him, as seen in Psalms 103:13, and also in Psalms 111:10, where it says, 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.'

How can we experience God's compassion in our lives?

We can experience God's compassion in our lives by coming to Him in humility and repentance, recognizing our need for His mercy and forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9, where it says, 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.'

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I have experienced God's compassion in my life, and how can I express gratitude for His mercy?
How can I cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord, recognizing His authority and power in my life?
In what ways can I reflect God's compassion to those around me, especially to those who are struggling or hurting?
What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's compassion and trust in His goodness?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:13

Like as a father pitieth his children,.... When in any affliction, disorder, or distress: the Lord stands in the relation of a Father to his people; they are his children by adopting grace, through

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:13

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Like as a father pitieth (his) children, (so) the Lord pitieth ... For he knoweth our frame.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:13

Psalms 103:13 Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.Ver. 13. Like as a father pitieth] There is an ocean of love in a father’ s heart. See Luke 15:20 Genesis 33:2; Genesis 33:13-14; Genesis 34:3, how hardly and with what caution Jacob parted with Benjamin. Sozomen maketh mention of a certain merchant, who offering himself to be put to death for his two sons who were sentenced to die, and it being granted that one of the two (whom he should choose) should be upon that condition delivered; the miserable father, aequali utriusque amore victus, equally affected to them both, could not yield that either, of them should die, but remained hovering about both, till both were put to death. So the Lord pitieth, &c.] So and ten thousand times more than so; for he is the Father of all mercies, and the Father of all the fatherhoods ( Parentela) in heaven and earth, Ephesians 3:15.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:13

(13) Father.—This anticipation of Christ’s revelation of the paternal heart of God, is found also in the prophets.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:13

Verse 13. Like as a father pitieth his children] This is a very emphatic verse, and may be thus translated: "As the tender compassions of a father towards his children; so the tender compassions of Jehovah towards them that fear him." Nothing can place the tenderness and concern of God for his creatures in a stronger light than this. What yearnings of bowels does a father feel toward the disobedient child, who, sensible of his ingratitude and disobedience, falls at his parent's feet, covered with confusion and melted into tears, with, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am not worthy to be called thy son!" The same in kind, but infinitely more exquisite, does God feel when the penitent falls at his feet, and implores his mercy through Christ crucified.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:13

13. Cp. Psalms 27:10; Isaiah 49:15; Luke 15:20. pitieth] Hath compassion on. The A.V. misses the connexion with “full of compassion” in Psalms 103:8.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:13

Like as a father pitieth his children - Hebrew, “Like the compassion of a father for his children.” See the notes at Matthew 7:7-11.

Sermons on Psalms 103:13

	Sermon	Description
	Poison From the Tongue by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the content we consume, particularly videos. He warns against allowing negative influences into our l
	Our Gracious God by Brain Brodersen by Brian Brodersen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the right concept of God for our spiritual well-being, highlighting God's desire to bless, keep, smile upon, be gracious, be attenti
	God Cares and Loves You 2 - Part 3 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of never losing the will to return to God, highlighting the unconditional love and forgiveness the Father extends to those who come back to Hi
	(Clip) the Heart of God Is Not Condemnation by Shane Idleman	This sermon emphasizes the unconditional love and compassion of God, likened to a mother's unwavering love for her child even in moments of weakness and failure. It delves into the
	She Shall Be Praised by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, Keith Daniel shares a personal story about a transformative encounter with God. He recounts a moment when he and a friend were arguing about a theological issue, an
	Thou Art Mine by James K. Boswell	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the music and hymns that were sung, which he believes will touch the hearts of the listeners. He then recommends two
	Don't Reject the Voice of God by Shane Idleman	This sermon emphasizes the importance of not rejecting the voice of God, highlighting the need to obey His commands and surrender to His will. It discusses the rejection of God's t