Psalms 103:8

KJV

The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is merciful {H7349} and gracious {H2587}, slow {H750} to anger {H639}, and plenteous {H7227} in mercy {H2617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in grace.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 103:8 stands as a profound and foundational declaration of God's immutable character, serving as a theological anchor for understanding all His interactions with humanity. It succinctly portrays the LORD as supremely compassionate and benevolent, exhibiting extraordinary patience and an inexhaustible supply of steadfast love. This verse encapsulates the divine nature that inspires deep worship and unwavering trust, revealing a God who is not quick to condemn but abounds in grace and mercy towards His creation, providing the very basis for His redemptive acts detailed throughout the psalm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 103 is a magnificent hymn of praise and thanksgiving, attributed to King David, that opens with an impassioned call for the psalmist's soul to "bless the LORD" and remember "all His benefits" ([Psalms 103:1-2](/psalms/103-1-2 "Psalm 103:1-2 - Call to Praise and Remember God's Benefits")). Before enumerating specific acts of divine goodness—such as forgiveness of sins, healing from diseases, redemption from the pit, and crowning with lovingkindness and tender mercies ([Psalms 103:3-5](/psalms/103-3-5 "Psalm 103:3-5 - God's Blessings to His People"))—David first establishes the very nature of the God he praises. Verse 8, therefore, functions as a theological cornerstone, providing the immutable character traits of God that explain and guarantee all the subsequent blessings. It sets the stage for understanding God's actions not as arbitrary or conditional, but as flowing directly from His inherent disposition of mercy and grace, which is further elaborated upon in [Psalms 103:9-18](/psalms/103-9-18 "Psalm 103:9-18 - God's Fatherly Compassion and Eternal Covenant Faithfulness"), emphasizing His fatherly compassion, boundless forgiveness, and eternal covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during the Israelite monarchy, likely by King David, Psalm 103 reflects the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people. The concepts of "mercy" (חֶסֶד, _chesed_) and "grace" (חַנּוּן, _chanun_) were central to Israelite understanding of God, often invoked in times of national crisis or personal repentance. This verse echoes the foundational revelation of God's character given to Moses at Mount Sinai in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses"), which became a creedal statement for Israel, frequently repeated and affirmed throughout their history. The idea of God being "slow to anger" (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, _'erekh 'appayim_) would have been particularly comforting to a people prone to rebellion and idolatry, reminding them of God's profound forbearance and willingness to forgive rather than immediately punishing their transgressions, as vividly demonstrated throughout their wilderness wanderings and subsequent history (e.g., [Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - God's Patience with Israel's Rebellion")).
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 103:8 is a concise summary of several profound theological themes central to the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **God's Enduring Character**, portraying Him not as capricious or volatile but as consistently merciful and gracious. This steadfastness is the bedrock of Israel's hope and security, assuring them of His unchanging nature. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Compassion and Forbearance**, particularly through the phrase "slow to anger," which assures believers that God's patience is immense, allowing ample time for repentance and turning back to Him rather than immediate judgment (cf. [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Return to the LORD, for He is Gracious and Merciful")). Thirdly, the declaration "plenteous in mercy" underscores the **Abundance of God's Lovingkindness** (חֶסֶד, _chesed_), indicating that His covenantal love and faithfulness are not scarce or conditional but are overflowing and readily available to those who fear Him, a theme beautifully echoed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The LORD's Great Love and Compassions"). These attributes collectively form the bedrock of God's redemptive plan and His faithful relationship with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merciful (Hebrew, _rachûwm'_):** From H7349, derived from the root related to "womb" (רֶחֶם, _rechem_), this word signifies a deep, visceral compassion, akin to a mother's tender affection and protective instinct for her child. It speaks of God's profound pity and kindness towards the afflicted, the suffering, and those in need, arising from a deep empathy for their condition. It is a tender, protective love that moves God to act on behalf of the vulnerable.
* **Gracious (Hebrew, _channûwn'_):** From H2587, this term denotes God's unmerited favor and benevolence, His willingness to bestow kindness and blessings freely upon the undeserving. It highlights God's initiative in extending grace, not based on human merit or performance, but purely on His own generous and benevolent nature. It implies a readiness to hear and respond favorably to prayer and appeals for help.
* **Slow to anger (Hebrew, _ʼârêk ʼaph'_):** This idiomatic phrase (from H750, _ʼârêk_ "long," and H639, _ʼaph_ "nose" or "anger") literally means "long of nostrils" or "long of face." In ancient Near Eastern thought, the "nose" or "nostrils" were associated with anger (flaring nostrils indicated rage), so "long of nostrils" signifies immense patience and forbearance. It means that God's anger is not easily or quickly aroused. He is not impulsive in judgment but provides ample opportunity for repentance and reconciliation, demonstrating profound self-restraint and a desire for restoration.
* **Plenteous in mercy (Hebrew, _rab chêçêd'_):** This phrase combines H7227 (_rab_, "great," "abundant," "much") with H2617 (_chêçêd_, "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," "covenant faithfulness," "mercy"). _Chesed_ is a cornerstone theological term in the Old Testament, representing God's loyal, unfailing, and covenantal love, which is both an attitude and an action. When combined with _rab_, it emphasizes the vastness, richness, and inexhaustible nature of God's committed love and faithfulness, which extends beyond mere pity to active, loyal devotion to His covenant promises, ensuring His people's well-being and salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD [is] merciful and gracious":** This opening declaration establishes the fundamental disposition of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. He is inherently compassionate and benevolent, not merely acting mercifully but being mercy itself. This pairing highlights both His tender pity for human suffering (_rachûwm_) and His free, unmerited favor towards His creation (_channûwn_). It sets the tone for understanding His character as one of loving-kindness and active benevolence rather than harsh judgment or indifference.
* **"slow to anger":** This phrase emphasizes God's incredible patience and forbearance in the face of human sin, rebellion, and weakness. Despite repeated provocation, God does not quickly unleash His wrath. He provides ample time and opportunity for repentance and turning back to Him, demonstrating His profound desire for reconciliation and restoration over immediate condemnation. This attribute is a source of immense hope and security for His people, knowing that His patience outlasts their failings.
* **"and plenteous in mercy":** Concluding the verse, this clause underscores the boundless nature of God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness (_chêçêd_). It is not a limited resource but an overflowing abundance, signifying that His loyal love and forgiveness are inexhaustible and ever-present. This "plenteousness" assures believers that God's compassion and commitment to His promises are vast and ever-present, ready to embrace those who turn to Him, actively working for their good within the framework of His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 103:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth with memorable impact. The primary device is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy") reiterates and expands upon the first half ("The LORD is merciful and gracious"). This repetition with variation serves to reinforce the core message of God's compassionate nature, emphasizing different facets of His character and building a comprehensive portrait. The phrase "slow to anger" is a vivid example of **Idiom** and **Anthropomorphism**, literally "long of nostrils" (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם), attributing a human physical characteristic (the flaring of nostrils in anger) to God to describe His emotional state of profound patience and self-restraint. This makes God's abstract attributes more relatable and understandable. The use of strong, positive adjectives like "merciful," "gracious," "slow," and "plenteous" creates a cumulative effect, building a powerful and reassuring portrait of the divine character. The entire verse functions as a **Credal Statement**, summarizing a core theological truth about Yahweh that was central to Israel's identity and worship, echoing earlier divine self-revelations and serving as a foundational tenet of their faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 103:8 is a quintessential statement of God's character, revealing Him as fundamentally defined by compassion, patience, and abundant love. This divine self-revelation, first articulated to Moses at Sinai, became a foundational creed for Israel, shaping their understanding of God's dealings with humanity. It assures believers that God's nature is not one of arbitrary wrath or fleeting emotion, but of steadfast, covenantal love that patiently endures and generously forgives. This truth provides the bedrock for all hope, repentance, and worship, demonstrating that God's actions towards His people flow directly from His unchanging, benevolent heart. It invites a response of deep trust and profound gratitude, knowing that His mercy is always available and His commitment to His promises is unwavering.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Self-Declaration to Moses")
* [Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - God's Patience and Forgiveness for Israel")
* [Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "Nehemiah 9:17 - God's Forbearance and Abundant Mercy with Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 103:8 offers immense comfort and a profound challenge for believers today. In a world often characterized by quick judgment, fleeting patience, and conditional love, this verse paints a picture of a God whose very essence is the antithesis of these human failings. Remembering that the LORD is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" provides immense solace in our moments of failure, doubt, and spiritual struggle. It assures us that our God is not eager to condemn but is always ready to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in genuine repentance. This truth should cultivate deep gratitude and unwavering trust, moving us to worship Him not out of fear of punishment, but out of love for His boundless compassion and unwavering faithfulness. Furthermore, this divine revelation calls us to imitate His character in our own lives, extending mercy, grace, and patience to others, reflecting the divine nature we have received as His children and ambassadors in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "merciful and gracious" profoundly impact your view of your own struggles, failures, and need for grace?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need to experience God's "slowness to anger," and how does this attribute encourage you to persevere and trust Him?**
* **What does it truly mean for God to be "plenteous in mercy," and how should this truth shape your approach to offering forgiveness and seeking reconciliation with others?**
* **Considering God's character revealed in this verse, how can you more intentionally reflect His attributes of mercy, grace, and patience in your daily interactions and relationships?**

