Psalms 86:15
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
Original Language Analysis
אֲ֭דֹנָי
But thou O Lord
H136
אֲ֭דֹנָי
But thou O Lord
Strong's:
H136
Word #:
2 of 10
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
אֵל
art a God
H410
אֵל
art a God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
3 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
אַ֝פַּ֗יִם
H639
אַ֝פַּ֗יִם
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וְרַב
and plenteous
H7227
וְרַב
and plenteous
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
8 of 10
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
Psalms 130:7Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.Ephesians 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;Psalms 103:8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.Psalms 86:5For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.Joel 2:13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.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.Psalms 145:8The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.Micah 7:18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.Psalms 85:10Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.Psalms 111:4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
Historical Context
Exodus 34:6-7 is cited repeatedly in the OT (Numbers 14:18, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 103:8, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2), becoming Israel's core confession of God's character. Whenever they faced judgment or distress, they appealed to this revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does meditating on God's character (compassion, grace, patience) transform your response to enemies?
- Which of these five attributes (compassion, grace, patience, mercy, faithfulness) do you most need to trust right now?
- How does God's "longsuffering" with his enemies inform how you should treat yours?
Analysis & Commentary
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious (וְאַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֵל־רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן, ve-attah Adonai El-rachum ve-channun)—Rachum means compassionate, merciful; channun means gracious, showing favor. Longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם וְרַב־חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת, erekh appayim ve-rav-chesed ve-emet)—Erekh appayim literally means "long of nostrils," i.e., slow to anger; rav-chesed means abundant in covenant love; emet means truth, faithfulness.
This verse quotes Exodus 34:6, God's self-revelation to Moses after the golden calf. David contrasts his godless enemies (v. 14) with God's compassionate character. The fivefold description emphasizes divine patience and reliability. Despite enemy violence, God remains merciful. This isn't weakness but strength—he could destroy rebels instantly but offers grace instead.