AncientWord

Footnotes

YHWH/YAHWEH/Jehovah also the LORD

Psalms 103:1 Transliteration

בָּרֲכִי נַפְשִׁי אֶת־יְהוָה וְכָל־קְרָבַי אֶת־שֵׁם קָדְשׁוֹ׃ (Bārăḵî naf·šî ’et-YHWH, ve·ḵāl-qerāḇay ’et-šēm qod·šō.)

• בָּרֲכִי (Bārăḵî) – Bless (feminine singular imperative)

• נַפְשִׁי (naf·šî) – my soul

• אֶת (’et) – [direct object marker, untranslated]

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH (the divine name)

• וְכָל (ve·ḵāl) – and all/every

• קְרָבַי (qerāḇay) – my inward parts, my innermost being

• אֶת (’et) – [direct object marker]

• שֵׁם (šēm) – name

• קָדְשׁוֹ (qod·šō) – His holiness, His holy [name]

Psalms 103:1 Translator Notes

• The verb בָּרֲכִי (bless) is in the imperative feminine singular, addressing the soul (נפשׁ, feminine in Hebrew).

• The psalmist commands his own soul to bless YHWH, a form of self-exhortation common in Hebrew poetry.

• קְרָבַי literally refers to inner organs or inward parts, symbolizing the deepest self (heart, mind, emotions).

• The repetition of אֶת marks direct objects without translating into English.

• "Bless" here does not mean to bestow benefit upon God but to speak well of, to praise, to acknowledge His greatness.

Psalms 103:2 Transliteration

בָּרֲכִי נַפְשִׁי אֶת־יְהוָה וְאַל־תִּשְׁכְּחִי כָּל־גְּמוּלָיו׃ (Bārăḵî naf·šî ’et-YHWH, ve·’al-tiš·keḥî kāl-gə·mū·lāw.)

• בָּרֲכִי (Bārăḵî) – Bless (feminine singular imperative)

• נַפְשִׁי (naf·šî) – my soul

• אֶת (’et) – [direct object marker]

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH

• וְאַל (ve·’al) – and not/do not

• תִּשְׁכְּחִי (tiš·keḥî) – you forget (feminine singular)

• כָּל (kāl) – all/every

• גְּמוּלָיו (gə·mū·lāw) – His dealings/benefits/recompenses

Psalms 103:2 Translator Notes

• Again, the imperative בָּרֲכִי addresses the soul (feminine), continuing the self-exhortation of verse 1.

• תִּשְׁכְּחִי is a feminine singular imperfect with a negative particle אַל, functioning as a prohibition: "do not forget."

• גְּמוּלָיו can mean "dealings," "acts of recompense," or "benefits." It refers to what God has done for the psalmist, often interpreted as gracious acts rather than mere rewards.

• The parallelism between verses 1 and 2 reinforces the call to remember and praise God's actions, not just His name.

Psalms 103:3 Transliteration

הַסֹּלֵחַ לְכָל־עֲוֺנֵכִי הָרֹפֵא לְכָל־תַּחֲלֻאָיְכִי׃ (Ha·ssō·lē·aḥ le·ḵāl-‘ă·wō·nē·ḵî, ha·rō·fē’ le·ḵāl-ta·ḥă·lū·’ā·ye·ḵî.)

• הַסֹּלֵחַ (ha·ssō·lēaḥ) – the One forgiving

• לְכָל (le·ḵāl) – to all

• עֲוֺנֵכִי (‘ă·wō·nē·ḵî) – your iniquities (feminine singular)

• הָרֹפֵא (ha·rō·fē’) – the One healing

• לְכָל (le·ḵāl) – to all

• תַּחֲלֻאָיְכִי (ta·ḥă·lū·’ā·ye·ḵî) – your diseases (feminine singular)

Psalms 103:3 Translator Notes

• This verse continues the list of God's benefits introduced in v.2.

• Both verbs סָלַח (forgive) and רָפָא (heal) are in participle form (present/continuous aspect), portraying God as the ongoing forgiver and healer.

• עָוֺן (iniquity) refers not only to sin itself but often includes its guilt and consequences.

