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;

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};

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,

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—

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

Commentary

Context

Psalm 103 is a magnificent song of praise by David, celebrating the LORD's abundant mercies and benefits. The psalm opens with a call to "bless the LORD, O my soul," and proceeds to list many reasons for praise, including forgiveness, healing, redemption, and divine compassion. Amidst descriptions of human frailty and transience (Psalm 103:14-16), verse 17 stands as a powerful contrast, highlighting the enduring, eternal nature of God's mercy and righteousness, anchoring it in His unchanging character and covenant faithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Eternal Mercy: The phrase "from everlasting to everlasting" profoundly emphasizes the boundless and unending nature of God's *chesed* (lovingkindness). It assures believers that God's compassion and steadfast love are not temporary or conditional upon human merit, but are inherent attributes of His eternal being. This echoes the truth of God's unchanging nature, as seen in Malachi 3:6.
  • Reverential Awe: God's mercy is specifically "upon them that fear him." This "fear" is not terror or dread, but a deep, reverential awe, respect, and obedience that leads to a humble and trusting relationship with God. This concept is foundational to biblical wisdom and true knowledge, as expressed in Proverbs 9:10.
  • Generational Righteousness: The extension of His "righteousness unto children's children" speaks powerfully to God's faithfulness across generations. It implies a covenant blessing that flows to the descendants of those who honor Him, promising stability, integrity, and favor for the family line that walks in His ways. This concept of generational blessing is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, such as in Exodus 20:6.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "mercy" in this verse is chesed (חֶסֶד), a rich theological term that encompasses concepts of "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," "covenant loyalty," and "faithfulness." It describes God's active, enduring, and loyal love that is rooted in His covenant relationship with His people.
  • "From everlasting to everlasting" (Hebrew: min-olam ve'ad-olam) is a powerful idiom conveying eternity—without beginning or end. It emphasizes the timelessness and unchangeable nature of God's attributes, a concept also found in Psalm 90:2.
  • "Fear him" comes from the Hebrew root yare (יָרֵא), which denotes a respectful, obedient awe and reverence, rather than a debilitating terror. It is the appropriate response to God's holiness, majesty, and power.
  • "Righteousness" translates the Hebrew word tzedaqah (צְדָקָה), referring to God's inherent justice, integrity, and His faithfulness in keeping His promises and upholding His covenant. It's His right action and character.

Significance and Application

Psalm 103:17 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers. It reminds us that God's love and faithfulness are not fleeting or subject to human change, but are eternal and utterly dependable. For those who approach God with reverential awe and seek to obey Him, there is a promise of enduring mercy and a legacy of righteousness that extends beyond one's own lifetime to future generations. This verse encourages us to live lives that honor God, knowing that our faithfulness can positively impact our descendants, fostering a spiritual heritage rooted in divine blessing.

Conclusion

This verse beautifully encapsulates the eternal, unwavering nature of God's mercy and righteousness. It is a powerful affirmation of His covenant faithfulness to those who fear Him, ensuring that His blessings and character are revealed not just in our lives, but also in the lives of our children and their children. Psalm 103:17 calls us to embrace a life of reverential awe and trust in the God whose love knows no end, and whose faithfulness spans generations.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 100:5 (15 votes)

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

  • Exodus 20:6 (9 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 2:4 (9 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 2:7 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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.