Psalms 103:10
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָ֣שָׂה
He hath not dealt
H6213
עָ֣שָׂה
He hath not dealt
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כַ֝עֲוֺנֹתֵ֗ינוּ
us according to our iniquities
H5771
כַ֝עֲוֺנֹתֵ֗ינוּ
us according to our iniquities
Strong's:
H5771
Word #:
6 of 8
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
Cross References
Ezra 9:13And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;Lamentations 3:22It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.Psalms 130:3If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?Nehemiah 9:31Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.Job 11:6And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.Habakkuk 3:2O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.
Historical Context
This statement stands in stark contrast to the lex talionis (law of retaliation, 'eye for eye') that governed human justice. While civil law requires proportionate punishment, God's grace transcends strict justice in dealing with His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does meditating on God's undeserved mercy toward you cultivate humility and gratitude?
- In what ways can you extend similar grace to others who wrong you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God doesn't deal with us 'according to our sins' or reward 'according to our iniquities,' which would mean universal condemnation. This is the gospel in miniature—God's grace withholds deserved punishment and bestows undeserved favor. The Reformed doctrine of justification recognizes that God treats believers according to Christ's righteousness, not their own failures. Christ received the treatment our sins deserved so believers could receive the blessing His righteousness merited (2 Cor 5:21).