• תַּחֲלֻאִים (diseases) can mean sicknesses, afflictions, or illnesses—physical or metaphorical (e.g., the effects of sin).

• The verse is poetic parallelism: forgiveness of sin and healing of disease are depicted as paired acts of divine restoration.

Psalms 103:4 Transliteration

הַגּוֹאֵל מִשַּׁחַת חַיָּיִכִי הַמְעַטְּרֵכִי חֶסֶד וְרַחֲמִים׃ (Ha·gō·’ēl mi·š·ša·ḥaṯ ḥay·yā·yi·ḵî, ha·mĕ·‘aṭ·ṭĕ·rē·ḵî ḥe·sed ve·ra·ḥă·mîm.)

• הַגּוֹאֵל (ha·gō·’ēl) – the One redeeming

• מִשַּׁחַת (mi·š·ša·ḥaṯ) – from the pit/destruction/corruption

• חַיָּיִכִי (ḥay·yā·yi·ḵî) – your life (feminine singular)

• הַמְעַטְּרֵכִי (ha·mĕ·‘aṭ·ṭĕ·rē·ḵî) – the One crowning you (feminine singular)

• חֶסֶד (ḥe·sed) – covenant loyalty / lovingkindness

• וְרַחֲמִים (ve·ra·ḥă·mîm) – and compassions/mercies

Psalms 103:4 Translator Notes

• שַּׁחַת (šaḥaṯ) can mean “pit,” “corruption,” or “destruction,” often associated with Sheol (the grave) or a state of ruin.

• גָּאַל (redeem) is the same root used for kinsman-redeemer in the Torah, implying rescue from bondage or death.

• עִטֵּר (crown) here figuratively means to surround, encircle, or adorn with honor.

• חֶסֶד (ḥesed) is a key covenant word, meaning steadfast love, mercy, loyalty.

• רַחֲמִים (raḥămîm) comes from a root related to “womb,” indicating tender compassion.

• The verse shifts from deliverance from destruction to elevation and blessing, creating a dramatic contrast.

Psalms 103:5 Transliteration

הַמַּשְׂבִּיעַ בַּטּוֹב עֶדְיֵכִי תִּתְחַדֵּשׁ כַּנֶּשֶׁר נְעוּרָיִכִי׃ (Ha·maś·bî·a‘ baṭ·ṭō·v ‘eḏ·yê·ḵî; tit·ḥad·dēš ka·ne·šer ne·‘ū·rā·yi·ḵî.)

• הַמַּשְׂבִּיעַ (ha·maś·bî·a‘) – the One satisfying

• בַּטּוֹב (baṭ·ṭō·v) – with the good

• עֶדְיֵכִי (‘eḏ·yê·ḵî) – your adornment/ornament (feminine singular)

• תִּתְחַדֵּשׁ (tit·ḥad·dēš) – is renewed (feminine singular)

• כַּנֶּשֶׁר (ka·ne·šer) – like the eagle

• נְעוּרָיִכִי (ne·‘ū·rā·yi·ḵî) – your youth (feminine singular)

Psalms 103:5 Translator Notes

• עֶדְיֵכִי (‘eḏ·yê·ḵî) is unusual; it literally refers to "ornament/adornment," sometimes interpreted as “mouth” (from a variant tradition) or “desire.” Many translations paraphrase this as "your desire" or "your years."

• The idea is that God fills what is empty or longing with good things, leading to renewal.

• תִּתְחַדֵּשׁ (is renewed) is in the reflexive stem, indicating a state of being made new again.

• נֶשֶׁר (eagle) was often seen as a symbol of strength and longevity in the ancient Near East.

• The verse moves from God’s external blessings (satisfaction) to internal restoration (renewal of youth).

Psalms 103:6 Transliteration

עֹשֶׂה צְדָקוֹת יְהוָה וּמִשְׁפָּטִים לְכָל־עֲשׁוּקִים׃ (‘Ō·śeh ṣə·ḏā·qōt YHWH, ū·miš·pā·ṭîm le·ḵāl-‘ă·šū·qîm.)

