Psalms 18:25
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
Original Language Analysis
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
1 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
חָסִ֥יד
With the merciful
H2623
חָסִ֥יד
With the merciful
Strong's:
H2623
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)
תִּתְחַסָּ֑ד
thou wilt shew thyself merciful
H2616
תִּתְחַסָּ֑ד
thou wilt shew thyself merciful
Strong's:
H2616
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, perhaps to bow (the neck only [compare h2603] in courtesy to an equal), i.e., to be kind; also (by euphemistically [compare h1288], but rare
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Matthew 5:7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.Psalms 62:12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.Nehemiah 9:17And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.1 Kings 8:32Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.
Historical Context
Wisdom literature principle that God's dealings match human heart attitudes—not earning salvation but experiencing consequences and blessings of faithfulness or rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see God's character reflecting your posture toward Him?
- In what ways does your faithfulness affect your experience of God's faithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
This begins a section on God's reciprocal dealings: with the faithful He shows Himself faithful. The Hebrew 'chasid' (faithful/loyal) refers to covenant loyalty. This principle appears throughout Scripture—God responds to people according to their heart toward Him (though salvation remains grace alone). This anticipates Jesus' teaching that the measure you use will be used for you (Matthew 7:2). God's character reflects back our posture.