Psalms 103:17

Psalms 103:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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—

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children’s children;

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the mercy of the Lord is eternal for his worshippers, and their children's children will see his righteousness;

Free Bible Version FBV

But the Lord's trustworthy love lasts for all eternity to those who accept him; his goodness to all generations,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But the louing kindnesse of the Lord endureth for euer and euer vpon them that feare him, and his righteousnes vpon childrens children,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the kindness of Jehovah [Is] from age even unto age on those fearing Him, And His righteousness to sons' sons,

World English Bible WEB

But the LORD’s loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear him, his righteousness to children’s children,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

There the sparrows shall make their nests. The highest of them is the house of the heron.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Yahweh will faithfully keep loving forever all those who revere him. He will act fairly to our children and to their children;

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 103:17

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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 103:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/חֶ֤סֶד יְהוָ֨ה מֵ/עוֹלָ֣ם וְ/עַד ע֭וֹלָם עַל יְרֵאָ֑י/ו וְ֝/צִדְקָת֗/וֹ לִ/בְנֵ֥י בָנִֽים

וְ/חֶ֤סֶד chêçêd H2617 kindness Conj | N-ms

יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

מֵ/עוֹלָ֣ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever Prep | N-ms

וְ/עַד ʻad H5704 till Conj | Prep

ע֭וֹלָם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

יְרֵאָ֑י/ו yârêʼ H3373 afraid Adj | Suff

וְ֝/צִדְקָת֗/וֹ tsᵉdâqâh H6666 righteousness Conj | N-fs | Suff

לִ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

בָנִֽים bên H1121 son N-mp

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 103:17

וְ/חֶ֤סֶד chêçêd H2617 "kindness" Conj | N-ms

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.

יְהוָ֨ה 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.

מֵ/עוֹלָ֣ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" Prep | N-ms

This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.

Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.

וְ/עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

ע֭וֹלָם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" N-ms

This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.

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.

יְרֵאָ֑י/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.

וְ֝/צִדְקָת֗/וֹ tsᵉdâqâh H6666 "righteousness" Conj | N-fs | Suff

Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.

Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)

Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.

לִ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" Prep | 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.

בָנִֽים bên H1121 "son" N-mp

Definition: : child/son

Study Notes — Psalms 103:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 103:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:17
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:17
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:17
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:17
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:17
Sermons on Psalms 103:17

Context — Bless the LORD, O My Soul

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.

17But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children—

18to those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts. 19The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 100:5	For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.
2	Exodus 20:6	but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.
3	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.
4	2 Timothy 1:9	He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.
5	Isaiah 51:6	Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail.
6	Romans 1:17	For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
7	Ephesians 1:4–8	For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
8	Romans 8:28–30	And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
9	2 Thessalonians 2:13–14	But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth. To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
10	Micah 6:5	My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”

Psalms 103:17 Summary

This verse tells us that God's love and kindness are forever, and they are for those who respect and honor Him. God's goodness is not just for us, but also for our children and grandchildren, as long as they follow His ways, as seen in Exodus 20:6. This is a wonderful promise that gives us hope and security, even when life is uncertain, because we know that God's love is eternal, as described in Jeremiah 31:3. By fearing God and keeping His covenant, we can experience the fullness of His love and righteousness in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God's loving devotion extends 'from everlasting to everlasting'?

This phrase emphasizes God's eternal and unchanging love for those who fear Him, as seen in Psalms 90:2, where God is described as being from 'everlasting to everlasting'.

How does God's righteousness extend to the children's children of those who fear Him?

This refers to the covenant promises of God, where His blessings are passed down to future generations, as seen in Exodus 20:6 and Deuteronomy 7:9, which describe God's loyalty to those who love Him and keep His commandments.

What is the condition for experiencing God's loving devotion and righteousness?

The condition is to fear God, which means to have a deep reverence and respect for Him, and to keep His covenant, as described in Psalms 103:18, where it says that God's righteousness is for those who keep His covenant and obey His precepts.

