Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 86:5
“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
NIV · New International Version
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
WEB · World English Bible
For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
What does Psalms 86:5 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good,.... Essentially and independently good, from whom every good and perfect gift comes; good in himself, and good to others; good to all, in a providential way; and good to his own special people in a way of grace: this is asserted by Christ, Matthew 19:17. and ready to forgive; there is forgiveness with him, and it is to be had without difficulty; he has largely provided for it; he is forward unto it, he freely giving it; it is according to the riches of his grace; he does abundantly pardon; no sooner is it asked but it is had; this David knew by experience, Psalm 32:5, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee; in truth, in sincerity, in a right way…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 86:2–8 (WEB)
2Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you. 3Be merciful to me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4Bring joy to the soul of your servant, for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you. 6Hear, LORD, my prayer. Listen to the voice of my petitions. 7In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me. 8There is no one like you among the gods, Lord, nor any deeds like your deeds.
Cross references
- Psalms 145:8–9
- Joel 2:13
Tear your heart and not your garments, and turn to the LORD, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.
- Exodus 34:6
The LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, “The LORD! The LORD, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth,
- Psalms 103:8
- Nehemiah 9:17
and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn’t forsake them.
- Acts 2:21
It will be that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
- 1 John 4:8–9
He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.
- Ezekiel 36:37
“‘The Lord GOD says: “For this, moreover, I will be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them: I will increase them with men like a flock.