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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 />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for 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 />For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/103.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward 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 />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for 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 />For as the heaven is high above the earth, <i>so</i> great is his mercy toward 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 />For as the heavens are high above the earth, <i>So</i> great is His mercy toward 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 />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/103.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/103.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward 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 />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/103.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward 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 />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward 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 />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward 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 />For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his lovingkindness toward 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 />How great is God's love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/103.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward 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 high as the heavens are above the earth- that is how vast his mercy is toward 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 high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for 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 high as heaven rises above earth, so his gracious love strengthens 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 />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/103.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For as the skies are high above the earth, so his loyal love towers over 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 />For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward 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 />For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy towards 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 />For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward 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 />For as the height of the heavens [is] above the earth, "" His kindness has been mighty over 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 /> For, as the height of the heavens is above the earth, His kindness hath been mighty over 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 />For as the height of the heavens above the earth, his mercy prevailed upon 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 />For according to the height of the heaven above the earth: he hath strengthened his mercy towards 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 102:11>For according to the height of the heavens above the earth, so has he reinforced his mercy toward 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 />For as the heavens tower over the earth, so his mercy towers over 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 />For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward 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 />For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that revere him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/103.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because as Heaven is higher than the Earth, so has the grace of LORD JEHOVAH prevailed 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 />For as the heaven is high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward 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 />For as the heaven is high above the earth, the Lord has <i>so</i> increased his mercy toward them that fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/103-11.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=12719" 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">10</span>He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/1361.htm" title="1361: ḵiḡ·ḇō·ah (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To soar, be lofty, to be haughty. A primitive root; to soar, i.e. Be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty.">as high</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: ma·yim (N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">as the heavens</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.">are above</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the earth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1396.htm" title="1396: gā·ḇar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be strong, mighty. A primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently.">so great</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥas·dōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">is His loving devotion</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.">for</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">12</span>As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.…<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="/isaiah/55-9.htm">Isaiah 55:9</a></span><br />“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Ephesians 3:18-19</a></span><br />will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth / of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-39.htm">Romans 8:39</a></span><br />neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-5.htm">Psalm 36:5</a></span><br />Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-22.htm">Lamentations 3:22-23</a></span><br />Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-3.htm">Jeremiah 31:3</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">Deuteronomy 7:9</a></span><br />Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.<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="/psalms/57-10.htm">Psalm 57:10</a></span><br />For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/108-4.htm">Psalm 108:4</a></span><br />For Your loving devotion extends beyond the heavens, and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/117-2.htm">Psalm 117:2</a></span><br />For great is His loving devotion toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Hallelujah!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18-19</a></span><br />Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-7</a></span><br />Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, / maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-17.htm">Nehemiah 9:17</a></span><br />They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-50.htm">Luke 1:50</a></span><br />His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.</p><p class="hdg">as the, etc.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-5.htm">Psalm 36:5</a></b></br> Thy mercy, O LORD, <i>is</i> in the heavens; <i>and</i> thy faithfulness <i>reacheth</i> unto the clouds.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/57-10.htm">Psalm 57:10</a></b></br> For thy mercy <i>is</i> great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-2.htm">Psalm 89:2</a></b></br> For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.</p><p class="hdg">his mercy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Psalm 103:17</a></b></br> But the mercy of the LORD <i>is</i> from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/1-50.htm">Luke 1:50</a></b></br> And his mercy <i>is</i> on them that fear him from generation to generation.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/102-25.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/102-15.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/85-9.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/psalms/102-10.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/102-19.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/psalms/102-25.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/psalms/102-19.htm">Height</a> <a href="/psalms/102-19.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Loving-Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/99-4.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Steadfast</a> <a href="/psalms/98-3.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/psalms/85-9.htm">Worshippers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/104-5.