How does this verse relate to the fleeting nature of human life described in the previous verses?

This verse provides a stark contrast to the transient nature of human life, as described in Psalms 103:15-16, emphasizing that while human life is short, God's love and righteousness are eternal, providing a sense of hope and security for those who fear Him.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate my fear of God in my daily life, and how can I pass on this reverence to my children and future generations?
How can I trust in God's eternal love and righteousness when faced with the uncertainties and challenges of life?
In what ways have I experienced God's loving devotion and righteousness in my life, and how can I share these experiences with others to encourage them in their faith?
What does it mean to keep God's covenant, and how can I practically apply this in my life to experience the fullness of God's blessings?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:17

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him,.... In opposition to the frailty of man, the stability and duration of the mercy of God is observed.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:17

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:17

But though we quickly decay and perish, yet God’ s mercy to us doth not die with us; but as it was from eternity exercised in gracious purposes, so it will be continued unto eternity in that future and endless life. Upon them that fear him: see before on . His righteousness; either his faithfulness, or (that this branch may answer to the former) his mercy or benignity; this word being frequently used in both these senses, as hath been proved before. But it is here called righteousness, to intimate that God’ s kindness to the posterity of his people is not only an act of his goodness, but also a discharge of his obligation under which he put himself to them, as elsewhere, so , to which this place seems to relate. Hence it is called mercy to Abraham and truth to Jacob, .

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:17

Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’ s children;Ver. 17. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting] God is from all eternity and unto all eternity kind to all that fear him, in what age of the world soever they live. And his righteousness unto children’ s children] That is, his kindness or bounty; for so the word tsedachah should be taken, according to Psalms 112:8-9 2 Corinthians 9:9.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:17

Verse 17. The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting] חסד chesed signifies more particularly the exuberant goodness of God. This is an attribute of his nature, and must be from everlasting to everlasting; and hence, his righteousness (צדקת tsidketh) - his merciful mode of justifying the ungodly, is extended from one generation to another. Unto children's children.] It is still in force, and the doctrine of reconciliation through Christ shall continue to be preached till the conclusion of time.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:17

17. Men may pass away, but Jehovah’s lovingkindness and righteousness, i.e. His covenant faithfulness, endure. The eternity of God is the rock upon which faith can repose in view of the mutability of man. Cp. Psalms 90:1; Psalms 102:12; Psalms 102:27; Isaiah 40:8. Those who fear Him can securely commit their posterity to His care. Cp. Psalms 102:28. Both the assurance, and the condition introduced by Psalms 103:18, rest upon Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 7:9.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:17

But the mercy of the Lord - The favor of the Lord; or, his loving-kindness. Is from everlasting to everlasting - Is from the eternity past to the eternity to come.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:17

17. But the mercy of the Lord—The adversative sense of the conjunction marks the contrast between the perishable and frail in man, (vers.

Sermons on Psalms 103:17

	Sermon	Description
	Time Is Short… Don't Waste Your Life by Paul Washer	In this sermon, Paul Washer shares a powerful message about surrendering our lives to God. He tells a story about a man who opens an old trunk and dedicates every part of himself t
	(Godly Home) Part 28 - the Overtaking Blessings on the Second Generation by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to join the congregation and share in their spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of parents reaching f
	Soul Music by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping our minds focused on the Lord amidst the distractions of the world. He acknowledges the troubling events happening
	Revelation 22 by Carl Armerding	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Psalms and its division into five sections. Each section is marked by a doxology at the end. The speaker mentions a Scottish lad
	Psalm 103: Bless the Lord by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 103 and its message of praising and worshiping God. The psalm is divided into three parts. The first part, from verse 1 to 5, highlight
	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
	Knowing God (Eng to German) (9.6.1985) by Peter Maiden	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a journey and reflects on the importance of knowing the living God. He emphasizes that life without God's love is meaningl