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Psalm 103:13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/103-12.htm" title="Psalm 103:12">◄</a> Psalm 103:13 <a href="/psalms/103-14.htm" title="Psalm 103:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/103.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/103.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/103.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/103.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/103.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/103.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Like as a father pitieth <i>his</i> children, <i>so</i> the LORD pitieth them that fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/103.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />As a father pities <i>his</i> children, <i>So</i> the LORD pities those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/103.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Just as a father has compassion on <i>his</i> children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/103.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/103.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Just as a father has compassion on <i>his</i> children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/103.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />As a father has compassion on <i>his</i> children, So Yahweh has compassion on those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/103.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Just as a father loves his children, So the LORD loves those who fear <i>and</i> worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/103.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/103.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/103.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Like as a father pitieth his children, So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/103.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Just as parents are kind to their children, the LORD is kind to all who worship him, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/103.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/103.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/103.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />As a father is kind to his children, so the LORD is kind to those who honor him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/103.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/103.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/103.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on his faithful followers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/103.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Like a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/103.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/103.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Like a father has compassion on his children, so Yahweh has compassion on those who fear him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/103.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As a father has mercy on sons, "" YHWH has mercy on those fearing Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/103.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As a father hath mercy on sons, Jehovah hath mercy on those fearing Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/103.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As a father compassionating over his sons, Jehovah compassionated those fearing him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/103.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/103.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 102:13>As a father is compassionate to his sons, so has the Lord been compassionate to those who fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/103.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/103.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/103.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who worship him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/103.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And as a father shows compassion upon children, LORD JEHOVAH shows compassion upon his worshipers.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/103.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Like as a father hath compassion upon his children, So hath the LORD compassion upon them that fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/103.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />As a father pities <i>his</i> children, the Lord pities them that fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/103-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=12734" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/103.htm">Bless the LORD, O My Soul</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’āḇ (N-ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">As a father</a> <a href="/hebrew/7355.htm" title="7355: kə·ra·ḥêm (Prep-k:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To love, have compassion. A primitive root; to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate.">has compassion</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nîm (N-mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">his children,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">so the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7355.htm" title="7355: ri·ḥam (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To love, have compassion. A primitive root; to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate.">has compassion</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/3373.htm" title="3373: yə·rê·’āw (Adj-mpc:: 3ms) -- Fearing, reverent. From yare'; fearing; morally, reverent.">those who fear Him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-11.htm">Luke 11:11-13</a></span><br />What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? / Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? / So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-9.htm">Matthew 7:9-11</a></span><br />Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? / Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? / So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Malachi 3:17</a></span><br />“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15</a></span><br />For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-18.htm">2 Corinthians 6:18</a></span><br />And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Hebrews 12:5-11</a></span><br />And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” / Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1</a></span><br />Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-12.htm">Proverbs 3:12</a></span><br />for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-31.htm">Deuteronomy 1:31</a></span><br />and in the wilderness, where the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way by which you traveled until you reached this place.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-16.htm">Isaiah 63:16</a></span><br />Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12-13</a></span><br />But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-6.htm">Galatians 4:6</a></span><br />And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">Ephesians 5:1</a></span><br />Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-20.htm">Jeremiah 31:20</a></span><br />Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Like as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that fear him.</p><p class="hdg">like</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/11-12.htm">Numbers 11:12</a></b></br> Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/3-5.htm">Deuteronomy 3:5</a></b></br> All these cities <i>were</i> fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-12.htm">Proverbs 3:12</a></b></br> For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son <i>in whom</i> he delighteth.