Psalms 103:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But the mercy {H2617} of the LORD {H3068} is from everlasting {H5769} to {H5704} everlasting {H5769} upon them that fear {H3373} him, and his righteousness {H6666} unto children's {H1121} children {H1121};

Complete Jewish Bible

But the mercy of ADONAI on those who fear him is from eternity past to eternity future, and his righteousness extends to his children's children,

Berean Standard Bible

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—

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 103:17 profoundly declares the eternal, unwavering nature of God's covenant faithfulness and righteousness, presenting a striking contrast to the brevity of human life. It asserts that the LORD's boundless mercy extends from eternity past to eternity future, specifically resting upon those who revere Him, and His just character and blessings are faithfully bestowed upon their descendants through successive generations, underscoring His immutable character and enduring commitment to His people across time.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 103 is a magnificent composition by David, a fervent hymn of praise that extols the LORD for His abundant benefits and compassionate character. The psalm commences with a passionate self-exhortation to "bless the LORD, O my soul" [Psalm 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalm 103:1 - Bless the LORD, O My Soul"), establishing a tone of profound worship and gratitude. It then systematically enumerates God's gracious acts, including forgiveness of sins, healing of diseases, redemption from destruction, and crowning with lovingkindness and tender mercies [Psalm 103:3-5](/psalms/103-3-5 "Psalm 103:3-5 - God's Benefits to His People"). The psalm highlights God's justice for the oppressed and His revelation of His ways to Moses and the children of Israel [Psalm 103:6-7](/psalms/103-6-7 "Psalm 103:6-7 - God's Justice and Revelation"). Crucially, the psalm emphasizes God's compassion and slowness to anger [Psalm 103:8-10](/psalms/103-8-10 "Psalm 103:8-10 - The LORD is Merciful and Gracious"), before drawing a poignant contrast between the fleeting nature of human life—likened to grass and flowers that quickly fade [Psalm 103:14-16](/psalms/103-14-16 "Psalm 103:14-16 - The Frailty of Man")—and the enduring, eternal quality of God's mercy and righteousness in verse 17. This verse serves as a powerful anchor, providing stability and hope amidst the recognition of human transience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, a leader intimately acquainted with both human fallibility and divine faithfulness, Psalm 103 reflects the covenant relationship established between God and Israel. In ancient Israelite society, lineage, generational continuity, and the perpetuation of family names were profoundly significant. Blessings and curses were often understood to extend through family lines, making the promise of "righteousness unto children's children" a deeply comforting and culturally resonant assurance of enduring divine favor. The concept of "fearing the LORD" was foundational to Israelite piety, signifying not terror, but a profound, reverential awe, humble obedience, and trusting submission to God's sovereignty and covenant stipulations. This "fear" was the very beginning of wisdom and the basis for right living, distinguishing those who lived in proper relationship with God from those who did not. The psalm's themes resonate deeply with the broader Old Testament narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His steadfast love demonstrated throughout Israel's history.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 103:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the **eternal nature of God's mercy (חֶסֶד, _chêçêd'_)**. The phrase "from everlasting to everlasting" underscores God's immutability and the boundless, unending quality of His covenant loyalty and steadfast love, a theme echoed in [Psalm 90:2](/psalms/90-2 "Psalm 90:2 - God's Eternity") which declares God's existence "from everlasting to everlasting," and [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change"), which affirms His unchanging character. Another crucial theme is the **reverential fear of the LORD**. This "fear" (יָרֵא, _yârêʼ'_) is presented as the proper response to God's majesty and holiness, leading to a life of humble obedience and trust, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom"), where it is identified as the beginning of wisdom. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **generational righteousness and blessing**. God's faithfulness is not confined to a single generation but extends to the "children's children," implying a legacy of divine favor and covenant blessing for those who walk in His ways, a concept deeply rooted in the promises found in [Exodus 20:6](/exodus/20-6 "Exodus 20:6 - God Shows Mercy to Thousands of Generations"), where God promises to show mercy to thousands of generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** (H2617) This is one of the richest theological terms in the Old Testament, often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," "covenant loyalty," or "faithfulness." It describes God's active, enduring, and loyal love that is rooted in His covenant relationship with His people. It is not merely an emotion but a commitment demonstrated through action, particularly in times of need or failure. In this context, _chêçêd_ emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His compassionate disposition towards His elect, encompassing favor and good deeds.
