Psalm 86 15

Psalm 86:15 kjv

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Psalm 86:15 nkjv

But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.

Psalm 86:15 niv

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Psalm 86:15 esv

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Psalm 86:15 nlt

But you, O Lord,
are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

Psalm 86 verses

Psalm 86 15 Meaning

Psalm 86:15 declares the unchanging character of God as supremely compassionate and faithful. It presents Him as a merciful and gracious Being, patient in His dealings, overflowing with steadfast love, and absolutely trustworthy in all His ways. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of God's divine attributes, offering a source of comfort and trust to those who call upon Him.

Psalm 86 15 Context

Psalm 86 is a deeply personal lament and petition from David, crying out for deliverance from enemies and distress. The psalm begins with an earnest appeal to God, based on the psalmist's humility and dependence (vv. 1-7). He praises God's uniqueness and power (vv. 8-10), and asks for guidance and an undivided heart (vv. 11-13), recalling God's past mercies. Amidst his cry for help against his oppressors (v. 14), verse 15 serves as a theological anchor and basis for his plea. It is not an assertion of David's righteousness, but a profound statement about the unchanging character of God Himself, which gives him hope despite his circumstances. This declaration about God's attributes is rooted in God's self-revelation to Moses at Sinai (Exod 34:6-7), making it a core Israelite theological "credo" frequently recited and invoked in times of national and individual distress, particularly during acts of repentance or appeals for intervention. It provides the foundation for expecting God's aid and deliverance.

Psalm 86 15 Word analysis

• But (וְאַתָּה, v'attah): The Hebrew "and you" serves as a strong adversative conjunction here, introducing a powerful contrast. While adversaries oppress the psalmist (v. 14), God's character is steadfast and fundamentally different. It pivots the focus from human malice to divine benevolence.

• You (אַתָּה, attah): This is a direct, personal address, emphasizing the psalmist's relationship with God and the specific identity of the God to whom he appeals.

• O Lord (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai): This title refers to God as the sovereign Master, emphasizing His authority and control. It signifies a respectful and reverent address, often used when an individual makes a request or acknowledges divine lordship. It contrasts with the covenant name YHWH, highlighting a supplicant's position before the absolute ruler.

• are a God (אֵל, El): Refers to God as mighty, powerful, and supreme. El denotes strength and divinity, acknowledging Him as the singular, true divine being.

• merciful (רַחוּם, rachum): Derived from the root racham (womb, bowels), signifying a deep, tender, parental compassion or pity. It is an affection that moves one to relieve suffering. This mercy is innate and fundamental to God's nature.

• and gracious (וְחַנּוּן, v'channun): From chanan (to show favor, be kind). This refers to God actively bestowing unmerited favor, grace, and active help, particularly towards the needy and undeserving. It signifies an action flowing from His inherent goodness.

• slow to anger (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, erekh appayim): Literally "long of nostrils" or "long of face." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a quick breath through the nostrils symbolized anger (flaring nostrils). Thus, "long of nostrils" means patiently refraining from expressing wrath, having great patience and forbearance before enacting judgment, giving opportunity for repentance.

• and abounding in steadfast love (וְרַב־חֶסֶד, v'rav chesed): "Great in loyal love" or "much covenant loyalty/kindness." Chesed (often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," "mercy") is a rich Hebrew term referring to covenantal faithfulness, loyal devotion, and a kindness that endures. It’s love that remains committed, even when the object of love is unfaithful. "Abounding" (rav) emphasizes its great quantity and fullness.

• and faithfulness (וֶאֱמֶת, v'emet): "Truth," "firmness," "reliability," "trustworthiness." This refers to God's unwavering reliability and integrity. He is consistent with His word and His promises; His character is stable and dependable.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "But you, O Lord, are a God": This powerful opening shifts the focus entirely to God's nature, serving as an assertion of faith in His immutable character despite surrounding chaos or personal distress. It highlights God's distinctness from earthly powers or even human failings.
  • "merciful and gracious": These two attributes are frequently paired and define God's posture towards humanity. "Merciful" is deeply empathetic, "gracious" is active benevolence. Together, they depict God's profound, undeserved kindness towards His creation, particularly His people.
  • "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness": This grouping expresses God's patient endurance and His deep, abiding commitment. His slowness to anger grants room for repentance, while His overflowing hesed underscores His covenant loyalty. His emet provides the ultimate assurance that all these attributes are true, constant, and unfailing. This triad defines the enduring nature of God's covenant relationship with His people.

Psalm 86 15 Bonus section

• Theological Foundation: This verse, mirroring Exod 34:6, became a cornerstone of Israelite theology. It's often referred to as a "formula" of divine attributes, regularly repeated throughout the Old Testament to define God's unchanging covenantal character (e.g., Psa 103:8, 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2). Its repetition highlights its significance for the faith of Israel and provides hope for divine intervention based purely on God's nature.
• Antithesis to Pagan Deities: In a world filled with capricious, vengeful, and unreliable pagan gods, the God described in Psalm 86:15 stands in stark contrast. He is consistently merciful, predictably gracious, forbearing, limitlessly loving, and eternally true. This consistency provides a unique basis for trust and relationship not found in contemporary polytheistic beliefs.
• Rooted in Sinai: The fact that this specific combination of attributes was revealed to Moses after the Golden Calf incident (Exod 34:6) emphasizes that God's mercy and steadfast love are not conditional on human obedience but are intrinsic to His being, revealed especially when His people fail. It establishes His character as a basis for renewed covenant relationship.
• Balance of Attributes: The attributes presented are perfectly balanced: His patience (slow to anger) is complemented by His deep love (steadfast love), and His benevolence (merciful and gracious) is anchored by His unyielding truthfulness (faithfulness). This reveals a God who is both loving and just, powerful yet restrained in His power to destroy.

Psalm 86 15 Commentary

Psalm 86:15 encapsulates one of the most vital self-declarations of God in the Old Testament, stemming directly from Exodus 34:6-7. It functions as a foundational theological "credo" for Israel, not merely describing what God does, but profoundly stating who He is. The psalmist appeals not to his own worthiness, but to the very nature of God, presenting these five divine attributes as the secure basis for his petition for help. This is not an abstract theological statement; it's a cry born of desperate need, resting on absolute confidence in God's character. His "merciful" (rachum) nature denotes deep, tender compassion; His "gracious" (channun) aspect signifies active, unmerited favor. His "slowness to anger" points to divine patience and forbearance, always offering room for repentance. Coupled with these are "abounding steadfast love" (rav-chesed), emphasizing His overflowing covenant faithfulness and loyal devotion, and finally, "faithfulness" (emet), which speaks to His absolute reliability and truthfulness. This verse assures believers that even when facing overwhelming trials, their ultimate recourse is to the God whose character guarantees His responsiveness and commitment. It teaches reliance on who God is, rather than on fleeting circumstances or personal merit.