Verse

Psalm 103:13

ESV As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
NIV As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
NASB Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
CSB As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
NLT The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
KJV Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
NKJV As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

What does Psalm 103:13 mean?

Ideally, a father shows compassion to his children. "Compassion" is from a Hebrew root that implies action. It's not merely a feeling, but an emotion that inspires action. If one of Dad's children is ill, he feels sympathy for the child, but compassion is reflected in nursing the child back to health. If one of his children is in trouble, Dad hurts for him, and compassion inspires him to extricate the child from danger. Like a good father, our heavenly Father demonstrates strong compassion for us.

God understands what we face, and He cares for us. First Peter 5:7 encourages us to cast all our anxiety on our Father in heaven for that reason. Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us, "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." In the times of the Judges, the Lord rescued His people from their enemies. He saw their enemies were afflicting and oppressing them to the point that they were groaning. Therefore, He was moved to pity (Judges 2:16–18).
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