Psalms 36:5

KJV

¶ Thy mercy, O LORD, [is] in the heavens; [and] thy faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy mercy {H2617}, O LORD {H3068}, is in the heavens {H8064}; and thy faithfulness {H530} reacheth unto the clouds {H7834}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, in the heavens is your grace; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Berean Standard Bible

Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.

American Standard Version

Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, is in the heavens; Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the skies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 36:5 stands as a glorious declaration of God's infinite character, providing a profound contrast to the pervasive sinfulness of humanity described in the preceding verses. The psalmist masterfully shifts the focus from the depravity of the wicked to the perfection of the Divine, proclaiming the immeasurable expanse of the LORD's steadfast love and the unwavering reliability of His faithfulness. This pivotal verse inaugurates a section of the Psalm that magnifies God's transcendent goodness, His life-giving light, and His abundant provision, establishing a foundational truth about His compassionate and utterly dependable nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 36 is ingeniously structured in two distinct, contrasting movements that amplify each other's theological weight. Verses 1-4 meticulously detail the ungodly nature and self-deceiving schemes of the wicked, portraying their utter disregard for God and their pervasive moral corruption. Verse 5 marks an abrupt and breathtaking transition, pivoting the psalmist's gaze from the darkness of human rebellion to the radiant light of divine perfection. This verse initiates the second major section (verses 5-9), a magnificent hymn of praise celebrating God's attributes, which then culminates in a prayer for the righteous (verses 10-12). Thus, [Psalm 36:5](/psalms/36-5 "Psalm 36:5 - The Boundless Mercy and Faithfulness of God") serves as the crucial hinge, moving the reader from the bleak reality of human sin to the glorious truth of God's character, thereby setting the stage for a rich exposition of His lovingkindness, righteousness, and justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rich imagery of "heavens" and "clouds" in ancient Israelite cosmology was deeply symbolic, conveying concepts of transcendence, vastness, and the very dwelling place of God. The heavens were perceived as God's exalted abode, a realm beyond human reach and comprehension, signifying His supreme authority, majesty, and uncontainable nature. Clouds, frequently associated with divine presence and glory (e.g., the [pillar of cloud guiding Israel](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - Pillar of Cloud by Day") or God's appearance on Mount Sinai in [Exodus 19:9](/exodus/19-9 "Exodus 19:9 - The Lord Comes in a Thick Cloud")), represented the loftiness, mystery, and sometimes the protective shroud of God's actions. Furthermore, the concepts of "mercy" (Hebrew: *chesed*) and "faithfulness" (Hebrew: *emunah*) were foundational to Israel's understanding of God's covenant relationship with His people. *Chesed* was not mere pity, but a steadfast, loyal, and active love rooted in covenant promises, while *emunah* underscored God's absolute reliability, truthfulness, and unwavering commitment to upholding those promises. This verse, therefore, draws upon a deeply embedded theological vocabulary and cosmic imagery familiar to its original audience, emphasizing God's character as the unshakeable foundation of their existence and hope.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalm 36](/psalms/36 "Psalm 36 - The Wicked and God's Goodness") as a whole, and verse 5 in particular, powerfully contribute to several key theological themes: the **transcendence and immeasurability of God's attributes**, the **stark contrast between human sin and divine perfection**, and the **foundational nature of God's covenant loyalty**. By declaring that God's mercy is "in the heavens" and His faithfulness "reacheth unto the clouds," the psalmist employs powerful hyperbole to convey that these divine qualities are not merely great but infinite, boundless, and utterly beyond any earthly measure or human limitation. This boundless nature of God's goodness stands in stark opposition to the finite, self-serving, and destructive evil described in [Psalm 36:1-4](/psalms/36-1-4 "Psalm 36:1-4 - The Transgression of the Wicked"). Moreover, the emphasis on "mercy" (*chesed*) and "faithfulness" (*emunah*) highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, providing a secure refuge and abundant life for those who trust in Him, as further elaborated in the subsequent verses of praise, such as [Psalm 36:7-9](/psalms/36-7-9 "Psalm 36:7-9 - The Abundance of God's House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This profound Hebrew term (H2617) is often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "covenant loyalty." It signifies far more than mere pity or compassion; it describes God's active, faithful, and enduring love, particularly within the context of His covenant relationship with His people. It is a love that is committed, reliable, and always seeks the well-being of the beloved, even when undeserved, demonstrating an unwavering loyalty.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal name of God (H3068), often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," derived from the root "to be." It signifies "the self-Existent One" or "the Eternal One," emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, His unchanging nature, and His covenant-keeping character. The use of "LORD" here underscores that these boundless attributes of mercy and faithfulness belong to the one true, living, and eternal God who reveals Himself to His people.
* **Faithfulness (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H530) conveys the idea of firmness, reliability, trustworthiness, and truth. It is derived from the same root as "Amen," signifying certainty and affirmation. When applied to God, *emunah* stresses His unwavering adherence to His promises, His unchanging character, and His absolute dependability. It assures believers that God will always act in accordance with His revealed nature and spoken word, providing a secure foundation for trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens":** This clause declares the immeasurable and transcendent nature of God's *chêçêd* (steadfast love). By locating His mercy "in the heavens," the psalmist employs hyperbole to convey that it is not confined by earthly boundaries or human limitations. It is as vast and high as the celestial expanse, signifying its infinite depth, freeness, and divine origin. This mercy flows from God's very being, reaching down to humanity from His glorious throne, utterly unearned and freely given.
* **"and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds":** Complementing the first clause, this phrase emphasizes the boundless reach and unwavering reliability of God's *ʼĕmûwnâh* (faithfulness). The clouds, high above the earth, serve as another powerful metaphor for the supreme height and vastness of God's truth and dependability. Just as the clouds cover the earth, God's faithfulness encompasses all things, providing a secure and unshakeable foundation for all His promises and actions. It is a faithfulness that never wavers, never fails, and extends to every corner of creation and every moment of time, ensuring His word is always true.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 36:5 is profoundly enriched by its masterful use of literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where the psalmist exaggerates the spatial reach of God's attributes ("in the heavens," "unto the clouds") to convey their infinite, boundless, and immeasurable nature. This is further reinforced by vivid **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, as the heavens and clouds serve as powerful visual representations of transcendence, vastness, and divine majesty, elevating God's mercy and faithfulness far beyond human comprehension or earthly limitations. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens"). This poetic structure uses different but related cosmic imagery to underscore the same core truth about God's boundless character, creating a sense of balance and emphasizing the complementary nature of these two foundational divine attributes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 36:5 offers profound comfort and unshakeable assurance, especially when juxtaposed with the instability, brokenness, and unreliability of the human condition described earlier in the Psalm. It serves as a powerful reminder that while human love can falter, promises can be broken, and trust can be betrayed, God's character remains eternally steadfast and true. His mercy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, covenantal love that extends infinitely, encompassing all creation, and His faithfulness is an unshakeable anchor in a world of constant flux and uncertainty. This verse calls us to lift our gaze beyond earthly troubles and uncertainties, to fix our hope on the vastness of God's unchanging nature. It underscores that God's very being is characterized by unfailing love and absolute truth, providing the ultimate source of security, hope, and life for all who trust in Him, inviting us into a relationship founded on His perfect reliability.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "The Steadfast Love of the LORD Never Ceases")
* [Psalm 103:11](/psalms/103-11 "God's Mercy is Great Toward Those Who Fear Him")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "God Remains Faithful Even When We Are Faithless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 36:5 invites us to dwell deeply on the magnificent and boundless character of God, a truth particularly vital in a world often marked by inconsistency, betrayal, and fleeting affections. When we are confronted with the harsh realities of human sin, the failures of others, or even our own personal shortcomings and doubts, this verse serves as a powerful and liberating reminder that God's mercy is not limited by our inadequacies, and His faithfulness is not diminished by our wavering. It encourages us to cultivate a deeper, more profound trust in a God whose love is as vast as the heavens and whose promises are as firm and reliable as the clouds are high. Reflecting on this truth should inspire profound worship, humble gratitude for such an unfailing God, and unwavering confidence in His good purposes. It challenges us to live in light of His boundless attributes, extending mercy to others as we have so richly received it, and striving for faithfulness in our own commitments, knowing that our ultimate hope and security rest in His unwavering goodness and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the stark contrast between the depravity of the wicked (Psalm 36:1-4) and the boundless character of God (Psalm 36:5) deepen your appreciation for God's mercy and faithfulness?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more fully trust in God's boundless mercy and unwavering faithfulness, especially when circumstances seem uncertain?**
* **How does the imagery of "heavens" and "clouds" expand your understanding of God's transcendence, His active presence, and His limitless capacity to care for you?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live more consistently in the light of God's infinite love and truth, perhaps by extending mercy or demonstrating faithfulness to others?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist emphasize God's attributes reaching "in the heavens" and "unto the clouds" rather than simply stating they are great?**