• עֹשֶׂה (‘ō·śeh) – doing/making

• צְדָקוֹת (ṣə·ḏā·qōt) – righteousnesses/acts of righteousness

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH

• וּמִשְׁפָּטִים (ū·miš·pā·ṭîm) – and judgments/justices

• לְכָל (le·ḵāl) – for all

• עֲשׁוּקִים (‘ă·šū·qîm) – the oppressed

Psalms 103:6 Translator Notes

• The participle עֹשֶׂה (‘ō·śeh) portrays God as continually active in establishing justice.

• צְדָקוֹת is plural, meaning righteous acts, often referring to covenantal faithfulness.

• מִשְׁפָּטִים indicates judicial decisions or just actions in defense of the vulnerable.

• עֲשׁוּקִים are those oppressed, exploited, or wronged—echoing Exodus themes of God defending the afflicted.

• This verse shifts from personal benefits (vv.1–5) to God’s social and covenantal justice for His people.

Psalms 103:7 Transliteration

יוֹדִיעַ דְּרָכָיו לְמֹשֶׁה לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲלִילוֹתָיו׃ (Yō·ḏî·a‘ də·rā·ḵāw le·Mō·šeh, liḇ·nê Yiś·rā·’ēl ‘ă·lî·lō·ṯāw.)

• יוֹדִיעַ (yō·ḏî·a‘) – He made known / causes to know

• דְּרָכָיו (də·rā·ḵāw) – His ways

• לְמֹשֶׁה (le·Mō·šeh) – to Moses

• לִבְנֵי (liḇ·nê) – to the sons of

• יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yiś·rā·’ēl) – Israel

• עֲלִילוֹתָיו (‘ă·lî·lō·ṯāw) – His deeds/acts/works

Psalms 103:7 Translator Notes

• יוֹדִיעַ is a causative form (Hifil), indicating God actively caused them to know.

• דֶּרֶךְ (way) often refers to God's manner, character, or guiding principles.

• עֲלִילוֹת (acts/deeds) focuses on the visible works He performed, especially in history (Exodus, wilderness).

• This verse explicitly links the psalm to the Exodus narrative (Moses and Israel), marking a historical reflection in the psalm’s flow.

• The structure: "His ways" (deeper revelation to Moses) vs. "His acts" (visible signs to the nation).

Psalms 103:8 Transliteration

רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן יְהוָה אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם וְרַב־חָסֶד׃ (Ra·ḥūm ve·ḥan·nūn YHWH, ’e·reḵ ’ap·pā·yim, ve·rav-ḥā·sed.)

• רַחוּם (ra·ḥūm) – compassionate/merciful

• וְחַנּוּן (ve·ḥan·nūn) – and gracious

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH

• אֶרֶךְ (’e·reḵ) – slow/long

• אַפַּיִם (’ap·pā·yim) – of nostrils/anger (idiom: slow to anger)

• וְרַב־חָסֶד (ve·rav-ḥā·sed) – and abundant in covenant-loyalty/steadfast love

Psalms 103:8 Translator Notes

• This verse echoes the self-revelation of YHWH in Exodus 34:6, making it a central creed of God's character in the Hebrew Bible.

• רַחוּם (compassionate) derives from the root connected to “womb,” indicating tender, parental mercy.

• חַנּוּן (gracious) refers to bestowing favor freely.

• אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם literally means “long of nostrils,” a Hebrew idiom for being patient or slow to anger.

• חֶסֶד (ḥesed) carries the covenantal sense of steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness.

Psalms 103:9 Transliteration

לֹא לָנֶצַח יָרִיב וְלֹא לְעוֹלָם יִטּוֹר׃ (Lō lā·ne·ṣaḥ yā·rîḇ, ve·lō le·‘ō·lām yiṭ·ṭōr.)

• לֹא (lō) – not

• לָנֶצַח (lā·ne·ṣaḥ) – forever/for perpetuity

• יָרִיב (yā·rîḇ) – he will contend/strive

• וְלֹא (ve·lō) – and not

• לְעוֹלָם (le·‘ō·lām) – for eternity/everlasting

• יִטּוֹר (yiṭ·ṭōr) – he will keep [anger]/guard/retain

Psalms 103:9 Translator Notes

• יָרִיב means to contend, dispute, or keep bringing charges—legal or relational conflict imagery.

