Psalms 130:4
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
Psalms 130:4
“But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” The verse pivots from human failure to divine mercy. The Hebrew word for forgiveness here implies release from guilt and restoration of relationship. The paradox is instructive: forgiveness leads to greater reverence or fear—the awe of a holy God who forgives. In ancient Israel, true fear of the LORD was not fear as terror but a confident trust in God’s gracious character. By presenting forgiveness as God’s distinctive attribute, the psalm invites readers to admire and revere God precisely because He pardons. The context reinforces repentance as the path to restoration. The verse asserts that God’s willingness to forgive is the basis for a right, holy (fearful) relationship with Him.
Key themes: divine mercy, forgiveness, and reverent fear. The text reveals that mercy and awe are not opposed but complementary: forgiveness awakens genuine reverence. It also speaks to the nature of the covenant God—one who pardons sins while maintaining righteousness. The verse helps articulate a healthy fear of God that comes from recognizing His gracious forgiveness rather than a merely punitive perception. It anchors a biblical rhythm of sin, confession, mercy, and transformed living.
In practical terms, the verse invites you to experience forgiveness as the wave that compels deeper reverence for God. When you confess sin, let gratitude for mercy shape your worship and daily decisions. This can transform how you relate to God and to others—mercy received becomes mercy extended. If you’ve carried guilt, meditate on God’s forgiving nature and let that lead to healthier, more humble living. In relationships, forgive as you’ve been forgiven, understanding that forgiveness does not erase consequences but restores fellowship. Let your reverence for God grow as you continue to rely on His mercy.
Cross-References: Psalm 32:1–2; Psalm 51:1–2; Isaiah 55:7; Micah 7:18; Luke 7:47–48