Answer: The psalmist uses this elevated language and cosmic imagery to convey the **immeasurable, transcendent, and absolute nature** of God's mercy (*chêçêd*) and faithfulness (*ʼĕmûwnâh*). Simply stating they are "great" would not capture the infinite, uncontainable quality that the psalmist intends. By placing these attributes "in the heavens" and reaching "unto the clouds," the psalmist employs **hyperbole** to signify that God's steadfast love and faithfulness are not bound by earthly limitations or human comprehension. They are divine, originating from God's very being, and are as vast and uncontainable as the sky itself. This emphasizes God's supreme majesty and His unwavering reliability, providing an unshakeable foundation for trust and hope, especially when contrasted with the finite and fleeting nature of human depravity described earlier in [Psalm 36](/psalms/36 "Psalm 36 - The Wicked and God's Goodness"). It assures us that God's character is utterly dependable and beyond any earthly measure, a truth also echoed in passages like [Psalm 103:11](/psalms/103-11 "Psalm 103:11 - As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 36:5, with its magnificent declaration of God's boundless mercy and unwavering faithfulness, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's *chêçêd*, the steadfast love that descended from the heavens to dwell among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The cross of Calvary stands as the supreme, cosmic demonstration of God's mercy reaching to the very depths of human sin, where Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the penalty for our transgressions, proving God's love for us while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")). Furthermore, Jesus is the "Amen," the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), in whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). His resurrection from the dead and His ascension to the heavens confirm God's faithfulness to His ancient covenant promises, demonstrating that His truth reaches beyond death and into eternal life. Thus, in Christ, the mercy "in the heavens" and the faithfulness "unto the clouds" are not merely poetic expressions but living, historical realities, revealing the very heart of God for humanity and providing the unshakeable foundation for our salvation and eternal hope ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 100:5

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

Psalms 108:4

For thy mercy [is] great above the heavens: and thy truth [reacheth] unto the clouds.

Psalms 103:11

For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Psalms 57:10

For thy mercy [is] great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

Psalms 89:2

For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Hebrews 6:20

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.