</p><p class="hdg">them</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11,17</a></b></br> For as the heaven is high above the earth, <i>so</i> great is his mercy toward them that fear him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/147-11.htm">Psalm 147:11</a></b></br> The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/3-16.htm">Malachi 3:16,17</a></b></br> Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard <i>it</i>, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/103-7.htm">Children</a> <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-21.htm">Pities</a> <a href="/micah/7-19.htm">Pitieth</a> <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Worshippers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/psalms/106-46.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-21.htm">Pities</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-19.htm">Pitieth</a> <a href="/psalms/106-44.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Worshippers</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 103</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/103-1.htm">An exhortation to bless God for his mercy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/103-5.htm">And for the constancy thereof</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/103.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/103.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As a father has compassion on his children</b><br>This phrase draws on the familiar and intimate relationship between a father and his children, emphasizing the natural affection and care a father has. In ancient Israel, the family unit was central to society, and the father's role was one of provision, protection, and guidance. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to convey God's nurturing and protective nature (e.g., <a href="/deuteronomy/1-31.htm">Deuteronomy 1:31</a>, where God is described as carrying Israel as a father carries his son). The father-child relationship is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating God's desire for a personal and loving relationship with His people.<p><b>so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him</b><br>The comparison here highlights the depth of God's compassion, which is likened to that of a loving father. The term "fear" in this context refers to a reverential awe and respect for God, acknowledging His holiness and authority. This fear is not about being afraid but about honoring God and living in obedience to His commandments. The promise of God's compassion is conditional upon this reverence, aligning with the covenantal relationship God established with Israel, where blessings were tied to obedience (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">Deuteronomy 7:9</a>). This compassion is also a reflection of God's character, as seen in <a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</a>, where God describes Himself as "compassionate and gracious." The ultimate expression of God's compassion is found in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's love and mercy, offering salvation to those who believe in Him (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/father.htm">Father</a></b><br>A metaphorical representation of God, highlighting His nurturing and protective nature.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/children.htm">Children</a></b><br>Represents the people of God, those who are in a covenant relationship with Him.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/those_who_fear_him.htm">Those who fear Him</a></b><br>Refers to believers who have a reverent awe and respect for God, acknowledging His authority and holiness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_compassion.htm">Understanding God's Compassion</a></b><br>God's compassion is likened to that of a loving father, emphasizing His deep care and concern for us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the Lord</a></b><br>Fearing God involves a reverent respect and awe, which is foundational to receiving His compassion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/parental_analogy.htm">Parental Analogy</a></b><br>Just as earthly fathers are expected to care for their children, God perfectly fulfills this role, providing for and protecting His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intimacy_with_god.htm">Intimacy with God</a></b><br>Believers are invited into a close, familial relationship with God, where they can experience His love and mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_compassion.htm">Reflecting God's Compassion</a></b><br>As recipients of God's compassion, we are called to extend the same compassion to others, reflecting His character in our relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_103.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 103</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_suffering_persist_if_god_cares.htm">Psalm 103:13 depicts God’s fatherly compassion—why then does widespread suffering and injustice persist if He is both caring and omnipotent? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_faith_help_overcome_despair.htm">How can faith help overcome despair?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_emblematic_parallelism.htm">What is Emblematic Parallelism in literature?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_18_differ_from_103.htm">Why do the descriptions of God’s power in Psalm 18 seem inconsistent with passages portraying His more gentle attributes (e.g., Psalm 103)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/103.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">Father.</span>--This anticipation of Christ's revelation of the paternal heart of God, is found also in the prophets.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/103.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him</span> (comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Deuteronomy 32:6</a>; <a href="/job/10-8.htm">Job 10:8</a>; <a href="/isaiah/29-16.htm">Isaiah 29:16</a>; <a href="/isaiah/63-16.htm">Isaiah 63:16</a>; <a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8</a>, 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" (<a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Hebrews 12:28</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/103-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As a father</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֭ב</span> <span class="translit">(’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has compassion</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּרַחֵ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ra·ḥêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7355.htm">Strong's 7355: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fondle, to love, to compassionate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his children,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּנִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(bā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֝הוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has compassion</span><br /><span class="heb">רִחַ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(ri·ḥam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7355.htm">Strong's 7355: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fondle, to love, to compassionate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who fear Him.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרֵאָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rê·’āw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3373.htm">Strong's 3373: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fearing, reverent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 103:13 Like a father has compassion on his (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/103-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 103:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 103:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/103-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 103:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 103:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>