Psalms 103:17

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְחֶ֤סֶד
H2617
But the mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#2
יְהוָ֨ה׀
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
ע֭וֹלָם
H5769
everlasting
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#4
וְעַד
H5704
to
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
ע֭וֹלָם
H5769
everlasting
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#6
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
יְרֵאָ֑יו
H3373
upon them that fear
fearing; morally, reverent
#8
וְ֝צִדְקָת֗וֹ
H6666
him and his righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#9
בָנִֽים׃
H1121
children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
בָנִֽים׃
H1121
children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection