Psalms 145:8

The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

The LORD {H3068} is gracious {H2587}, and full of compassion {H7349}; slow {H750} to anger {H639}, and of great {H1419} mercy {H2617}.

ADONAI is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and great in grace.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.

Jehovah is gracious, and merciful; Slow to anger, and of great lovingkindness.

Commentary

Psalm 145:8 is a profound declaration of God's character, forming a central tenet of Old Testament theology. This verse is part of a magnificent psalm of praise, attributed to King David, which extols the greatness and goodness of the LORD. It paints a picture of a benevolent and patient God, inviting all creation to worship Him.

Context

Psalm 145 is unique as it is the only psalm in the KJV explicitly titled "David's Psalm of Praise." It is an acrostic psalm, meaning each successive verse (or pair of verses in some translations) begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, emphasizing comprehensive and orderly praise. This particular verse, 145:8, stands as a foundational statement about God's nature, echoing earlier divine self-revelations. It's a cornerstone for understanding the LORD's disposition towards humanity and His creation, emphasizing His accessibility and compassion rather than just His transcendence and power.

Key Themes

  • God's Graciousness: The LORD's inherent disposition is to give favor and kindness freely, not based on human merit. This speaks to His unearned generosity and benevolence towards His creation.
  • Divine Compassion: God is deeply empathetic and full of tender pity, particularly towards those in need or distress. This attribute highlights His active concern for the well-being of His people.
  • Patience and Forbearance: His "slowness to anger" reveals His immense patience and long-suffering nature. Despite human sin and rebellion, God does not quickly unleash His wrath, providing ample opportunity for repentance.
  • Abundant Mercy: The phrase "of great mercy" (or "abounding in steadfast love" in other translations) points to God's unfailing, loyal love and kindness. It signifies His covenant faithfulness and willingness to forgive and restore.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse provide deeper layers of meaning:

  • Gracious (chanun): This term implies a bending down in kindness to an inferior, showing favor and goodwill. It speaks of God's free and unmerited favor.
  • Full of compassion (rachum): Derived from the word for "womb," this signifies a deep, tender, parental affection and pity, akin to a mother's love for her child. It conveys a profound, visceral sympathy.
  • Slow to anger (erech appayim): Literally "long of nostrils" or "long of face," this idiomatic expression denotes patience and forbearance. It means God is not quick to become angry or to punish, but endures human sin with great longsuffering.
  • Great mercy (chesed): One of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, chesed refers to steadfast love, loyal kindness, and unfailing mercy, especially within the context of a covenant relationship. It is a love that endures and is faithful to promises.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully encapsulates attributes of God that are declared throughout Scripture. The very phrasing of "gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy" echoes the profound self-revelation of God to Moses in Exodus 34:6, which became a foundational creed for Israel. This steadfast love (chesed) is further emphasized in Lamentations 3:22-23, assuring believers of God's unfailing mercies each morning.

Practical Application

Understanding these divine attributes from Psalm 145:8 has profound implications for daily life:

  • Foundation for Trust: Knowing God is gracious, compassionate, patient, and merciful builds confidence and trust in His character, especially during times of struggle or when seeking forgiveness.
  • Encouragement to Repent: His slowness to anger and great mercy provide hope for those who have sinned, inviting them to turn back to Him with assurance of His willingness to forgive.
  • Call to Imitation: As believers, we are called to reflect God's character. This verse encourages us to be gracious, compassionate, patient, and merciful in our interactions with others, mirroring the divine nature we worship.
  • Motivation for Worship: These glorious attributes compel us to praise and adore the LORD for who He is, not just for what He does.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 14:18

    The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].

  • Psalms 103:8

    The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

  • Psalms 86:5

    For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

  • Psalms 100:5

    For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.

  • Psalms 116:5

    Gracious [is] the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God [is] merciful.

  • Psalms 86:15

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

  • Micah 7:18

    Who [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.