Psalms 103:9
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לָנֶ֥צַח
He will not always
H5331
לָנֶ֥צַח
He will not always
Strong's:
H5331
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
יָרִ֑יב
chide
H7378
יָרִ֑יב
chide
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
וְלֹ֖א
H3808
וְלֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 57:16For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.Psalms 30:5For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.Jeremiah 3:5Will he reserve his anger for ever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.Jeremiah 3:12Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.
Historical Context
Unlike pagan gods characterized by capricious anger requiring constant appeasement, Israel's God exercises controlled, purposeful anger toward sin while maintaining ultimate love for His people. His anger has definite limits.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God's anger is temporary and purposeful affect your response to His discipline?
- What does Christ's bearing of God's wrath mean for your assurance of salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God will not 'always chide' (rib, meaning to contend or accuse) nor keep His anger forever. This doesn't mean God overlooks sin but that His discipline is temporary and purposeful. Anger isn't God's natural state toward His people; it's a response to covenant unfaithfulness. The Reformed understanding of God's wrath recognizes its reality but emphasizes its ultimate purpose in restoration. Christ bore God's eternal wrath for sin (Rom 3:25), ensuring believers experience only temporary, fatherly discipline (Heb 12:6).