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Psalms 103:13

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Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Like as a father {H1} pitieth {H7355} his children {H1121}, so the LORD {H3068} pitieth {H7355} them that fear {H3373} him.

Just as a father has compassion on his children, ADONAI has compassion on those who fear him.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Like as a father pitieth his children, So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 103:13 (KJV)

Psalms 103:13 offers a profoundly comforting image of God's compassionate nature, comparing His tenderness towards His people to that of a loving father for his children. This verse assures believers of God's deep understanding and care, a central theme in the broader Psalm 103.

Context

Psalm 103 is a magnificent psalm of praise attributed to David, overflowing with gratitude for God's blessings and merciful character. The psalm begins with a call to "Bless the LORD, O my soul" (Psalms 103:1) and proceeds to enumerate many reasons for praise, including forgiveness of sins, healing, redemption, and satisfaction. Verses 8-12 particularly highlight God's mercy, slowness to anger, and boundless love, setting the stage for the intimate comparison found in verse 13. The psalm emphasizes that God's compassion is not abstract but deeply personal and responsive to the human condition, acknowledging our frailty as seen in Psalms 103:14.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Pity: The core message is God's immense tenderness and understanding. The word "pitieth" conveys a deep, empathetic mercy, showing that God is not a distant, unfeeling deity but one who truly cares about the struggles and weaknesses of His children.
  • God as a Loving Father: This verse employs a powerful parental metaphor, likening God's love to that of a human father. This imagery speaks to an intimate, protective, and nurturing relationship, reassuring believers that they are cherished and understood by their heavenly Father. This resonates with the concept of God as our Father, a theme frequently found in the New Testament, such as in the opening of the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9).
  • The "Fear of the Lord": The compassion is directed towards "them that fear him." This "fear" is not terror or dread, but rather a reverential awe, respect, and obedient submission to God's will. It signifies a humble recognition of His sovereignty and holiness, coupled with a desire to please Him, which is often described as the beginning of wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "pitieth" is racham (רָחַם), which carries a profound meaning. It is often associated with the concept of the "womb" (rechem), implying a deep, visceral, and tender affection, akin to a mother's love for her child. It speaks of a compassionate longing and a profound emotional connection. This term highlights the depth and intensity of God's mercy, emphasizing that His pity is not a passive sentiment but an active, heartfelt concern for His people.

Practical Application

Psalms 103:13 offers immense comfort and encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that no matter our struggles, weaknesses, or shortcomings, God looks upon us with the same tender understanding and forgiveness that a loving parent has for their beloved child. This verse encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is ready to extend His compassion. It calls us to live in a state of reverent awe ("fear Him"), not out of dread, but out of a grateful response to His unfailing love and mercy. Just as God's mercies are new every morning, His compassion for those who reverence Him is constant and unwavering.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 11:11 (25 votes)

    If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

  • Luke 11:12 (25 votes)

    Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

  • Hebrews 12:5 (22 votes)

    And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

  • Hebrews 12:11 (22 votes)

    Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

  • Jeremiah 31:20 (21 votes)

    [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

  • Psalms 103:17 (20 votes)

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

  • Luke 15:21 (18 votes)

    And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.