For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Wesley's Notes

103:11 So great - So much above their deserts and expectations.

King James Translators' Notes

as...: Heb. according to the height of the heaven

Scofield Reference Notes

Margin fear

Also Ps 103:13, See Scofield Note: "Ps 19:9".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

11. great-efficient.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

103:6-14 Truly God is good to all: he is in a special manner good to Israel. He has revealed himself and his grace to them. By his ways we may understand his precepts, the ways he requires us to walk in; and his promises and purposes. He always has been full of compassion. How unlike are those to God, who take every occasion to chide, and never know when to cease! What would become of us, if God should deal so with us? The Scripture says a great deal of the mercy of God, and we all have experienced it. The father pities his children that are weak in knowledge, and teaches them; pities them when they are froward, and bears with them; pities them when they are sick, and comforts them; pities them when they are fallen, and helps them to rise; pities them when they have offended, and, upon their submission, forgives them; pities them when wronged, and rights them: thus the Lord pities those that fear him. See why he pities. He considers the frailty of our bodies, and the folly of our souls, how little we can do, how little we can bear; in all which his compassion appears.