Worthy.Bible » ASV » Psalms » Chapter 130 » Verse 3

Psalms 130:3 American Standard (ASV)

3 If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

Cross Reference

Job 9:2-3 ASV

Of a truth I know that it is so: But how can man be just with God? If he be pleased to contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand.

John 8:7-9 ASV

But when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground. And they, when they heard it, went out one by one, beginning from the eldest, `even' unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst.

Romans 3:20-24 ASV

because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law `cometh' the knowledge of sin. But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Commentary on Psalms 130 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 130

Ps 130:1-8. The penitent sinner's hope is in God's mercy only.

1, 2. depths—for great distress (Ps 40:2; 69:3).

3. shouldest mark—or, "take strict account" (Job 10:14; 14:16), implying a confession of the existence of sin.

who shall stand—(Ps 1:6). Standing is opposed to the guilty sinking down in fear and self-condemnation (Mal 3:2; Re 6:15, 16). The question implies a negative, which is thus more strongly stated.

4. Pardon produces filial fear and love. Judgment without the hope of pardon creates fear and dislike. The sense of forgiveness, so far from producing licentiousness, produces holiness (Jer 33:9; Eze 16:62, 63; 1Pe 2:16). "There is forgiveness with thee, not that thou mayest be presumed upon, but feared."

5, 6. wait for the Lord—in expectation (Ps 27:14).

watch for, &c.—in earnestness and anxiety.

7, 8. Let Israel, &c.—that is, All are invited to seek and share divine forgiveness.

from all his iniquities—or, "punishments of them" (Ps 40:12, &c.).