• יִטּוֹר comes from a root meaning "to keep, guard, cherish (resentment)," implying holding onto anger or grudges.

• The verse reflects God's merciful nature introduced in v.8: His anger and contention are temporary, unlike His covenant love which is enduring.

• The double negative structure emphasizes both dimensions: His striving is not endless, His anger is not eternal.

Psalms 103:10 Transliteration

לֹא עָשָׂה עִמָּנוּ כַּחֲטָאֵינוּ וְלֹא כַּעֲוֹנֹתֵינוּ גָּמַל עָלֵינוּ׃ (Lō ‘ā·śāh ‘im·mā·nū ka·ḥă·ṭā·’ê·nū, ve·lō ka·‘ă·wō·nō·tê·nū gā·mal ‘ā·lê·nū.)

• לֹא (lō) – not

• עָשָׂה (‘ā·śāh) – he has done

• עִמָּנוּ (‘im·mā·nū) – with us

• כַּחֲטָאֵינוּ (ka·ḥă·ṭā·’ê·nū) – according to our sins

• וְלֹא (ve·lō) – and not

• כַּעֲוֹנֹתֵינוּ (ka·‘ă·wō·nō·tê·nū) – according to our iniquities

• גָּמַל (gā·mal) – he has dealt/rewarded

• עָלֵינוּ (‘ā·lê·nū) – upon us

Psalms 103:10 Translator Notes

• This verse deepens the thought of v.9: God’s justice is tempered by mercy.

• חַטָּאִים (sins) emphasizes offenses, while עֲוֹנוֹת (iniquities) often includes guilt and its burden.

• גָּמַל means to deal, recompense, or repay—here in a negative sense withheld.

• The structure uses parallelism: both halves say the same with slightly different terms for sin and divine retribution.

• The psalmist highlights God’s mercy by what He did not do, in contrast to what was deserved.

Psalms 103:11 Transliteration

כִּי כִגְבֹהַ שָׁמַיִם עַל־הָאָרֶץ גָּבַר חַסְדּוֹ עַל־יְרֵאָיו׃ (Kî kiḡ·ḇō·ah šā·ma·yim ‘al-hā·’ā·reṣ, gā·ḇar ḥas·dō ‘al-ye·rê·’āw.)

• כִּי (kî) – for/because

• כִגְבֹהַ (kiḡ·ḇō·ah) – as high/exceeding height

• שָׁמַיִם (šā·ma·yim) – the heavens

• עַל (‘al) – over/above/upon

• הָאָרֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) – the earth

• גָּבַר (gā·ḇar) – has prevailed/overcome/is mighty

• חַסְדּוֹ (ḥas·dō) – His covenant-loyalty/steadfast love

• עַל־יְרֵאָיו (‘al-ye·rê·’āw) – over those who fear Him

Psalms 103:11 Translator Notes

• כִּי introduces the reason or explanation for v.10—God’s mercy is vast.

• כִגְבֹהַ literally means "like the height," creating a poetic comparison (heaven’s vastness vs. God’s loyal love).

• גָּבַר means to be strong, mighty, to triumph—it conveys that God’s ḥesed is overpowering in its extent.

• יְרֵאָיו (those who fear Him): "fear" here is reverence, awe, loyal obedience—not terror.

• The verse begins a height–depth imagery that continues in the next verses (e.g., east–west in v.12).

Psalms 103:12 Transliteration

כִּרְחֹק מִזְרָח מִמַּעֲרָב הִרְחִיק מִמֶּנּוּ אֶת־פְּשָׁעֵינוּ׃ (Kir·ḥōq miz·rāḥ mim·ma·‘ă·rāḇ, hir·ḥîq mim·men·nū ’et-pə·šā·‘ê·nū.)

• כִּרְחֹק (kir·ḥōq) – as far as/distance as

• מִזְרָח (miz·rāḥ) – east

• מִמַּעֲרָב (mim·ma·‘ă·rāḇ) – from west

• הִרְחִיק (hir·ḥîq) – he has removed/made far

• מִמֶּנּוּ (mim·men·nū) – from us

• אֶת (’et) – [direct object marker]

• פְּשָׁעֵינוּ (pə·šā·‘ê·nū) – our transgressions/rebellions

Psalms 103:12 Translator Notes

• כִּרְחֹק introduces the comparison: "as the distance."