* **Everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** (H5769) Properly meaning "concealed" or "the vanishing point," this term generally refers to "time out of mind," encompassing both past and future eternity. When used in the phrase "from everlasting to everlasting," it denotes without beginning or end, emphasizing the timelessness, unchangeable nature, and boundless extent of God's attributes. It stands in stark contrast to the finite and fleeting nature of human life described just prior in the psalm, asserting God's transcendence over time and His immutable character.
* **Fear him (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** (H3373) This term denotes a respectful, obedient awe and reverence, rather than a debilitating terror or dread. It describes a moral posture of "fearing" God, which leads to a humble and trusting relationship. It implies a recognition of God's supreme authority and a desire to live in accordance with His will, which is the foundation of true wisdom and piety, distinguishing those who are reverent from those who are not.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting":** This clause introduces a profound contrast ("But") to the preceding verses that describe human frailty and transience [Psalm 103:14-16](/psalms/103-14-16 "Psalm 103:14-16 - The Frailty of Man"). It declares the boundless and eternal nature of God's _chêçêd_—His steadfast love and covenant loyalty. Unlike human existence, which is finite and fleeting, God's mercy is without beginning or end, an inherent and unchanging attribute of His divine being. This provides immense comfort and stability, anchoring hope in God's immutable character and His perpetual kindness.
* **"upon them that fear him":** This phrase specifies the recipients of this eternal mercy. The "fear" here is not terror but a reverential awe, respect, and obedience that leads to a humble and trusting relationship with God. It signifies those who acknowledge God's sovereignty, live in accordance with His commands, and seek to honor Him in their lives. God's eternal mercy is not indiscriminately given but is specifically directed towards those who respond to Him with genuine piety and devotion, demonstrating a moral reverence.
* **"and his righteousness unto children's children;":** This extends the scope of God's faithfulness beyond the immediate generation. "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, _tsᵉdâqâh_) refers to God's inherent justice, integrity, and His faithfulness in keeping His promises and upholding His covenant. It's His right action and character, particularly in relation to His covenant people, encompassing objective justice and moral virtue. The phrase "unto children's children" (בֵּן, _bên_, repeated for emphasis on succeeding generations) signifies that God's covenant blessings and His righteous dealings are passed down through successive generations, ensuring a spiritual legacy for the descendants of those who fear Him. This highlights God's multi-generational faithfulness and the enduring impact of a life lived in reverence for Him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 103:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most striking is **Contrast**, as the verse immediately follows descriptions of humanity's ephemeral nature [Psalm 103:14-16](/psalms/103-14-16 "Psalm 103:14-16 - The Frailty of Man"), setting God's eternal attributes against human transience. This creates a powerful sense of divine stability and reliability. **Merism** is evident in the phrase "from everlasting to everlasting," which encompasses all time, emphasizing the boundless and unending nature of God's mercy. This hyperbole underscores divine eternity. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "the mercy of the LORD" and "his righteousness" are parallel concepts, both extending to those who fear Him and their descendants. This reinforces the idea that God's character is consistently merciful and just. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Metonymy** in "children's children," which stands for future generations or descendants, indicating the enduring legacy of God's covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 103:17 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the immutability and covenant faithfulness of God. It assures believers that God's character, particularly His _chêçêd_ (steadfast love/mercy) and _tsᵉdâqâh_ (righteousness), is not subject to change or the limitations of human existence. This eternal quality provides a secure foundation for faith, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of human life. The verse underscores that God's promises and His very being are utterly dependable, extending not only to the individual but also to their lineage, demonstrating His commitment to multi-generational blessing for those who walk in reverential awe of Him. It speaks to the enduring legacy of faith and the faithfulness of God across time, affirming that His character is the ultimate anchor for hope and security.

