Psalms 103:14
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יָדַ֣ע
For he knoweth
H3045
יָדַ֣ע
For he knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
יִצְרֵ֑נוּ
our frame
H3336
יִצְרֵ֑נוּ
our frame
Strong's:
H3336
Word #:
4 of 8
a form; figuratively, conception (i.e., purpose)
זָ֝כ֗וּר
he remembereth
H2142
זָ֝כ֗וּר
he remembereth
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Job 10:9Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?Ecclesiastes 12:7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.Genesis 3:19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.Psalms 89:47Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?Job 7:21And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.Isaiah 29:16Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?Job 13:25Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?
Historical Context
Genesis 2:7 describes God forming Adam from dust, establishing humanity's humble origin. This physical composition reminded Israel that humans are fragile creatures dependent entirely on God's sustaining power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging your 'dusty' nature cultivate humility before God and patience with others?
- What comfort do you find in Christ's full identification with your human frailty?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God 'knows our frame' (yetser, meaning formation or constitution) and 'remembers that we are dust' (aphar, the substance from which Adam was made). This isn't excuse-making but realism about human frailty. God's knowledge of our limitations informs His patient dealings with us. The Reformed doctrine of creation recognizes humans as finite creatures, not miniature deities. Christ, though divine, took on full humanity (Heb 4:15) to become a merciful high priest who understands human weakness.