But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook that God's "righteousness" here isn't just about His character, but also about His faithfulness to His promises. This means His kindness to the descendants of those who fear Him is presented not just as goodness, but as Him fulfilling a commitment He made, securing His covenant faithfulness across generations.
But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse bursts forth as a profound contrast to the fleeting nature of human life described just before. While individuals wither and fade like grass, God's steadfast love is an unshakeable, eternal foundation, reaching across generations to those who honor Him. It assures us that His faithfulness isn't limited to one person but extends to their children's children, a promise rooted in His enduring covenant.
Human lives are fragile and fleeting, like grass in the field. But what does this verse say about God's perspective on His people?
Everlasting to Everlasting
This verse paints a breathtaking picture of God's love. It's not a temporary emotion but a deep, foundational mercy that stretches from before time began ('everlasting') to beyond our wildest dreams ('to everlasting'). This means God's loving-kindness isn't a reaction to our current goodness, but a planned, eternal commitment.
Think about it: God's 'mercy' (or steadfast love) existed in His heart even before the universe was created. This love is the bedrock of His relationship with those who 'fear him' – those who stand in awe and reverence of Him. This isn't about a timid, cowering fear, but a deep respect that leads to obedience and trust.
A Covenantal Promise
When the Bible talks about God's 'righteousness,' in this context, it often refers to His faithfulness – His commitment to keep His promises. And the promise here is stunning: His faithfulness extends 'unto children's children.' This speaks of a covenantal love that impacts not just individuals, but entire family lines, generation after generation.
The verse mentions those who 'fear the LORD.' What does that truly mean for us today, especially when we understand God's immense love?
More Than Just Respect
The 'fear of the LORD' mentioned here is not about being terrified of a harsh judge. Instead, it's a profound awe and reverence that recognizes God's absolute sovereignty, holiness, and goodness.
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It's a fear that arises from understanding His greatness and His perfect love. This reverence naturally leads to a desire to obey Him and to live according to His ways. It's the kind of understanding that makes you want to draw closer to God, not run away.
The Foundation of Relationship
This reverential awe is the key that unlocks God's enduring mercy and faithfulness. It's the condition through which His covenant promises are received and passed down. It means that while God's love is unconditional in its source, our experience and continuation in that love are tied to our response of heartfelt devotion and obedience.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
The covenantal faithfulness of God; His loyal love, mercy, and kindness that He relentlessly extends to His people according to His promises.
yare · Hebrew Verb
Reverential awe, respect, and submission toward God. It is a profound recognition of His holiness that leads to obedience and trust.
tsedaqah · Hebrew Noun
God’s character of absolute moral rectitude and His actions that are always consistent with His holy standards and promises.
This passage directly speaks to the covenant promises of God extending mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments, and to their descendants, mirroring the 'steadfast love' and 'righteousness unto children's children' in Psalms 103:17.
Deuteronomy 7:9This verse emphasizes God's faithfulness and steadfast love, stating that He keeps covenant and steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments, reinforcing the idea of God's enduring commitment to His people and their descendants.
Psalm 102:27-28This passage speaks of God's unchanging nature ('you are the same') and affirms that His servants shall dwell with Him and their offspring shall be established, echoing the theme of God's eternal nature and His enduring faithfulness to future generations.
Isaiah 54:9-10These verses compare God's covenant to the waters of Noah, assuring that His steadfast love will not be removed, and His covenant of peace will not be shaken, even though mountains may depart. This powerfully illustrates the everlasting nature of God's mercy and faithfulness, as described in Psalms 103:17.
bensonPsalms 103:17: "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;"
Psalm 103:17-18 . But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting, &c. — But though we quickly decay and perish, yet God’s mercy to us doth not die with us, but, as it was from eternity exercised in gracious purposes, so it will be continued unto eternity in that future and endless life which is before us; upon them that fear him — That is, upon th…
gillPsalms 103:17: "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;"
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him,.... In opposition to the frailty of man, the stability and duration of the mercy of God is observed. This reaches from one eternity to another; it is from everlasting in the heart of God: it appeared in the choice of the vessels of mercy; in the covenant of grac…
It's easy to overlook that God's "righteousness" here isn't just about His character, but also about His faithfulness to His promises. This means His kindness to the descendants of those who fear Him is presented not just as goodness, but as Him fulfilling a commitment He made, securing His covenant faithfulness across generations.
This verse bursts forth as a profound contrast to the fleeting nature of human life described just before. While individuals wither and fade like grass, God's steadfast love is an unshakeable, eternal foundation, reaching across generations to those who honor Him. It assures us that His faithfulness isn't limited to one person but extends to their children's children, a promise rooted in His enduring covenant.
This verse bursts forth as a profound contrast to the fleeting nature of human life described just before. While individuals wither and fade like grass, God's steadfast love is an unshakeable, eternal foundation, reaching across generations to those who honor Him. It assures us that His faithfulness isn't limited to one person but extends to their children's children, a promise rooted in His enduring covenant.
"But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children," — It's easy to overlook that God's "righteousness" here isn't just about His character, but also about His faithfulness to His promises. This means His kindness to the descendants of those who fear Him…
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Last reviewed October 2026