Psalm 130:3

Translations

Modern

If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand?

Traditional

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

Literal

If You were to mark iniquities, O YAH, O Lord, who could stand?

Latin

Si iniquitates observaveris, Domine, Domine, quis sustinebit?

Original

Hebrew

English

If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand?

Notes

Psalms 130:3

The psalmist knows that his sins make him guilty and deserving of God’s judgment.

Psalms 130:1–3

A cry from the depths comes from a place of deep distress (compare Psalm 69:2, 14; Isaiah 51:10; Ezekiel 27:34). Feeling weak, the psalmist prays for God's favor.

Psalms 130:1–8

Beginning with himself as a representative of the community, the psalmist cries for God’s mercy (Psalm 130:1–3) out of deep distress. He places his hope in the Lord (Psalm 130:4–6), trusting that the Lord will rescue in his own time and way. With this confidence, the psalmist invites Israel to wait for the Lord (Psalm 130:7–8).

Psalms 120:1–134:3

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

Theme notes and profiles

Questions and Doubt

Related verses

Psalm 143:2
Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.
Psalm 76:7
You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You?
Romans 3:20–24
Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.
John 8:7–9
When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.”
Nahum 1:6
Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.
Revelation 6:17
For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”
Job 10:14
If I sinned, You would take note, and would not acquit me of my iniquity.
Malachi 3:2
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap.
Job 15:14
What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous?
Job 9:20
Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty.
Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.
Job 9:2–3
“Yes, I know that it is so, but how can a mortal be righteous before God?

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Degrees, Song of Hallel Imputation Mercy Music Psalms, Book of Song of Ascents Song of Ascents, Song of Degrees

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning God: Mercy of Justification Before God: Under Law: Man Cannot Attain To Prayer: Confession In Repentance: Exemplified Sin: Confession of The Judgment: None, by Nature Can Stand In

Psalm 130:3

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?