Psalm 130:4
ESV
But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
NIV
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
NASB
But there is forgiveness with You, So that You may be revered.
CSB
But with you there is forgiveness, so that you may be revered.
NLT
But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.
KJV
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
NKJV
But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
What does Psalm 130:4 mean?
This verse adds context to the idea that we should "fear" the Lord God (Proverbs 1:7; 14:26–27). God's judgment is perfect (Psalm 130:3). No one can meet His standards of holiness (Romans 3:10). His judgment on sin is beyond question and inescapable (Hebrews 9:27). Yet it is His forgiveness which is said to inspire this "fear." Some translations mention "reverence" instead. This is appropriate, but the proper response to God goes beyond respect. Those who love God don't need to respond to Him with panic or terror. Knowing that He forgives those who come in sincere faith (1 John 1:8–10) inspires His people to honor Him as their Lord and Savior (Exodus 18:21; Job 1:9; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Acts 13:16).Isaiah recorded the idea that God intends to forgive the sins of those who come to Him (Isaiah 1:5–6, 18). Scripture speaks volumes about God's forgiveness. Psalm 103:11–12 indicates that He puts the forgiven person's sins as far as the east is from the west. Micah 7:19 says he casts them into the sea. Isaiah 38:17 pictures Him as setting them behind Him, no longer considering those sins. Colossians 1:13–14 declares that those who are in Christ have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Having been forgiven, believers should reverence God—they should "fear" Him—and serve Him joyfully.
Psalm 130:3–4 notes that there is no defense against accusations from God. He is perfect and His judgment is absolute. However, He also offers forgiveness which inspires men to revere Him (Psalm 103:10–11). As in prior verses, this segment uses two unique words for God. One is Yahweh (Exodus 3:15). The other is Adonai, which literally refers to a "Lord."
The Lord is absolutely right to judge sin. Nothing can match the standard of His perfection. So, the psalmist asks forgiveness and mercy, trusting entirely in God's nature. This hope is constant and sincere. The Lord is associated with loyal, persistent, caring love for the people of Israel. Despite the sins of the nation, God is ready to redeem them. The first three of four small segments alternate between two common words for God; the last only repeats the word Yahweh (Exodus 3:15).
