Psalms 130:4 Meaning and Explanation
“But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's forgiveness is the basis for both salvation and reverential awe toward Him.
The Context of Psalms 130:4
The crucial turn: from judgment's impossibility to grace's reality.
What Does Psalms 130:4 Mean?
'But' shifts the entire psalm's direction. Forgiveness is not earned, not negotiated—it is present 'with thee,' at God's side, as His own attribute. This forgiveness breaks the logic of verse 3: because forgiveness exists, humans need not be destroyed by the weight of their iniquities.
The final phrase is profound: forgiveness exists 'that thou mayest be feared.' This is not fear-as-terror but reverence, awe, and allegiance. It is forgiveness itself that creates true worship. A God known only as judge provokes dread; a God known as merciful provokes the deeper response of devoted awe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 130:4
What does Psalms 130:4 mean?
God's forgiveness is the basis for both salvation and reverential awe toward Him.
What is the context of Psalms 130:4?
The crucial turn: from judgment's impossibility to grace's reality.