Psalms · Chapter 103 · Forgiveness
Psalms 103:12 — Bible Verse Meaning & Context
What has been forgiven, you can forgive.
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Both translations, side by side
WEB · World English Bible
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
KJV · King James Version
"As far as7368 the east4217 is from the west4628, so far hath he removed7368 our transgressions6588 from us."
How the translations differ: The WEB is a modern public-domain revision of the 1901 ASV; the KJV dates to 1611. The KJV uses hath, while the WEB renders these as has. Both translate the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text — the differences are stylistic, not theological.
In context
Psalms 103:12 in Psalms 103
A Bible verse rarely stands alone. Here is Psalms 103:12 read with the verses immediately before and after — the surrounding flow of Psalms 103. Read the full chapter →
- v.10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities.
- v.11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.
- v.12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
- v.13 Like a father has compassion on his children, so Yahweh has compassion on those who fear him.
- v.14 For he knows how we are made. He remembers that we are dust.
Book background
About the Book of Psalms
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Genre
- Hebrew poetry
- Author
- David (73 psalms), Asaph, Sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, others
- Date written
- c. 1410–430 BC (compiled over a millennium)
- Audience
- All of Israel's worshipping community — and the church
- Chapters
- 150
The Psalms are 150 inspired songs and prayers covering every emotion the human heart knows — praise, lament, confession, thanksgiving, anger, longing. About half are attributed to David. The book is divided into five "books," each ending with a doxology. The Psalms shape Christian prayer more than any other Old Testament book and are quoted in the New Testament more than any other.
Setting: 150 sacred songs used in temple worship; the Bible's songbook.
Key themes: worship · lament · trust · kingship · thanksgiving
Memorisation aid
How to memorise Psalms 103:12
Psalms 103:12 contains 18 words in 2 clauses. Learn one clause at a time, then chain them. The first-letter mnemonic (FLM) under each clause is a memory hook — once you can speak the FLM from memory, the full clause follows.
- 1
As far as the east is from the west
AFATEI
- 2
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
SFHHRO
Frequently asked
FAQ about Psalms 103:12
What does Psalms 103:12 say?
Psalms 103:12 reads: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." — from the Old Testament, Psalms (Hebrew poetry). The full verse is shown above with both the World English Bible (WEB) and King James Version (KJV) translations side by side.
What book of the Bible is Psalms 103:12 in?
Psalms 103:12 is in the book of Psalms, traditionally attributed to David (73 psalms), Asaph, Sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, others and written around c. 1410–430 BC (compiled over a millennium). Psalms is hebrew poetry in the Old Testament, originally addressed to All of Israel's worshipping community — and the church. Best known for Psalm 23 ("The LORD is my shepherd") and Psalm 51.
What is Psalms 103:12 about?
Psalms 103:12 is primarily a Bible verse about Forgiveness. Within Psalms, The Psalms are 150 inspired songs and prayers covering every emotion the human heart knows — praise, lament, confession, thanksgiving, anger, longing. Read the full passage above with surrounding context.
What is the difference between Psalms 103:12 in WEB and KJV?
Psalms 103:12 in the World English Bible (WEB) reads: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.". The King James Version (KJV) reads: "As far as7368 the east4217 is from the west4628, so far hath he removed7368 our transgressions6588 from us.". The WEB is a modern public-domain translation that updates the KJV's 1611 English while keeping a similar formal-equivalence style. Both render the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text.
How long is Psalms 103:12?
Psalms 103:12 is 18 words in the WEB translation (86 characters), broken into 2 clauses. It is short and well-suited to memorisation. Estimated reading time is about 5 seconds.
How can I memorise Psalms 103:12?
To memorise Psalms 103:12, split it into its 2 natural clauses and learn one at a time. Repeat the full verse out loud five times, then write it from memory. Saving the verse as a photo wallpaper using our verse image studio helps daily review — the visual association with a memorable background dramatically improves recall.
Why does Psalms 103:12 matter in Psalms?
The Psalms are 150 inspired songs and prayers covering every emotion the human heart knows — praise, lament, confession, thanksgiving, anger, longing. About half are attributed to David. The book is divided into five "books," each ending with a doxology. The Psalms shape Christian prayer more than any other Old Testament book and are quoted in the New Testament more than any other. Psalms 103:12 sits within this larger story — Psalms as a whole emphasises worship, lament, trust.
How can I apply Psalms 103:12 today?
Many readers use Psalms 103:12 as a daily reminder verse — saving it as a phone wallpaper, sharing it on Pinterest, or memorising it for prayer. The verse studio on this page lets you download Psalms 103:12 on 52 different backgrounds for free. Pair the verse with the surrounding chapter context shown above to understand its full meaning before applying it.
More designs
10 verses to read next
A fresh set of verses every visit — each on its own photo background. Tap any card to open the full study page.
-
Romans 5:8
“But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Read context →
-
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Read context →
-
Ephesians 4:32
“And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”
Read context →
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2 Chronicles 7:14
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, will fo…”
Read context →
-
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,”
Read context →
-
James 5:16
“Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.”
Read context →
-
1 Peter 4:8
“And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Read context →
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Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Read context →
-
Psalms 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.”
Read context →
-
Romans 3:23
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
Read context →
More featured verses in Psalms 103
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Psalms 23:1
“A Psalm by David. Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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Psalm 23:1
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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Psalms 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
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Psalms 27:1
“By David. Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”
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