• מִזְרָח ... מִמַּעֲרָב forms a poetic merism (east–west) expressing infinite distance; they never meet.

• פֶּשַׁע (transgression) emphasizes willful rebellion, stronger than sin as a general term.

• The verb הִרְחִיק (Hifil) means to cause something to be far away—a deliberate removal by God.

• This verse follows the same pattern as v.11: using spatial magnitude (height in v.11, east–west in v.12) to illustrate God’s forgiveness.

Psalms 103:13 Transliteration

כְּרַחֵם אָב עַל־בָּנִים רִחַם יְהוָה עַל־יְרֵאָיו׃ (Ke·ra·ḥēm ’āḇ ‘al-bā·nîm, ri·ḥam YHWH ‘al-ye·rê·’āw.)

• כְּרַחֵם (ke·ra·ḥēm) – as has compassion / like the compassion

• אָב (’āḇ) – a father

• עַל (‘al) – over/upon

• בָּנִים (bā·nîm) – sons/children

• רִחַם (ri·ḥam) – has compassion

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH

• עַל־יְרֵאָיו (‘al-ye·rê·’āw) – upon those who fear Him

Psalms 103:13 Translator Notes

• The verse uses simile (כְּ = as/like) to illustrate divine compassion through a familiar parental image.

• רִחַם (ri·ḥam) shares the same root as רַחוּם (compassionate) in v.8, again implying tender mercy.

• אָב עַל־בָּנִים means not only biological paternity but caring authority over dependents.

• The subject of God's compassion continues to be יְרֵאָיו (those who fear Him)—a recurring covenantal term throughout the psalm (vv.11, 13, 17).

• This verse serves as a relational anchor between the spatial imagery (vv.11–12) and the human frailty focus in the next verses.

Psalms 103:14 Transliteration

כִּי הוּא יָדַע יִצְרֵנוּ זָכוּר כִּי עָפָר אֲנָחְנוּ׃ (Kî hū’ yā·ḏa‘ yiṣ·rê·nū; zā·ḵūr kî ‘ā·p̄ār ’ă·naḥ·nū.)

• כִּי (kî) – for/because

• הוּא (hū’) – He

• יָדַע (yā·ḏa‘) – has known/knows

• יִצְרֵנוּ (yiṣ·rê·nū) – our formation/our frame

• זָכוּר (zā·ḵūr) – remembering/He remembers

• כִּי (kî) – that

• עָפָר (‘ā·p̄ār) – dust

• אֲנָחְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) – we [are]

Psalms 103:14 Translator Notes

• יֵצֶר (formation) comes from the root יָצַר, the same used in Genesis 2:7 ("formed man from the dust"), connecting this verse to creation and human frailty.

• זָכוּר here is a participle: God is actively mindful or constantly remembering our dust-like nature.

• The verse emphasizes divine compassion rooted not only in His mercy (vv.8,13) but also in His awareness of human weakness and mortality.

• עָפָר recalls the curse of Genesis 3:19: "for dust you are, and to dust you will return."

Psalms 103:15 Transliteration

אֱנוֹשׁ כֶּחָצִיר יָמָיו כְּצִיץ הַשָּׂדֶה כֵּן יָצִיץ׃ (’Ĕnōsh ke·ḥā·ṣîr yā·māw; ke·ṣîṣ haś·śā·ḏeh kēn yā·ṣîṣ.)

• אֱנוֹשׁ (’ĕnōsh) – mortal man / frail human

• כֶּחָצִיר (ke·ḥā·ṣîr) – like grass

• יָמָיו (yā·māw) – his days

• כְּצִיץ (ke·ṣîṣ) – like a flower/blossom

• הַשָּׂדֶה (haś·śā·ḏeh) – of the field

• כֵּן (kēn) – so/thus

• יָצִיץ (yā·ṣîṣ) – he/it blossoms/flourishes

Psalms 103:15 Translator Notes

• אֱנוֹשׁ is a poetic term for humankind emphasizing frailty (compare Psalm 8:4; Job 7:17).

