Psalms 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

As far as {H7368} the east {H4217} is from the west {H4628}, so far hath he removed {H7368} our transgressions {H6588} from us.

He has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 103:12 (KJV)

Psalms 103:12 is a powerful and comforting verse that vividly illustrates the completeness of God's forgiveness. It assures believers that when God pardons their sins, He removes them to an immeasurable distance, signifying a profound and absolute separation.

Context

Psalm 103 is a magnificent hymn of praise by David, extolling the Lord for His goodness, compassion, and faithfulness. The psalm begins by calling the soul to bless the Lord and remember all His benefits (Psalms 103:2). Among these benefits, forgiveness of sins is highlighted as paramount. Preceding this verse, Psalms 103:8-11 describes God as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy," emphasizing that He "hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." Verse 12 serves as the ultimate expression of this divine mercy, demonstrating the extent of His forgiveness.

Key Themes

  • Absolute Forgiveness: The central message is the total and irreversible removal of sin once God forgives. There is no partial forgiveness; it is complete.
  • God's Boundless Mercy: This verse is a profound declaration of God's boundless mercy and grace. His character is defined by a willingness to pardon and restore.
  • Freedom from Guilt and Shame: Forgiveness implies that the transgressions are no longer held against the individual, freeing them from the burden of guilt and shame.

Linguistic and Poetic Insight

The phrase "As far as the east is from the west" employs a powerful and unique metaphor. Unlike north and south, which meet at the poles, east and west are perpetually equidistant; they never converge. This imagery conveys an infinite, immeasurable separation. It signifies that when God removes our transgressions, He places them beyond any conceivable retrieval or remembrance. This concept assures us that our sins are not just covered, but fundamentally separated from us, illustrating the depth of God's reconciling work.

Practical Application

For believers, Psalms 103:12 offers immense comfort and assurance. It encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is eager to forgive and cleanse. This powerful imagery assures us that when God forgives, He truly remembers our sins no more, freeing us from the burden of past failures and allowing us to live in the present and future with hope and peace. It inspires gratitude and motivates us to live lives that reflect His great love and mercy, extending forgiveness to others as we have received it.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 43:25 (49 votes)

    I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

  • 1 John 1:7 (29 votes)

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  • Micah 7:18 (28 votes)

    Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

  • Isaiah 38:17 (27 votes)

    Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul [delivered it] from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

  • Jeremiah 31:34 (19 votes)

    And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

  • Hebrews 10:2 (16 votes)

    For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

  • 2 Samuel 12:13 (11 votes)

    And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.