Psalms 103:9

He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for ever.

He will not always {H5331} chide {H7378}: neither will he keep {H5201} his anger for ever {H5769}.

He will not always accuse, he will not keep his anger forever.

He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever.

He will not always chide; Neither will he keephis angerfor ever.

Commentary

Psalm 103:9 reveals a profound aspect of God's character: His immense patience and boundless mercy. This verse assures believers that while God may bring correction or discipline, His anger is not eternal, nor does He perpetually contend with humanity.

Context

Psalm 103 is a magnificent psalm of praise by David, overflowing with gratitude for God's blessings and benevolent nature. It begins with David calling his soul to bless the Lord (Psalm 103:1) and proceeds to enumerate many reasons for this praise, including God's forgiveness of sins (Psalm 103:3) and healing. Verse 9 specifically addresses God's disposition towards those who have strayed, emphasizing His desire for reconciliation over perpetual wrath, fitting within the psalm's broader theme of God's compassionate dealings with humanity.

Key Themes

  • God's Patient Mercy: The core message is that God's discipline, or "chiding," is not endless. Unlike human beings who might hold grudges, God's righteous anger is temporary and purposeful, always aimed at restoration rather than destruction. This highlights His slowness to anger and abounding steadfast love, a recurring theme in scripture regarding the divine character.
  • Divine Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The phrase "neither will he keep his anger for ever" assures us that God is eager to forgive and does not retain wrath against those who turn to Him. His nature is one of forgiveness and compassion, offering grace rather than perpetual condemnation. This aligns with His promise to blot out our transgressions.
  • Contrast with Human Nature: This verse subtly contrasts God's perfect character with imperfect human tendencies. While human anger can be destructive and long-lasting, God's anger is righteous, temporary, and always subservient to His eternal love and covenant faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "chide" is riyb (Χ¨Φ΄Χ™Χ‘), which means to contend, strive, or rebuke. It can imply a legal dispute or a strong reprimand. The context here indicates God's righteous correction, not an arbitrary outburst. The term for "anger" is 'aph (אַף), literally meaning "nose" or "nostril," often used metaphorically for intense wrath (flaring nostrils). The verse's power lies in stating that even this intense, righteous anger is not kept "for ever," underscoring God's profound patience and enduring love.

Practical Application

For the believer, Psalm 103:9 offers immense comfort and security. It reminds us that even when we face God's discipline or conviction for sin, it is not a sign of His permanent rejection but rather His loving desire for our growth and return to Him. This understanding should motivate us to seek repentance and reconciliation, knowing that God's arms are always open. It also encourages us to reflect God's patience and forgiveness in our own relationships, not holding grudges or prolonging anger when reconciliation is possible. This verse beautifully encapsulates the everlasting love of God that remains steadfast despite human failings.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 57:16

    For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls [which] I have made.

  • Psalms 30:5

    For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

  • Jeremiah 3:5

    Will he reserve [his anger] for ever? will he keep [it] to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.

  • Micah 7:18

    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.

  • Micah 7:19

    He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

  • Jeremiah 3:12

    ΒΆ Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.
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