Psalms 103:17
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on them that fear him, and his righteousness to children's children;
American King James Version (AKJV)
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on them that fear him, and his righteousness to children's children;
American Standard Version (ASV)
But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children's children;
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But the mercy of the Lord is eternal for his worshippers, and their children's children will see his righteousness;
Webster's Revision
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness to children's children;
World English Bible
But Yahweh's loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear him, his righteousness to children's children;
English Revised Version (ERV)
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
Clarke's Psalms 103:17 Bible Commentary
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting - חסד chesed signifies more particularly the exuberant goodness of God. This is an attribute of his nature, and must be from everlasting to everlasting; and hence, his righteousness (צדקת tsidketh) - his merciful mode of justifying the ungodly, is extended from one generation to another.
Unto children's children - It is still in force, and the doctrine of reconciliation through Christ shall continue to be preached till the conclusion of time.
Barnes's Psalms 103:17 Bible Commentary
But the mercy of the Lord - The favor of the Lord; or, his loving-kindness.
Is from everlasting to everlasting - Is from the eternity past to the eternity to come. It had its foundation in the eternal decrees of God; it has its security in his purpose that where it is conferred, it shall not be withdrawn. It had no beginning; it will have no end. There never was a period in the past when it was not the purpose of God to save his people; there never will be a period in the future when it will be said that his saving mercy has ceased. It would be difficult to think of a statement which would at the same time, in so few words, confirm at once the doctrine of the divine decrees, and the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. If either of these doctrines is denied, then what is here stated by the psalmist is not true: if the doctrine of the divine decrees is denied, then his purpose of mercy had a beginning, and is not "from everlasting;" if the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is denied, then his mercy has an end, and is not "to everlasting."
Upon them that fear him - In respect to those who are his true worshippers, or his true people.
And his righteousness - His righteous purpose; or, his purpose in regard to their "becoming" righteous.
Unto children's children - literally, "sons of sons." That is, his purposes embrace the children and children's children of the righteous; or, they are included in the covenant of mercy. See the notes at Acts 2:39. Compare Exodus 20:6.