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/psalms/103-20.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-3.htm">Height</a> <a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/psalms/107-1.htm">Loving-Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/103-20.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/psalms/103-17.htm">Steadfast</a> <a href="/psalms/116-12.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/psalms/103-13.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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>For as high as the heavens are above the earth</b><br>This phrase uses a simile to describe the immeasurable nature of God's love. In ancient Near Eastern cosmology, the heavens were seen as a vast, unreachable expanse above the earth, symbolizing the infinite and transcendent nature of God. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages that emphasize God's greatness and majesty, such as <a href="/isaiah/55-9.htm">Isaiah 55:9</a>, which states that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours. The heavens often represent God's dwelling place, reinforcing the idea of His supreme authority and the vastness of His love.<p><b>so great is His loving devotion</b><br>The term "loving devotion" is often translated as "steadfast love" or "mercy" in other versions, derived from the Hebrew word "chesed." This word encompasses God's covenantal faithfulness, kindness, and mercy. It is a central theme in the Old Testament, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people despite their unfaithfulness. This steadfast love is a key aspect of God's character, as seen in <a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-7</a>, where God describes Himself as "abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."<p><b>for those who fear Him</b><br>The phrase "those who fear Him" refers to individuals who have a reverent awe and respect for God, acknowledging His power and authority. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's holiness and responding with obedience and worship. <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a> states that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," highlighting its importance in a believer's life. This fear is a response to God's greatness and loving devotion, leading to a life of faithfulness and trust in Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/103.htm">Psalm 103</a>, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. His psalms often reflect deep personal devotion and understanding of God's character.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavens_and_earth.htm">Heavens and Earth</a></b><br>These are used metaphorically in this verse to illustrate the vastness of God's love. The heavens represent the immeasurable and infinite, while the earth represents the finite and tangible.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/those_who_fear_him.htm">Those who fear Him</a></b><br>This phrase refers to believers who have a reverent awe and respect for God, acknowledging His power, authority, and love.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_immeasurable_love_of_god.htm">The Immeasurable Love of God</a></b><br>God's love is beyond human comprehension, as vast as the distance between the heavens and the earth. This should inspire awe and gratitude in believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the Lord</a></b><br>Reverence for God is not about being afraid but about recognizing His majesty and authority. This reverence opens us to experience His profound love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>Just as the heavens are a constant presence above the earth, God's love is unwavering and ever-present for those who honor Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_response_to_god's_love.htm">Living in Response to God's Love</a></b><br>Understanding the magnitude of God's love should motivate us to live lives that reflect His love and devotion to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_trials.htm">Encouragement in Trials</a></b><br>In times of difficulty, remembering the vastness of God's love can provide comfort and strength, knowing that His devotion is greater than any challenge we face.<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/what_sin_is_unforgivable_by_god.htm">What sin is unforgivable by God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_absolute_idealism.htm">What defines Absolute Idealism in philosophy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_'terrible_army'_imply_hyperbole.htm">(Song of Solomon 6:4,10) Does comparing a lover to a “terrible army with banners” suggest hyperbole that conflicts with a literal reading of the text? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_humanity's_origin.htm">What does the Hebrew word 'hesed' mean?</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>(11) <span class= "bld">So great is his mercy toward.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">Strong is his mercy upon </span>(or, <span class= "ital">over</span>)<span class= "ital">. </span>(Comp. <a href="/psalms/117-2.htm" title="For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endures for ever. Praise you the LORD.">Psalm 117:2</a>.) The comparison in the first clause, and the use of this expression in <a href="/genesis/49-26.htm" title="The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brothers.">Genesis 49:26</a> and <a href="/2_samuel/11-23.htm" title="And the messenger said to David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out to us into the field, and we were on them even to the entering of the gate.">2Samuel 11:23</a>, suggests as the right rendering here<p>For as the heaven is higher than the earth,<p>So far (above what was expected) for them fearing him prevails his mercy.<p>(For the same comparison, see <a href="/context/isaiah/55-7.htm" title="Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.">Isaiah 55:7-9</a>; and comp. <a href="/isaiah/38-17.htm" title="Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but you have in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for you have cast all my sins behind your back.">Isaiah 38:17</a>; <a href="/micah/7-19.htm" title="He will turn again, he will have compassion on us; he will subdue our iniquities; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.">Micah 7:19</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/103.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/36-5.htm">Psalm 36:5</a>, "Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens, and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds"). The metaphor is bold, yet inadequate; for God's mercy is infinite. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/103-11.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">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as high</span><br /><span class="heb">כִגְבֹ֣הַּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḵiḡ·ḇō·ah)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1361.htm">Strong's 1361: </a> </span><span class="str2">To soar, be lofty, to be haughty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as the heavens</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֭מַיִם</span> <span class="translit">(ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are above</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">the earth,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֑רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so great</span><br /><span class="heb">גָּבַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(gā·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1396.htm">Strong's 1396: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be strong, to prevail, act insolently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is His loving devotion</span><br /><span class="heb">חַ֝סְדּ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥas·dōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</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/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/103-11.htm">Psalm 103:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 103:11 For as the heavens are high above (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/103-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 103:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 103:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/103-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 103:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 103:12" /></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>