Psalms 103:9 Meaning and Explanation
“He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God does not hold grudges or punish indefinitely.
The Context of Psalms 103:9
Clarifying that God's patience is not weakness but a limit to his anger.
What Does Psalms 103:9 Mean?
Chide means to scold or rebuke. The verse acknowledges that God does correct—he is not indulgent or complicit with evil. But his correction is not permanent or excessive. He will not eternally withhold his presence or love as punishment for sin.
This promise liberates the conscience. A person who has sinned need not fear perpetual exile from God's favor. There is a limit to his judgment; there is always a way back. This is both a warning (he does chasten) and a promise (but not forever).
Psalms 103:9 in the Original Language
chide (יָדִין, yadin) — to judge, rebuke, or contend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 103:9
What does Psalms 103:9 mean?
God does not hold grudges or punish indefinitely.
What is the context of Psalms 103:9?
Clarifying that God's patience is not weakness but a limit to his anger.