He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God's anger isn't a permanent, unyielding rage, but rather a directed discipline that he will eventually relent from. The verse highlights that His chastening is not meant to destroy, but to correct, and He is quick to set it aside when repentance is present.
He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm praises God for His abundant forgiveness and mercy, contrasting His gentle discipline with His immense kindness. It's reflecting on how God, though He corrects, doesn't hold onto anger forever, especially towards those who fear Him, much like a father's patience with his children. This perspective is drawn from God's own self-revelation to Moses and is amplified by Israel's long experience of His faithfulness.
Does God stay angry forever when we mess up? This verse offers a powerful 'no'. Let's explore what that means for our relationship with Him.
Not Forever, But For a Reason
This verse assures us that God's anger isn't a permanent state. He doesn't hold grudges indefinitely. The Hebrew words used here suggest a temporary, corrective action rather than an unyielding fury.
This doesn't mean God isn't serious about sin. He absolutely is. But His anger is always tempered by His love and His ultimate purpose for our good. It’s a father’s anger, not a tyrant’s.
What does it truly mean that God's anger isn't forever? It reveals a deep, fatherly compassion that informs His every action towards us.
More Than Just Forbearance
The text, especially when read in the context of Psalm 103, emphasizes that God's non-eternal anger stems from His profound pity and understanding of our frailty.
Ask a follow-up
This psalm, likely composed during or after the exile, reflects on God's character as revealed during Israel's history. The historical context of repeated cycles of sin, judgment, and God’s eventual restoration underscores the truth that God’s discipline, while real, is not His final word. His enduring mercy and readiness to forgive are paramount.
c. 1440 BC
Exodus and Wilderness Journey
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, establishes His covenant with them at Mount Sinai, and leads them through the wilderness. This period involved divine guidance, judgment, and mercy towards a often-rebellious people.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King of Israel
David, a man after God's own heart, experiences both great blessings and severe consequences for his sins. His reign highlights God's merciful discipline.
c. 931 BC
Division of the United Monarchy
Following Solomon's reign, the kingdom splits into Israel (north) and Judah (south). This division leads to prolonged periods of disobedience and divine judgment for both kingdoms.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Captivity
The northern kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and its people are exiled, marking a significant consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Captivity
The southern kingdom of Judah is conquered by Babylon, its capital Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed, and its people are exiled, a severe judgment for their sins.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 103:9 by highlighting God's characteristic of not remaining angry forever, choosing instead to delight in showing mercy.
Isaiah 57:16This verse directly parallels Psalm 103:9, emphasizing that God's anger is not perpetual but is held back from being fully expressed, allowing for His Spirit to return and heal.
Jeremiah 3:12This prophetic passage speaks to God's willingness to forgive and not remain angry, urging His backsliding people to return to Him, aligning with the merciful nature described in Psalm 103:9.
Romans 8:1While not about anger, this verse speaks to the ultimate outcome for believers: 'no condemnation.' This resonates with Psalm 103:9's assurance that God's judgment is not final for His people.
Ephesians 4:32This New Testament passage calls believers to be 'kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,' mirroring the compassionate and forgiving nature of God that Psalm 103:9 celebrates.
pulpitPsalms 103:9: "He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever."
Verse 9. - He will not always chide; or, contend (see Isaiah 57:16; and comp. Jeremiah 3:5, 12). God will relent from his anger and forgive men, after a while. He will not be "extreme to mark what is done amiss." Neither will he keep his anger forever. He is not implacable. He will accept repentance and amendment (Ezekiel 18:27) He will accept atonement (1 John 2:2).
clarkePsalms 103:9: "He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever."
He will not always chide - He will not contend with us continually. He has often reproved, often punished us; but his mercy ever rejoiced over judgment.
God's anger isn't a permanent, unyielding rage, but rather a directed discipline that he will eventually relent from. The verse highlights that His chastening is not meant to destroy, but to correct, and He is quick to set it aside when repentance is present.
The psalm praises God for His abundant forgiveness and mercy, contrasting His gentle discipline with His immense kindness. It's reflecting on how God, though He corrects, doesn't hold onto anger forever, especially towards those who fear Him, much like a father's patience with his children. This perspective is drawn from God's own self-revelation to Moses and is amplified by Israel's long experience of His faithfulness.
The psalm praises God for His abundant forgiveness and mercy, contrasting His gentle discipline with His immense kindness. It's reflecting on how God, though He corrects, doesn't hold onto anger forever, especially towards those who fear Him, much like a father's patience with his children. This perspective is drawn from God's own self-revelation to Moses and is amplified by Israel's long experience of His faithfulness.
"He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever." — God's anger isn't a permanent, unyielding rage, but rather a directed discipline that he will eventually relent from. The verse highlights that His chastening is not meant to destroy, but to correct,…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026