Psalms 100:5

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ט֣וֹב

H2896

is good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

יְ֭הוָֹה

H3068

For the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְעוֹלָ֣ם

H5769

is everlasting

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

חַסְדּ֑וֹ

H2617

his mercy

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

וָ֝דֹ֗ר

H1755

endureth to all

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וָ֝דֹ֗ר

H1755

endureth to all

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

אֱמוּנָתֽוֹ׃

H530

and his truth

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing truth contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?
What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?