Psalms 103:13
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Original Language Analysis
רִחַ֥ם
pitieth
H7355
רִחַ֥ם
pitieth
Strong's:
H7355
Word #:
1 of 8
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
אָ֭ב
Like as a father
H1
אָ֭ב
Like as a father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
2 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בָּנִ֑ים
his children
H1121
בָּנִ֑ים
his children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
רִחַ֥ם
pitieth
H7355
רִחַ֥ם
pitieth
Strong's:
H7355
Word #:
5 of 8
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
so the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
so the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
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;Jeremiah 31:20Is 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.Proverbs 3:12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.Jeremiah 31:9They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.Psalms 147:11The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.Matthew 6:32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.Psalms 103:11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.Acts 13:26Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.Matthew 6:9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Historical Context
In ancient patriarchal society, a father's compassion toward his children was expected and valued. David, an imperfect earthly father, understood both human and divine fatherhood. His own failures as a father perhaps deepened his appreciation for God's perfect fatherly compassion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God as your compassionate Father transform your approach to prayer and obedience?
- What aspects of earthly fatherhood help or hinder your understanding of God's fatherly love?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's fatherly compassion toward those who fear Him provides intimate, relational context for mercy. The Hebrew 'pities' (racham) shares a root with 'womb,' suggesting motherly tenderness. This parental imagery grounds theology in relationship, not mere legal transaction. The Reformed understanding of adoption recognizes that believers aren't merely pardoned criminals but become God's beloved children. Christ taught us to pray 'Our Father' (Matt 6:9), establishing this intimate relationship as central to the gospel.