Psalms 130:3
If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
Study Note
Study Note
The rhetorical question 'if you, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?' anticipates its own answer: no one — and therefore forgiveness, not merit, must be the basis of any relationship with God. The De Profundis (Psalm 130) is one of the seven Penitential Psalms in Christian tradition, and this verse has been foundational in articulating the logic of grace: human standing before God depends entirely on divine pardon. Luther cited this psalm repeatedly in articulating his doctrine of justification, noting that even the most righteous person cannot survive divine scrutiny. Romans 3:23 ('all have sinned and fall short') and Romans 3:20 ('by works of the law no flesh will be justified') develop the same theological logic.
Other Translations
If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
If iniquities Thou dost observe, O Lord, who doth stand?
O Jah, if you took note of every sin, who would go free?
Cross References
I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove …
If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.
What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be …
Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath …
Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured …
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like …