CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/103-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/19_Psa_103_008.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 103:8 - Bless the LORD, O My Soul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/103-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/103-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/103.htm">Chapter 103</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.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/103-7.htm" title="Psalm 103:7">◄</a> Psalm 103:8 <a href="/psalms/103-9.htm" title="Psalm 103:9">►</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 />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/103.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/103.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/103.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/103.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The LORD <i>is</i> merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/103.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The LORD <i>is</i> merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/103.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/103.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/103.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/103.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Yahweh is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/103.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in compassion <i>and</i> lovingkindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/103.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/103.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/103.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Jehovah is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/103.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/103.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The LORD is full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/103.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate, merciful, patient, and always ready to forgive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/103.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/103.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, patient, and abundantly rich in gracious love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/103.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/103.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and merciful; he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/103.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/103.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/103.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/103.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />YHWH [is] merciful and gracious, "" Slow to anger, and abundant in mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/103.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Merciful and gracious is Jehovah, Slow to anger, and abundant in mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/103.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Jehovah being compassionate and merciful, slow to anger and great of mercy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/103.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The Lord is compassionate and merciful: longsuffering and plenteous in mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/103.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 102:8>The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/103.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger, abounding in mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/103.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/103.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/103.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />LORD JEHOVAH is compassionate and cherishing; he is patient and his grace is abundant.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/103.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The LORD is full of compassion and gracious, Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/103.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The Lord is compassionate and pitiful, long-suffering, and full of mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/103-8.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=12700" 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">7</span>He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><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.">The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7349.htm" title="7349: ra·ḥūm (Adj-ms) -- Compassionate. From racham; compassionate.">is compassionate</a> <a href="/hebrew/2587.htm" title="2587: wə·ḥan·nūn (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Gracious. From chanan; gracious.">and gracious,</a> <a href="/hebrew/750.htm" title="750: ’e·reḵ (Adj-msc) -- Long. From 'arak; long.">slow</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap·pa·yim (N-md) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">to anger,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: wə·raḇ- (Conj-w:: Adj-msc) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">abounding</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥā·seḏ (N-ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">in loving devotion.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever.…<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="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/14-18.htm">Numbers 14:18</a></span><br />‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children to the third and fourth generation.’<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="/joel/2-13.htm">Joel 2:13</a></span><br />So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/4-2.htm">Jonah 4:2</a></span><br />So he prayed to the LORD, saying, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18</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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/1-3.htm">Nahum 1:3</a></span><br />The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Psalm 86:15</a></span><br />But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-8.htm">Psalm 145:8</a></span><br />The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.<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="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a></span><br />Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-10.htm">Isaiah 54:10</a></span><br />Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Ephesians 2:4-5</a></span><br />But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-11.htm">James 5:11</a></span><br />See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.</p><p class="hdg">merciful</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/86-5.htm">Psalm 86:5,15</a></b></br> For thou, Lord, <i>art</i> good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/130-7.htm">Psalm 130:7</a></b></br> Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD <i>there is</i> mercy, and with him <i>is</i> plenteous redemption.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/145-8.htm">Psalm 145:8</a></b></br> The LORD <i>is</i> gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.</p><p class="hdg">slow</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joel/2-13.htm">Joel 2:13</a></b></br> And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he <i>is</i> gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jonah/4-2.htm">Jonah 4:2</a></b></br> And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, <i>was</i> not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou <i>art</i> a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nahum/1-3.htm">Nahum 1:3</a></b></br> The LORD <i>is</i> slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit <i>the wicked</i>: the LORD <i>hath</i> his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds <i>are</i> the dust of his feet.</p><p class="hdg">plenteous in mercy.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Abounding</a> <a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/psalms/102-10.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/psalms/95-10.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/psalms/103-4.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Compassionate</a> <a href="/psalms/103-5.htm">Full</a> <a href="/psalms/102-13.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/psalms/89-1.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/psalms/103-4.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/101-1.