### FAQ

**Is Psalms 103:8 a unique statement about God's character in the Old Testament?**

Answer: While Psalms 103:8 is a beautifully concise and powerful summary, it is not a unique statement but rather a restatement and affirmation of a foundational declaration of God's character first revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Attributes Revealed to Moses"). This divine self-description became a recurring creedal statement throughout the Old Testament, appearing in various forms in books like [Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - The LORD's Patience with Israel"), [Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "Nehemiah 9:17 - God's Compassion in Nehemiah's Prayer"), [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Return to the LORD for He is Gracious"), and [Jonah 4:2](/jonah/4-2 "Jonah 4:2 - Jonah's Complaint and God's Mercy"). Its consistent repetition across different historical contexts and authors underscores its theological importance as a core, unchanging truth about Yahweh's nature and His covenant relationship with His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 103:8, a profound declaration of God's merciful and gracious character, finds its ultimate and most vivid fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "merciful and gracious" God of the Old Testament is fully embodied in Jesus, who is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Supremacy and Divine Nature")). In Christ, God's slowness to anger is perfectly demonstrated through His enduring patience with sinners, His willingness to endure rejection and suffering, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which absorbed divine wrath so that humanity might receive mercy and reconciliation ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated in Christ's Death")). The "plenteous in mercy" aspect is revealed in the New Covenant, where through Christ's shed blood, forgiveness and reconciliation are offered in boundless supply, far exceeding the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace in Christ")). Jesus is the visible manifestation of God's _chesed_ (steadfast love) and _chanun_ (grace), embodying the divine compassion that came to seek and to save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Thus, Psalms 103:8 is not merely a description of God in the abstract but a prophetic glimpse into the very heart of the Father, fully revealed and made accessible through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 86:15

But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Joel 2:13

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Exodus 34:6

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Exodus 34:7

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

Nahum 1:3

The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet.

Psalms 145:8

The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.