As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read this verse as simply God being nice to nice people. But notice, it's not just about God's general kindness; it connects His compassion directly to a "fear" of Him. This "fear" isn't terror, but a reverent awe that leads to obedience, highlighting that God's fatherly heart responds most deeply to those who cherish His ways.
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes after the Psalmist has praised God for His many acts of love and redemption, especially His forgiveness. He's urging the reader to recall all the ways God has been merciful. This particular verse uses the image of a father's tender heart toward his children to explain the depth of God's compassion for those who honor Him.
We all know what it's like to need a father's comfort. But what happens when God's fatherly heart is compared to our own understanding?
This verse paints a beautiful picture of God's deep, tender care for us. Just as earthly fathers have a natural instinct to pity and care for their children when they are suffering, distressed, or weak, God's compassion for His people is even greater.
A Father's Heart
The verse mentions 'those who fear him.' What kind of fear is this, and why is it linked to receiving God's compassion?
The "fear" mentioned here isn't about being terrified or cowering in dread. It's a profound reverence and awe for God that leads to obedience.
Reverence, Not Terror
Ask a follow-up
Why does the Bible emphasize our weakness when talking about God's compassion? Doesn't that feel a bit… undignified?
Psalm 103:14 (which directly follows this verse) provides the crucial context: "for he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust."
God's Compassion Rooted in Our Weakness
Understand the original words
racham · Hebrew Verb/Noun
Describes the deep, visceral, and tender affection of a parent toward their offspring, often linked to mercy, pity, and active intervention on behalf of those who are suffering or weak.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping I AM, who revealed Himself to Moses. It signifies God's self-existent, eternal, and faithful nature.
This parable vividly illustrates the father's eager compassion and immediate forgiveness upon the return of his wayward son, mirroring the Lord's readiness to pity and welcome those who fear Him.
Hebrews 12:28-29This passage speaks of receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken and serving God with reverence and awe, directly connecting to the 'fear of God' mentioned in Psalms and God's own compassionate response.
Deuteronomy 32:6Moses' song reflects on God's paternal relationship with Israel, asking if they will repay their Father who made them, highlighting the deep, familial compassion God extends.
Isaiah 49:15The prophet questions if a mother can forget her nursing child, affirming that even if she could, the LORD would never forget or forsake His people, emphasizing an even greater, unwavering compassion.
Matthew 7:11Jesus uses the analogy of earthly fathers giving good gifts to their children to illustrate how much more readily the Father in heaven will give good things to those who ask Him, underscoring His compassionate nature.
pulpitPsalms 103:13: "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him."
Verse 13. - Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him (comp. Deuteronomy 32:6; Job 10:8; Isaiah 29:16; Isaiah 63:16; Isaiah 64:8, etc.). (For the nature of the "fear" spoken of, both here and in ver. 11, see the description in vers. 17, 18.) It must be a fear that produces obedience, or, in New Testament phrase, that is a "godly fear" (Hebrews 12:28).
gillPsalms 103:13: "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him."
Like as a father pitieth his children,.... When in any affliction, disorder, or distress: the Lord stands in the relation of a Father to his people; they are his children by adopting grace, through the covenant of grace with them; by a sovereign act of his own will he puts them among the children, predestinates them to the adoption of children; and sends his Son to redeem them, that they might receiv…
It's easy to read this verse as simply God being nice to nice people. But notice, it's not just about God's general kindness; it connects His compassion directly to a "fear" of Him. This "fear" isn't terror, but a reverent awe that leads to obedience, highlighting that God's fatherly heart responds most deeply to those who cherish His ways.
This verse comes after the Psalmist has praised God for His many acts of love and redemption, especially His forgiveness. He's urging the reader to recall all the ways God has been merciful. This particular verse uses the image of a father's tender heart toward his children to explain the depth of God's compassion for those who honor Him.
This verse comes after the Psalmist has praised God for His many acts of love and redemption, especially His forgiveness. He's urging the reader to recall all the ways God has been merciful. This particular verse uses the image of a father's tender heart toward his children to explain the depth of God's compassion for those who honor Him.
"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him." — It's easy to read this verse as simply God being nice to nice people. But notice, it's not just about God's general kindness; it connects His compassion directly to a "fear" of Him. This "fear" isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026