• The simile of grass and field flower highlights human transience—brief, fragile, easily withered (Isaiah 40:6–8).

• יָצִיץ is from the root צוּץ (to blossom/sprout), suggesting a brief flourish before fading.

• The verse continues the theme of vv.13–14: divine compassion is contrasted with human mortality.

Psalms 103:16 Transliteration

כִּי רוּחַ עָבְרָה בּוֹ וְאֵינֶנּוּ וְלֹא יַכִּירֶנּוּ עוֹד מְקוֹמוֹ׃ (Kî rū·aḥ ‘ā·ḇə·rā ḇô, wə·’ê·nen·nū; wə·lō’ yak·kî·ren·nū ‘ôḏ mə·qō·mô.)

• כִּי (kî) – for/because

• רוּחַ (rū·aḥ) – wind/spirit/breath

• עָבְרָה (‘ā·ḇə·rā) – passes over/passed over

• בּוֹ (ḇô) – upon it/upon him

• וְאֵינֶנּוּ (wə·’ê·nen·nū) – and he/it is no more

• וְלֹא (wə·lō’) – and not

• יַכִּירֶנּוּ (yak·kî·ren·nū) – will acknowledge/recognize it/him

• עוֹד (‘ôḏ) – again

• מְקוֹמוֹ (mə·qō·mô) – its place/his place

Psalms 103:16 Translator Notes

• רוּחַ can mean both "wind" and "breath/spirit," allowing a dual image: the withering wind of nature or the departure of life-breath.

• וְאֵינֶנּוּ expresses nonexistence or removal—"it is gone."

• יַכִּירֶנּוּ מְקוֹמוֹ poetically portrays the world’s indifference to human absence—his former place does not "remember" him.

• This verse completes the image from v.15: human life is brief, like grass and flowers swept away by a breeze (cf. Job 7:10; Isaiah 40:7).

Psalms 103:17 Transliteration

וְחֶסֶד יְהוָה מֵעוֹלָם וְעַד־עוֹלָם עַל־יְרֵאָיו וְצִדְקָתוֹ לִבְנֵי בָנִים׃ (Wə·ḥé·sed YHWH mê·‘ô·lām wə·‘aḏ-‘ô·lām ‘al-yə·rê·’āw; wə·ṣid·qā·tô liv·nê ḇā·nîm.)

• וְחֶסֶד (wə·ḥé·sed) – and mercy/steadfast love/covenant loyalty

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH (the personal name of God)

• מֵעוֹלָם (mê·‘ô·lām) – from everlasting

• וְעַד־עוֹלָם (wə·‘aḏ-‘ô·lām) – and unto everlasting

• עַל־יְרֵאָיו (‘al-yə·rê·’āw) – upon those fearing Him

• וְצִדְקָתוֹ (wə·ṣid·qā·tô) – and His righteousness

• לִבְנֵי בָנִים (liv·nê ḇā·nîm) – to children’s children (grandchildren, descendants)

Psalms 103:17 Translator Notes

• The phrase "מֵעוֹלָם וְעַד־עוֹלָם" (from everlasting to everlasting) is a Hebrew merism expressing the boundlessness of God’s loyal love—it spans all time.

• "חֶסֶד" is not merely emotional affection but a covenant-bound loyalty and faithful love, often tied to Yahweh’s promises.

• The “children of children” (grandchildren) reflects a generational blessing, showing that Yahweh’s righteousness is not only immediate but extends to descendants of those who fear Him.

• The structure contrasts human transience (earlier verses) with Yahweh’s eternal constancy.

• חֶסֶד (ḥesed) here indicates covenantal loyalty and mercy—God’s faithful, steadfast love.

• The phrase מֵעוֹלָם וְעַד־עוֹלָם forms an inclusio meaning "eternal in both directions"—from eternity past to eternity future.

• יְרֵאָיו denotes those who live in reverent awe and obedience to Him.

• The promise extends to בְנֵי בָנִים, indicating generational faithfulness, consistent with the covenantal language of Exodus 20:6 and Deuteronomy 7:9.

