Psalms 103:14
Psalms 103:14 in Multiple Translations
For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.
For he has knowledge of our feeble frame; he sees that we are only dust.
For he knows how we are made; he remembers we are only dust.
For he knoweth whereof we be made: he remembreth that we are but dust.
For He hath known our frame, Remembering that we [are] dust.
For he knows how we are made. He remembers that we are dust.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
Bringing forth grass for cattle, and herb for the service of men. That thou mayst bring bread out of the earth:
He knows what our bodies are like; he remembers that he created us from dirt, and so we quickly fail to do what pleases him [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 103:14
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 103:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
ה֖וּא
יָדַ֣ע
יִצְרֵ֑/נוּ
זָ֝כ֗וּר
כִּי
עָפָ֥ר
אֲנָֽחְנוּ
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יִצְרֵ֑/נוּ
yêtser
H3336
intention
N-ms | Suff
זָ֝כ֗וּר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עָפָ֥ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
אֲנָֽחְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 103:14
כִּי
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.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
יִצְרֵ֑/נוּ
yêtser
H3336
"intention"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a form or shape, like a potter's creation, and also to a person's thoughts or intentions. It describes the framework of something, whether physical or mental. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books.
Definition: 1) form, framing, purpose, framework 1a) form 1a1) pottery 1a2) graven image 1a3) man (as formed from the dust) 1b) purpose, imagination, device (intellectual framework)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: frame, thing framed, imagination, mind, work. See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Chronicles 29:18; Psalms 103:14.
זָ֝כ֗וּר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
כִּי
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.
עָפָ֥ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
אֲנָֽחְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 103:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 103:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:14
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
- Sermons on Psalms 103:14
Context — Bless the LORD, O My Soul
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; 16when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 12:7 | before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it. |
| 2 | Job 10:9 | Please remember that You molded me like clay. Would You now return me to dust? |
| 3 | Psalms 78:38–39 | And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return. |
| 4 | Psalms 89:47 | Remember the briefness of my lifespan! For what futility You have created all men! |
| 5 | Genesis 3:19 | By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” |
| 6 | Job 7:21 | Why do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For soon I will lie down in the dust; You will seek me, but I will be no more.” |
| 7 | Job 7:5–7 | My flesh is clothed with worms and encrusted with dirt; my skin is cracked and festering. My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope. Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness. |
| 8 | Job 13:25 | Would You frighten a windblown leaf? Would You chase after dry chaff? |
| 9 | Isaiah 29:16 | You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay. Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pottery say of the potter, “He has no understanding”? |
Psalms 103:14 Summary
[Psalms 103:14 reminds us that God knows and understands our human limitations and weaknesses, and that He is mindful that we are created from dust, as stated in Genesis 2:7. This means that God is patient and compassionate with us, just like a father is with his children, as seen in Psalms 103:13. He knows that we are not strong or self-sufficient, and that we need His help and guidance every day, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God's knowledge and care, we can find comfort and peace in our daily lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God knows our frame?
This means that God understands our human limitations and weaknesses, as stated in Psalms 103:14, and has compassion on us as a father does on his children, as seen in Psalms 103:13.
Why is it significant that God is mindful that we are dust?
This reminds us of our humble origins, as stated in Genesis 2:7, and our mortality, as mentioned in Psalms 103:15, and encourages us to trust in God's power and wisdom.
How does God's knowledge of our frame affect His relationship with us?
God's understanding of our limitations and weaknesses leads Him to be patient and compassionate with us, as expressed in Psalms 103:8, and to provide for our needs in a way that is tailored to our human experience.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse highlights God's omniscience, compassion, and humility, as He condescends to care for us despite our frailty, as seen in Psalms 138:6 and Isaiah 57:15.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I try to hide my weaknesses from God, and how can I learn to trust in His compassion and understanding?
- How does the knowledge that God knows my frame and is mindful that I am dust affect my prayer life and my relationship with Him?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper sense of humility and awareness of my own limitations, and how can this lead to greater dependence on God?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of Psalms 103:14 to my daily life, especially in times of struggle or uncertainty?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:14
For he knoweth our frame,.... The outward frame of their bodies, what brittle ware, what earthen vessels, they be; he being the potter, they the clay, he knows what they are able to bear, and what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:14
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
Our frame; either, 1. The corruption of our natures; which God is pleased sometimes to make an argument to pity and spare men, as . So the sense is, He considereth that great and constant propension to evil which is naturally in all mankind, and that therefore if he should deal severely with us, he should immediately destroy us all. So this clause contains one motive of God’ s pity, and the next another. Or rather, 2. The weakness and mortality of our natures, and the frailty and misery of our condition, as it seems to be explained in the following clause, that we are but dust. So the sense is, He considereth that if he should let loose his hand upon us, and pour forth all his wrath, we should be suddenly and irrecoverably destroyed, and therefore he spareth us.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
Psalms 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.Ver. 14. For he knoweth our frame] Our evil concupiscence, saith the Chaldee; Figulinam et fragilem constitutionem nostram, saith Junius, that we are nothing better than a compound of dirt and sin. He remembereth that we are dust] Our bodies are (for our souls are of a spiritual nature, divinae particula aurae), and sooner or later to be turned to dust again.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
(14) Frame.—Rather, fashioning; referring to Genesis 2:7, or possibly to the image so common in the prophecy of the potter’s vessel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
Verse 14. For he knoweth our frame] יצרנו yitsrenu, "our formation;" the manner in which we are constructed, and the materials of which we are made. He knows we cannot contend with him, and if he uses his power against us, we must be crushed to destruction. In all his conduct towards us he considers the frailty of our nature, the untowardness of our circumstances, the strength and subtlety of temptation, and the sure party (till the heart is renewed) that the tempter has within us. Though all these things are against us, yet it must ever be said, whatever use we make of it, "the grace of God is sufficient for us." But alas! alas! who makes use of that sufficient grace? Here, then, is cause for condemnation. But, O amazing mercy! if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him; for he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are but dust. The man who can say, in the face of these Scriptures, Let us sin that grace may abound, is a brute and demon, who has neither lot nor part in this thing.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:14
14. Here as often the frailty of man is pleaded as a motive for mercy. Cp. Psalms 78:39; Psalms 89:47. our frame] Lit. our formation; what we are made of. The verse is an allusion to Genesis 2:7, “The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:14
For he knoweth our frame - Our formation; of what we are made; how we are made. That is, he knows that we are made of dust; that we are frail; that we are subject to decay; that we soon sink under a heavy load.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:14
14. Our frame—Our formation, or workmanship, referring specially to the body, or perishable nature.
Sermons on Psalms 103:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Satisfied Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even when faced with challenges and temptations. He shares personal anecdotes and references |
|
Road to Reality - Seek Only God's Approval - Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother KP Johannon discusses the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15. He highlights the contrasting characters of the older son, who is righteous and obedient |
|
Behold, Thou Art There by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the limited understanding of human beings compared to God's infinite knowledge. He highlights the comforting fact that even though we m |
|
The Willingness That Precedes the Glory by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of willingly offering ourselves to God's purposes, even in times of oppression. He draws examples from the book of Judges, hig |
|
Grace Walk Experience - Part 3 by Steve McVey | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity in Christ to transform our behavior. It highlights the truth that our actions do not define who we are, but rath |
|
Exploring True Faith (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a confrontation between two realities: the reality of Satan, the false usurper, and the reality of God. This showdown has been ongoing since |
|
|
(Testimony) Story How I Almost Divorced My Wife by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of preaching on the topic of love. They describe feeling an incredible anointing and pouring out their love for Jesus to th |