* [Psalm 90:2](/psalms/90-2 "God's Eternity")
* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "The LORD Does Not Change")
* [Exodus 20:6](/exodus/20-6 "God Shows Mercy to Thousands of Generations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 103:17 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to living. In a world characterized by constant change, pervasive uncertainty, and the undeniable brevity of human life, this verse reminds us of the unchanging, eternal nature of God's mercy and righteousness. It assures us that our hope is anchored in a God whose love has no beginning and no end, a love that is not earned by human merit but freely given to those who approach Him with reverential awe and trust. This profound truth should inspire deep gratitude and unshakeable confidence, freeing us from the anxieties of fleeting circumstances and the disappointments of human transience. Furthermore, the promise of God's righteousness extending "unto children's children" challenges us to consider our spiritual legacy. Our faithfulness, our commitment to fearing the LORD, has implications far beyond our own lives, potentially shaping the spiritual trajectory of future generations. This calls us to live intentionally, modeling faith and obedience, and praying for God's continued blessing upon our families and descendants, fostering a heritage rooted in divine favor and covenant faithfulness, and passing on a vibrant faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the eternal nature of God's mercy (from everlasting to everlasting) provide comfort and stability in your life today, especially amidst personal or global uncertainties?**
* **What does it mean practically to "fear the LORD" in your daily walk, and how does this posture open you up to a deeper experience of His mercy and righteousness?**
* **In what ways can you actively contribute to building a spiritual legacy of righteousness for your "children's children," whether biological descendants or those you spiritually influence?**

### FAQ

**What does "fear him" truly mean in this context, and how is it different from being afraid?**

Answer: In biblical language, particularly in the Old Testament, "fearing the LORD" (Hebrew: _yârêʼ'_) does not primarily mean being terrified or scared of God in a debilitating sense. Instead, it denotes a profound, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission to His majesty, holiness, and authority. It is an acknowledgment of His supreme power and sovereignty, coupled with a deep love and trust in His character and commands. This "fear" leads to obedience, worship, and a desire to live in accordance with His will, recognizing that He is the source of all wisdom and blessing. It's the appropriate response of a creature to its Creator, fostering a healthy, loving, and obedient relationship, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge"), which states that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.

**How does God's righteousness extend "unto children's children"? Is it an automatic inheritance?**

Answer: God's righteousness extending "unto children's children" signifies His multi-generational faithfulness and covenant commitment, rather than an automatic, unconditional inheritance of salvation or blessing. It is a promise that God's righteous character and His covenant blessings will continue to be revealed and offered through successive generations of those who maintain a relationship of reverential fear and obedience to Him. It implies that the spiritual heritage established by faithful parents can create an environment conducive to faith and blessing for their descendants. While each individual must still respond to God in faith, God's faithfulness ensures that the opportunity for relationship and the experience of His righteous dealings remain available to the family line that walks in His ways. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament covenant promises, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 5:9-10](/deuteronomy/5-9 "Deuteronomy 5:9 - God Shows Mercy to Thousands"), where God promises to show mercy to thousands of generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 103:17, with its declaration of God's eternal mercy and righteousness extending to generations, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "mercy of the LORD" (חֶסֶד, _chêçêd'_) is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the very incarnation of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. His coming was the ultimate demonstration of God's mercy, as He took on human flesh to redeem humanity from sin and death, a truth beautifully articulated in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), where it states that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Furthermore, the "righteousness" of God, which extends "unto children's children," is not merely an attribute but is actively imputed to believers through faith in Christ. He became our righteousness [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Our Sin So We Might Become God's Righteousness"), establishing a New Covenant where God's promises are secured not by human lineage or perfect obedience, but by Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection. Those who "fear him"—a fear now transformed into loving adoration and trust in the Redeemer—are brought into this eternal covenant, and the blessings of salvation, forgiveness, and new life are extended not just to their physical descendants but to all who are spiritually born into God's family across all generations and nations, through the power of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:39](/acts/2-39 "Acts 2:39 - The Promise is For You and Your Children"), as Peter proclaimed that the promise is for them and their children and all who are far off. Thus, Christ is the eternal wellspring of God's mercy and the guarantor of His righteousness for all who believe, forever extending His saving grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.

Exodus 20:6

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Ephesians 2:4

¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:7

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Isaiah 51:6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.