No. The phrase “as far as the east is from the west” is not a New Testament verse.
It comes from the Old Testament—specifically Psalm 103:12, a psalm of David about the completeness of God’s forgiveness.
Where it comes from
The wording is found in the Psalms, which are part of the Old Testament, not the New Testament. Psalm 103 is identified as a psalm of David, and the line is taken from Psalm 103:12.
Psalm 103:12 — “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Correcting a common mix-up
This line is often quoted as if it were from the New Testament, but the reference is Old Testament—Psalm 103. If you see it cited without a reference (or assumed to be New Testament), Psalm 103:12 is the source.
What the image means
The verse uses the picture of “east” and “west” because east and west never meet. That makes the distance between them feel limitless and immeasurable. In Psalm 103:12, that image is applied to forgiveness: the separation between a forgiven person and their transgressions is portrayed as beyond measurement.
Main point of the verse
The point of Psalm 103:12 is the completeness of God’s forgiveness. It says that God removes the forgiven sinner’s transgressions completely and forever—so fully that the sins are pictured as being taken an immeasurable distance away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “as far as the east is from the west” in the New Testament?
No. Although it is often quoted as if it were New Testament, it is from the Old Testament, in Psalm 103:12.
What is the exact Bible reference for the phrase?
Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Why does the verse mention east and west?
East and west never meet, so the image points to a limitless, immeasurable distance. The verse uses that picture to describe how completely transgressions are removed.
What is Psalm 103:12 saying about forgiveness?
Its point is that God removes the forgiven sinner’s transgressions completely and forever—portrayed as being taken as far away as “the east” is from “the west.”
Why do people sometimes think it is a New Testament verse?
The line is frequently quoted without careful reference, and it is sometimes spoken of as if it were from the New Testament. The important note is that it is Old Testament—Psalm 103.