Psalms 62:12
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Original Language Analysis
אֲדֹנָ֥י
Also unto thee O Lord
H136
אֲדֹנָ֥י
Also unto thee O Lord
Strong's:
H136
Word #:
2 of 8
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
חָ֑סֶד
belongeth mercy
H2617
חָ֑סֶד
belongeth mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
3 of 8
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תְשַׁלֵּ֖ם
for thou renderest
H7999
תְשַׁלֵּ֖ם
for thou renderest
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
6 of 8
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
Cross References
Matthew 16:27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.Psalms 103:8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.Job 34:11For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.Revelation 22:12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.Psalms 86:15But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.Proverbs 24:12If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?Romans 2:6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:1 Corinthians 3:8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.Daniel 9:9To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;
Historical Context
The doctrine of judgment according to works appears throughout Scripture (Ecclesiastes 12:14, Matthew 16:27, Revelation 20:12), requiring careful integration with justification by faith. Works are evidence, not basis, of salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile salvation by grace with judgment according to works?
- What does God's mercy 'belonging' to Him reveal about its availability?
Analysis & Commentary
The affirmation 'Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy' balances verse 11's power. The foundation for final judgment appears: 'thou renderest to every man according to his work.' This appears to contradict salvation by grace until recognizing that believers' works flow from grace, tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). God's mercy determines standing; works evidence genuine faith.