Psalms 103:11
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כִגְבֹ֣הַּ
is high above
H1361
כִגְבֹ֣הַּ
is high above
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
2 of 9
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
שָׁ֭מַיִם
For as the heaven
H8064
שָׁ֭מַיִם
For as the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
3 of 9
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גָּבַ֥ר
so great
H1396
גָּבַ֥ר
so great
Strong's:
H1396
Word #:
6 of 9
to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
חַ֝סְדּ֗וֹ
is his mercy
H2617
חַ֝סְדּ֗וֹ
is his mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
7 of 9
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
Cross References
Psalms 57:10For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.Luke 1:50And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.Psalms 103:17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;Psalms 36:5Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.Proverbs 25:3The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.Isaiah 55:9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.Psalms 89:2For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.Job 22:12Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology understood heaven as high above earth, an unbridgeable gap except by divine initiative. This imagery would powerfully communicate God's mercy's transcendent greatness to the original audience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating the vastness of God's mercy affect your view of your own sins?
- What does the incarnation reveal about God's willingness to bridge the gap between heaven and earth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The immeasurable height of heaven above earth illustrates the greatness of God's mercy (chesed) toward those who fear Him. This cosmic comparison emphasizes that divine mercy infinitely surpasses human comprehension or merit. 'Fear' (yare) here means reverent trust, not terror. The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty highlights that His mercy is great because He is great. Christ descended from this heaven (John 3:13) to demonstrate mercy's full extent—God Himself dying for sinners.