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/psalms/103-4.htm">Loving-Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/psalms/103-4.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/102-14.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Plenteous</a> <a href="/psalms/102-2.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/psalms/94-13.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/psalms/103-4.htm">Steadfast</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/145-8.htm">Abounding</a> <a href="/psalms/106-7.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/psalms/103-9.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/psalms/103-9.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/psalms/111-4.htm">Compassionate</a> <a href="/psalms/104-13.htm">Full</a> <a href="/psalms/109-12.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/psalms/107-18.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Loving-Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/111-4.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/psalms/130-7.htm">Plenteous</a> <a href="/psalms/106-13.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/psalms/145-8.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/psalms/103-11.htm">Steadfast</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>The LORD is compassionate and gracious</b><br>This phrase highlights God's nature as one of mercy and kindness. The Hebrew words used here, "rachum" (compassionate) and "chanun" (gracious), are often associated with God's covenantal love for His people. This is seen in <a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</a>, where God reveals His character to Moses. The compassion and grace of God are central themes throughout the Old Testament, reflecting His willingness to forgive and restore. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies these attributes, showing compassion to the marginalized and offering grace through His sacrifice.<p><b>slow to anger</b><br>This phrase emphasizes God's patience and long-suffering. The Hebrew term "erek apayim" literally means "long of nostrils," a metaphor for being slow to wrath. This characteristic of God is crucial in understanding His dealings with Israel, as seen in the repeated cycles of sin, punishment, and restoration in the book of Judges. God's patience is also evident in the prophetic books, where He continually calls His people to repentance. In the New Testament, <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a> reflects this attribute, explaining that God's patience is meant to lead people to repentance.<p><b>abounding in loving devotion</b><br>The Hebrew word "chesed" is translated here as "loving devotion," often rendered as "steadfast love" or "mercy" in other translations. This term is rich with covenantal significance, indicating a loyal love that is both enduring and faithful. God's "chesed" is a recurring theme in the Psalms, underscoring His unwavering commitment to His people. This steadfast love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death and resurrection demonstrate the ultimate act of divine love and faithfulness, as seen in <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a> and <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</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 and unchanging nature. In this Psalm, He is depicted as compassionate and gracious.<br><br>2. <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 life experiences deeply inform his understanding of God's character.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, often the recipient of His compassion and grace, as seen throughout their history.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_nature.htm">Understanding God's Nature</a></b><br>Recognize that God's compassion and grace are central to His character. This understanding should shape our view of Him and our relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/patience_and_forgiveness.htm">Patience and Forgiveness</a></b><br>Emulate God's patience and slowness to anger in our interactions with others. This reflects His character and promotes peace and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/abounding_love.htm">Abounding Love</a></b><br>God's love is abundant and steadfast. We are called to reflect this love in our communities, offering grace and compassion to those around us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_scripture.htm">Consistency in Scripture</a></b><br>The consistent depiction of God's character throughout the Bible assures us of His reliability and faithfulness. This should encourage us to trust Him fully.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_reflection.htm">Personal Reflection</a></b><br>Reflect on how God's compassion and grace have been evident in your life. Use this reflection to cultivate gratitude and a deeper relationship with Him.<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/how_is_god's_mercy_reconciled_with_judgment.htm">In Psalm 103:8–10, God is portrayed as merciful—how do we reconcile this with Old Testament accounts of severe divine judgment? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_all-loving.htm">Is God all-loving?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/define_lovingkindness..htm">What is the definition of lovingkindness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_infants_enter_heaven_after_death.htm">Do infants enter heaven after death?</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>(8) <span class= "bld">Merciful and Gracious.</span>--The original confession (<a href="/exodus/34-6.htm" title="And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,">Exodus 34:6</a>) had become a formula of the national faith. In addition to the marginal references, see <a href="/joel/2-13.htm" title="And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repents him of the evil.">Joel 2:13</a>, <a href="/psalms/145-8.htm" title="The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.">Psalm 145:8</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/103.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The Lord is merciful</span> <span class="cmt_word">and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.</span> This was a part of the revelation made to Moses (<a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</a>), whose words the psalmist closely echoes, both here and in <a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Psalm 86:15</a> (comp. also <a href="/psalms/111-4.htm">Psalm 111:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/112-4.htm">Psalm 112:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/145-8.htm">Psalm 145:8</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/103-8.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">The LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</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">is compassionate</span><br /><span class="heb">רַח֣וּם</span> <span class="translit">(ra·ḥūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7349.htm">Strong's 7349: </a> </span><span class="str2">Compassionate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and gracious,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחַנּ֣וּן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥan·nūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2587.htm">Strong's 2587: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gracious</span><br /><br /><span class="word">slow</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֖רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’e·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_750.htm">Strong's 750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Long</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to anger,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַפַּ֣יִם</span> <span class="translit">(’ap·pa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">abounding</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרַב־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·raḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in loving devotion.</span><br /><span class="heb">חָֽסֶד׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·seḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 103:8 Yahweh is merciful and gracious slow (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/103-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 103:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 103:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/103-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 103:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 103:9" /></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>