Psalms 103:18

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 103:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his precepts to do them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his precepts to do them.
Psalms 103:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 103

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his precepts to do them.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“To such as keep his covenant, etc.] The covenant of grace, which is peculiarly the Lord’s covenant, as distinct from man’s; and which he keeps himself, and is ever mindful of it. This he makes known to his people at conversion; his secret is with them, and he shows them his covenant; the blessings and promises of it; their interest in them, and in himself, as their covenant God: which they “observe” f1438, as the word here used signifies; and observing it, they lay hold upon it by faith, as belonging to them; and laying hold upon it, they “keep” it as their own, and keep it fast, and will not part with their interest in it for all the world. And to those that remember his commandments to do…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To such as keep his covenant - To such as adhere to the arrangements of his covenant, or who are faithful on their part. God will be faithful to his part of the covenant; and where there is fidelity on the part of his people, the blessings implied in the covenant will be conferred on them and on their children. The promise is ample, and the fidelity of God is certain, but still it is true that in those promises, and in that fidelity, it is implied that his people on their part must be faithful also, or the blessings will not be bestowed. There are no promises of blessings to the unfaithful, nor have those who are unfaithful any reason to hope that they or theirs will be partakers of the…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“103:18 To obey God means to be faithful and loyal to him.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“To such: Psa 25:10, Psa 132:12; Gen 17:9, Gen 17:10; Exo 19:5, Exo 24:8; Deu 7:9; Ch2 34:31; Heb 8:6-13 remember: Psa 119:9-11; Deu 4:23, Deu 6:6-9; Pro 3:1; Mat 28:20; Luk 1:6; Act 24:16; Th1 4:1 Psalms 103:19”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification