Psalm 130:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

NIV: If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?

NASB: If You, Lord, were to keep account of guilty deeds, Lord, who could stand?

CSB: Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities, Lord, who could stand?

NLT: Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?

KJV: If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

NKJV: If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

When others accuse, there is at least a chance of error. The charge might be false or exaggerated. Critics may be corrupt themselves. But God's judgment is perfect and His perspective is always correct. When the Lord takes note of someone's sin there is no possible defense (Deuteronomy 32:3–4; Psalm 143:2). He is justified in delivering punishment to those who violate His nature (Psalm 7:11; Jeremiah 9:7). Fortunately, as this prayer continues (Psalm 130:1–2), the writer will note (Psalm 130:4) that God is also willing to forgive (Psalm 103:10–14).

Because everyone sins, everyone stands guilty and condemned in God's sight. This applies most importantly to individual people, but it can also explain the actions of entire nations. Isaiah compared Israel in his day to a body suffering from illness (Isaiah 1:5–6). Similarly, Jeremiah noted that the human heart is deeply flawed (Jeremiah 17:9). Paul famously noted that every person is guilty of sin before the Lord (Romans 3:10–13, 23).

Psalm 130:3–4 notes that there is no defense against accusations from God. He is perfect and His judgment is absolute. However, He also offers forgiveness which inspires men to revere Him (Psalm 103:10–11). As in prior verses, this segment uses two unique words for God. One is Yahweh (Exodus 3:15). The other is Adonai, which literally refers to a "Lord."

The Lord is absolutely right to judge sin. Nothing can match the standard of His perfection. So, the psalmist asks forgiveness and mercy, trusting entirely in God's nature. This hope is constant and sincere. The Lord is associated with loyal, persistent, caring love for the people of Israel. Despite the sins of the nation, God is ready to redeem them. The first three of four small segments alternate between two common words for God; the last only repeats the word Yahweh (Exodus 3:15).

Jerusalem is located on a series of mountains; going to the city meant ascending these slopes. Songs used by pilgrims headed to required feasts there (Deuteronomy 16:16) are labeled "of ascents" (Psalms 120—134). Each focuses on a theme. Here, the subject matter is the Lord's forgiveness towards the sins of His people. This ties to the idea of His mercy (Deuteronomy 4:31; Psalm 18:25; 111:4). It also connects to His loyal, steady love, from the important Hebrew term hesed (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:5; 103:4; Lamentations 3:22).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 1:12:58 PM