Psalms 103:18 Transliteration

לְשֹׁמְרֵי בְרִיתוֹ וּלְזֹכְרֵי פִקּוּדָיו לַעֲשׂוֹתָם׃ (lə·šō·mrê ḇə·ri·tô û·lə·zō·ḵrê piq·qu·ḏāw la·‘ă·śō·ṯām)

• לְשֹׁמְרֵי (lə·šō·mrê) – to/for (those) keeping / guarding

• בְּרִיתוֹ (ḇə·ri·tô) – his covenant

• וּלְזֹכְרֵי (û·lə·zō·ḵrê) – and to/for (those) remembering

• פִּקּוּדָיו (piq·qu·ḏāw) – his precepts / commandments / appointments

• לַעֲשֹׂתָם (la·‘ă·śō·ṯām) – to do them / to carry them out

Psalms 103:18 Translator Notes

• The verse clarifies who receives Yahweh’s steadfast love and righteousness from v.17—namely, those who remain faithful to His covenant and mindful of His commands.

• This verse continues the thought of v.17: God’s mercy and righteousness extend to generations on the condition of covenant faithfulness.

• שָׁמַר (shamar) means to keep, guard, or observe—often used in covenantal contexts (Genesis 17:9; Exodus 19:5).

• פִקּוּדִים (piqqudim) refers to divine precepts, emphasizing attentive obedience.

• The final infinitive לַעֲשׂוֹתָם stresses not only remembering but actively doing.

• "Keepers" (שֹׁמְרֵי) is active, implying ongoing vigilance in guarding covenant obligations, not mere passive possession.

• "Rememberers" (זֹכְרֵי) in Hebrew is not just mental recall but implies acting upon what is remembered. This is reinforced by the final clause "to do them," showing that biblical remembrance is inseparable from obedience.

• "Precepts" (פִּקּוּדִים) is a term often used in Psalms for divine instructions with a connotation of being entrusted duties or responsibilities.

• The construction links covenant loyalty and obedience, echoing Deuteronomy 7:9—"Know that Yahweh your God is the faithful God, keeping covenant and steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments."

Psalms 103:19 Transliteration

יְהוָה בַּשָּׁמַיִם הֵכִין כִּסְאוֹ וּמַלְכוּתוֹ בַּכֹּל מָשָׁלָה׃ (’YHWH baš·šā·ma·yim hê·ḵîn kis·’ô; û·mal·ḵu·ṯô bak·kōl mā·šā·lāh.)

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH (the personal name of God)

• בַּשָּׁמַיִם (baš·šā·ma·yim) – in the heavens

• הֵכִין (hê·ḵîn) – He established / prepared

• כִּסְאוֹ (kis·’ô) – His throne

• וּמַלְכוּתוֹ (û·mal·ḵu·ṯô) – and His kingdom

• בַּכֹּל (bak·kōl) – in/over all

• מָשָׁלָה (mā·šā·lāh) – rules / has dominion

Psalms 103:19 Translator Notes

• This verse shifts from covenantal mercy (vv.17–18) to universal sovereignty.

• הֵכִין (hekin) means to firmly establish or set securely (compare Psalm 93:2).

• The location בַשָּׁמַיִם emphasizes transcendence and authority over all creation.

• מָשָׁל in the piel form conveys active, comprehensive rule—not just influence but dominion.

• This sets the stage for the psalm’s final universal call to bless YHWH (vv.20–22).

Psalms 103:20 Transliteration

בָּרֲכוּ יְהוָה מַלְאָכָיו גִּבֹּרֵי כֹחַ עֹשֵׂי דְבָרוֹ לִשְׁמֹעַ בְּקוֹל דְּבָרוֹ׃ (’Bā·ra·ḵū YHWH mal·’ā·ḵāw; gib·bō·rê ḵō·aḥ, ‘ō·śê də·ḇā·rô, liš·mō·a‘ bə·qōl də·ḇā·rô.)

