King James Version

What Does Psalms 103:8 Mean?

Psalms 103:8 in the King James Version says “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. plentious: Heb. great in mercy” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 103 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. plentious: Heb. great in mercy”

Psalms 103:8 · KJV

Context

6

The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

7

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

8

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. plentious: Heb. great in mercy

9

He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse quotes God's self-revelation to Moses (Exod 34:6-7), central to Israel's understanding of God's character. 'Merciful' (rachum) and 'gracious' (channun) emphasize God's compassion. 'Slow to anger' (erek appayim, literally 'long of nostrils') and 'plenteous in mercy' (rab chesed) demonstrate patience and abundant covenant love. These attributes ground all theology—God's essence is gracious love, not vindictive judgment. Christ perfectly embodies these attributes, demonstrating God's character in human form.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This formula recurs throughout the Old Testament (Num 14:18, Neh 9:17, Ps 86:15, 145:8, Joel 2:13) as Israel's core confession of God's character. The context in Exodus 34 followed Israel's golden calf apostasy, emphasizing God's grace toward sinners.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of these divine attributes do you most need to experience in your current circumstances?
  2. How does your understanding of God's character shape your approach to prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
רַח֣וּם1 of 7

“is merciful”

H7349

compassionate

וְחַנּ֣וּן2 of 7

“and gracious”

H2587

gracious

יְהוָ֑ה3 of 7

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶ֖רֶךְ4 of 7

“slow”

H750

long

אַפַּ֣יִם5 of 7

“to anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וְרַב6 of 7

“and plenteous”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

חָֽסֶד׃7 of 7

“in mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 103:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 103:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 86:15Joel 2:13Exodus 34:6-7Psalms 145:8Nahum 1:3Psalms 86:5

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