Psalms 103:4
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Original Language Analysis
הַגּוֹאֵ֣ל
Who redeemeth
H1350
הַגּוֹאֵ֣ל
Who redeemeth
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
1 of 6
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
מִשַּׁ֣חַת
from destruction
H7845
מִשַּׁ֣חַת
from destruction
Strong's:
H7845
Word #:
2 of 6
a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction
חַיָּ֑יְכִי
thy life
H2416
חַיָּ֑יְכִי
thy life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
3 of 6
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
הַֽ֝מְעַטְּרֵ֗כִי
who crowneth
H5849
הַֽ֝מְעַטְּרֵ֗כִי
who crowneth
Strong's:
H5849
Word #:
4 of 6
to encircle (for attack or protection); especially to crown (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 71:23My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.Psalms 103:12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.Psalms 8:5For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.Psalms 56:13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?1 Peter 5:4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.Psalms 5:12For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Psalms 34:22The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.Psalms 21:3For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
Historical Context
The kinsman-redeemer concept (illustrated in Ruth) involved a relative purchasing back family members sold into slavery or redeeming lost property. David applies this legal concept to God's spiritual redemption of His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding redemption through the kinsman-redeemer concept deepen your appreciation for Christ's work?
- What 'crown' of blessing has God placed on your life since redeeming you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God 'redeems' (ga'al) from destruction, using kinsman-redeemer language that anticipates Christ's work. He crowns with 'lovingkindness' (chesed) and 'tender mercies' (racham), covenant terms emphasizing God's faithful love. The imagery of redemption from the pit suggests rescue from death or Sheol. God doesn't merely save from danger but honors the redeemed with royal crowns of grace. This points to believers' union with Christ, who redeems from sin's destruction and crowns with glory and honor (Heb 2:9).