Psalms 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ט֣וֹב
art good
H2896
ט֣וֹב
art good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
4 of 9
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
וְרַב
and plenteous
H7227
וְרַב
and plenteous
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
6 of 9
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
חֶ֝֗סֶד
in mercy
H2617
חֶ֝֗סֶד
in mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
7 of 9
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
Cross References
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.Exodus 34:6And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,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 103:8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.Psalms 25:8Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.Psalms 145:18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.Acts 2:21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.Psalms 86:15But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.Psalms 119:68Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.Psalms 130:7Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
Historical Context
This verse echoes the foundational self-revelation of God to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6). This creedal statement of divine character recurs throughout the Old Testament (Numbers 14:18, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalms 103:8, 145:8, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2), functioning as Israel's core theology. David appeals to this revealed character as basis for confident prayer.
Questions for Reflection
- How does meditating on God's goodness, forgiveness, and abundant mercy change your prayer approach?
- When have you treated God as reluctant to forgive rather than 'ready to forgive'?
- How can you extend the 'plenteous mercy' you've received to others who call upon you?
Analysis & Commentary
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. This verse grounds David's petitions in God's character, using three divine attributes that justify bold prayer. Good (tov, טוֹב) encompasses moral perfection, benevolence, and beneficial nature—God's essential character inclines toward His creatures' welfare.
Ready to forgive translates salach (סַלָּח), a verb used exclusively of divine forgiveness in the Old Testament. The phrase literally means "forgiving" or "pardoning," emphasizing God's eagerness to pardon rather than reluctance requiring persuasion. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of God's initiative in forgiveness through Christ's atoning work.
Plenteous in mercy (rav-chesed, רַב־חֶסֶד, abundant in steadfast love) describes overflowing covenant loyalty extending to all them that call upon thee. The universality of this offer—anyone who calls receives mercy—finds fulfillment in the gospel's proclamation that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21, quoting Joel 2:32).