Psalms 103:13-16
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that God's compassion is not just a general feeling, but a paternal one, directly mirroring how a father feels and acts toward his own children. This intimate, active care, shown by a human father, is how the Lord cares for those who acknowledge and reverence Him.
This verse bursts forth from a psalm of exuberant praise, following God's declaration of His steadfast love and faithfulness to Israel. The psalmist is reflecting on God's character and actions, particularly His forgiveness and healing, and now seeks to describe the nature of God's compassionate heart towards His people. The comparison to a father serves as an accessible illustration of the deep, tender, and patient love God extends to those who revere Him.
The verse says God shows compassion to those who 'fear him.' What kind of fear is this? Is it the kind that makes you want to hide, or the kind that makes you run to Him?
A Reverent Connection
The "fear of the LORD" mentioned here isn't about being terrified or paralyzed by dread. It's a profound reverence and awe for who God is – His holiness, His power, His goodness.
We're told God's compassion is like a father's. But what does that really mean? This verse unpacks a depth of care that goes beyond human understanding.
The Father's Affection
The comparison to a father is meant to convey the highest degree of tender, merciful love we can imagine.
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.
yetser · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the physical, mental, and spiritual structure of a human being, acknowledging our created nature and the limitations inherent in our finite, fallen existence.
aphar · Hebrew Noun
A term emphasizing human mortality, fragility, and origin from the ground, reminding humanity that apart from God's breath of life, we are ephemeral and finite.
This passage echoes the father-child imagery, describing God calling Israel His son and expressing His love and compassion, directly aligning with the Psalmist's comparison.
Luke 15:20The parable of the Prodigal Son vividly illustrates a father's overflowing compassion and eagerness to forgive, mirroring the tenderness described in Psalms 103:13 towards those who return.
Deuteronomy 32:6This song speaks of God as a Father who made and formed His people, highlighting His unique compassion and care for them, much like a father for his children.
Hebrews 12:28This New Testament passage calls believers to serve God with reverence and awe, understanding that they have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken, built on the foundation of God's fatherly grace and compassion.
Isaiah 63:16The prophet directly addresses God as Father and Redeemer, acknowledging His deep concern and compassion for His people, reinforcing the tender, paternal relationship.
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…
The verse highlights that God's compassion is not just a general feeling, but a paternal one, directly mirroring how a father feels and acts toward his own children. This intimate, active care, shown by a human father, is how the Lord cares for those who acknowledge and reverence Him.
This verse bursts forth from a psalm of exuberant praise, following God's declaration of His steadfast love and faithfulness to Israel. The psalmist is reflecting on God's character and actions, particularly His forgiveness and healing, and now seeks to describe the nature of God's compassionate heart towards His people. The comparison to a father serves as an accessible illustration of the deep, tender, and patient love God extends to those who revere Him.
This verse bursts forth from a psalm of exuberant praise, following God's declaration of His steadfast love and faithfulness to Israel. The psalmist is reflecting on God's character and actions, particularly His forgiveness and healing, and now seeks to describe the of God's compassionate heart towards His people. The comparison to a father serves as an accessible illustration of the deep, tender, and patient love God extends to those who revere Him.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 103:13-16 is available in the Sola app.
enosh · Hebrew Noun
A generic term for humanity, emphasizing our weakness, transience, and dependence upon God, contrasting with the permanence and glory of the Creator.
ruach · Hebrew Noun
A strong, hot, or destructive wind that causes vegetation to wither. Symbolically represents the transience and frailty of human life.
"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flow…" — The verse highlights that God's compassion is not just a general feeling, but a paternal one, directly mirroring how a father feels and acts toward his own children. This intimate, active care, shown…