• בָּרֲכוּ (bā·ra·ḵū) – bless (you, plural, imperative)

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH

• מַלְאָכָיו (mal·’ā·ḵāw) – His messengers / angels

• גִּבֹּרֵי (gib·bō·rê) – mighty ones / heroes of

• כֹחַ (ḵō·aḥ) – strength / power

• עֹשֵׂי (‘ō·śê) – ones doing / who do

• דְבָרוֹ (də·ḇā·rô) – His word

• לִשְׁמֹעַ (liš·mō·a‘) – to hear / to obey

• בְּקוֹל (bə·qōl) – at the voice / by the sound

• דְּבָרוֹ (də·ḇā·rô) – His word

Psalms 103:20 Translator Notes

• מַלְאָךְ (mal’akh) literally means “messenger,” but contextually refers to angels.

• גִּבֹּרֵי כֹחַ describes angelic might—warrior-like strength, often linked to executing YHWH’s commands (Psalm 78:25).

• The structure parallels obedience with blessing—angels bless YHWH by perfectly executing His word.

• לִשְׁמֹעַ בְּקוֹל דְּבָרוֹ literally means “to hear at the voice of His word,” implying not passive hearing but responsive obedience.

Psalms 103:21 Transliteration

בָּרֲכוּ יְהוָה כָּל־צְבָאָיו מְשָׁרְתָיו עֹשֵׂי רְצוֹנוֹ׃ (Bā·ra·ḵū YHWH kāl-tzə·ḇā·’āw; mə·šār·tə·yw, ‘ō·śê rə·ṣō·nō.)

• בָּרֲכוּ (bā·ra·ḵū) – bless (you, plural, imperative)

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH

• כָּל־ (kāl) – all

• צְבָאָיו (tzə·ḇā·’āw) – His armies / hosts

• מְשָׁרְתָיו (mə·šār·tə·yw) – His ministers / servants

• עֹשֵׂי (‘ō·śê) – ones doing / who do

• רְצוֹנוֹ (rə·ṣō·nō) – His will / pleasure

Psalms 103:21 Translator Notes

• צְבָא (ṣāḇā’) = army/host – often refers to celestial armies (angels), as in “YHWH of hosts.” Here it broadens from the mighty angels (v.20) to all heavenly forces.

• מְשָׁרְתָיו – literally “those who minister to Him,” often referring to priest-like or servant roles, here including angels fulfilling divine service.

• The verse intensifies inclusivity: not just strong angels (v.20), but every rank in God’s heavenly hierarchy.

• עֹשֵׂי רְצוֹנוֹ – active executors of God’s will, reinforcing obedience as a form of worship.

Psalms 103:22 Transliteration

בָּרֲכוּ יְהוָה כָּל־מַעֲשָׂיו בְּכָל־מְקֹמוֹת מֶמְשַׁלְתּוֹ בָּרֲכִי נַפְשִׁי אֶת־יְהוָה׃ (Bā·ra·ḵū YHWH kāl-ma·‘ă·śāw; bə·kāl mə·qō·mōṯ mem·šal·tō; bā·ra·ḵî nap̄·šî ’eṯ-YHWH.)

• בָּרֲכוּ (bā·ra·ḵū) – bless (you, plural, imperative)

• יְהוָה (YHWH) – YHWH

• כָּל־מַעֲשָׂיו (kāl-ma·‘ă·śāw) – all His works

• בְּכָל־מְקֹמוֹת (bə·kāl mə·qō·mōṯ) – in all places

• מֶמְשַׁלְתּוֹ (mem·šal·tō) – of His dominion / rule

• בָּרֲכִי (bā·ra·ḵî) – bless (you, feminine singular imperative)

• נַפְשִׁי (nap̄·šî) – my soul

• אֶת־יְהוָה (’eṯ-YHWH) – YHWH

Psalms 103:22 Translator Notes

• This verse forms a grand inclusio with verse 1, beginning and ending with the soul’s call to bless YHWH, now expanded to the entire cosmos.

• מַעֲשָׂיו – “His works” includes all creation: angels, humans, nature, the heavens and earth.

• בְּכָל־מְקֹמוֹת מֶמְשַׁלְתּוֹ – declares the universality of God’s rule; no place is exempt.

• The psalm thus begins with personal blessing (v.1–2), moves to covenant mercy (v.3–18), to cosmic reign (v.19–22).