Psalms 130:4
But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 130:4
But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse isn't saying forgiveness leads to fear as a consequence, but rather that the very existence of God's forgiveness is what makes true, reverent fear possible. Without the hope of pardon, we'd be paralyzed by terror or utter rebellion, not capable of the loving, awe-filled fear God truly desires.
The psalmist is pouring out his heart in deep distress, acknowledging his sins and crying out to God from the depths of his anguish. He understands that God is just and right to deal with sin, but he also knows that true relief can only come from the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. This verse then offers a profound insight into the nature of God's grace, explaining why His readiness to forgive is so central to His character and purpose.
We often think of forgiveness as just a get-out-of-jail-free card. But in Scripture, it's so much more. It's the very source of God's relationship with us.
This verse reveals a profound truth: God's readiness to forgive is not a secondary attribute; it's central to His character and His dealings with us.
The Source of Forgiveness
The psalmist doesn't say forgiveness exists, but that it is with God. This means it originates from Him. It's not something we earn or find elsewhere; it's a gift flowing directly from His nature. This forgiveness is made possible through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as hinted at by the New Testament understanding of God's plan.
Why Forgiveness Matters
Without the assurance of God's forgiveness, we'd be lost. We couldn't approach Him, and our relationship with Him would be impossible. It's the foundation upon which all true worship and devotion are built. It allows us to draw near, not in fear of condemnation, but in humble reverence.
The verse links forgiveness with fear. That might sound contradictory – doesn't forgiveness set us free from fear? Let's explore this deeper.
The 'fear' mentioned here isn't about being terrified or enslaved by dread. It's a holy, reverential awe that stems from understanding who God is and what He has done.
From Terror to Reverence
If God didn't offer forgiveness, we would rightly fear His judgment. We'd be desperate and reckless, acting out of pure terror with no hope. However, His mercy transforms that terror.
The Fear That Honors God
Because God is forgiving, we are drawn to Him with a profound respect. This 'fear' is a deep acknowledgment of His power, His holiness, and His incredible grace. It leads us to want to honor Him, to live in a way that pleases Him, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for His boundless mercy. It's the fear of offending a loving Father, not the dread of a wrathful judge.
Understand the original words
selichah · Hebrew Noun
The gracious act of God removing the debt of sin and pardoning the sinner, making reconciliation possible.
yare · Hebrew Verb
A reverential awe, respect, and deep submission to God, born out of an understanding of His holiness and His gracious power to forgive.
This passage describes God as 'abundant in steadfast love, that forgives iniquity and transgression, yet by no means clearing the guilty.' It echoes the psalmist's sentiment that God's forgiveness is a defining characteristic, leading to a reverent fear.
Jeremiah 33:9This verse speaks of Jerusalem's future restoration, stating that God will cleanse 'all the iniquity which they have sinned against me' and 'cause to be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory among all the nations of the earth.' This links forgiveness directly to God's glory and the nations' recognition of Him, similar to the fear mentioned in Psalms 130:4.
Romans 2:4Paul writes about the 'richness of God's kindness, tolerance, and patience,' urging his readers not to despise it, but to recognize that 'the kindness of God leads you to repentance.' This highlights how God's merciful disposition, His willingness to forgive, is the very thing that draws people to a fearful reverence for Him.
1 Peter 1:17Peter instructs believers to live 'in holy fear throughout the time of your exile.' He grounds this fear not in dread of punishment, but in the profound realization that God 'calls no person to account by partiality' and 'redeemed you with the precious blood of Christ.' This shows how the knowledge of costly forgiveness fosters a holy fear.
clarkePsalms 130:4: "But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared."
But there is forgiveness with thee - Thou canst forgive; mercy belongs to thee, as well as judgment. The doctrine here is the doctrine of St. John: "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord hath spoken!" Jesus has died…
ellicottPsalms 130:4: "But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared."
(4) But. —Rather, for, marking an ellipse easily supplied. Israel’s sense of Jehovah’s readiness to forgive was too deep to need expression, it was understood; “Thou wilt not mark, &c, for . . .” Forgiveness.—The article in the original may be more than that common with abstract nouns. “The forgiveness we need.” That thou mayest be feared.—Either that the forgiven ones may become more profoundly religious, or perhap…
The verse isn't saying forgiveness leads to fear as a consequence, but rather that the very existence of God's forgiveness is what makes true, reverent fear possible. Without the hope of pardon, we'd be paralyzed by terror or utter rebellion, not capable of the loving, awe-filled fear God truly desires.
The psalmist is pouring out his heart in deep distress, acknowledging his sins and crying out to God from the depths of his anguish. He understands that God is just and right to deal with sin, but he also knows that true relief can only come from the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. This verse then offers a profound insight into the nature of God's grace, explaining why His readiness to forgive is so central to His character and purpose.
The psalmist is pouring out his heart in deep distress, acknowledging his sins and crying out to God from the depths of his anguish. He understands that God is just and right to deal with sin, but he also knows that true relief can only come from the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. This verse then offers a profound insight into the nature of God's grace, explaining why His readiness to forgive is so central to His character and purpose.
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"But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared." — The verse isn't saying forgiveness leads to fear as a consequence, but rather that the very existence of God's forgiveness is what makes true, reverent fear possible. Without the hope of pardon,…