Psalms 85:10

KJV

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed [each other].

KJV (with Strong's)

Mercy {H2617} and truth {H571} are met together {H6298}{H8738)}; righteousness {H6664} and peace {H7965} have kissed {H5401}{H8804)} each other.

Complete Jewish Bible

Grace and truth have met together; justice and peace have kissed each other.

Berean Standard Bible

Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.

American Standard Version

Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 85:10 is a profound poetic declaration of the harmonious convergence of God's essential attributes, particularly as they relate to His redemptive work and the restoration of His people. It beautifully portrays how divine mercy and truth, along with righteousness and peace, are not disparate or conflicting qualities, but rather intimately united and perfectly aligned in God's character and His salvific purposes. This verse stands as a central affirmation of hope, illustrating the divine reconciliation necessary for true spiritual and societal flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 85 is a communal lament and prayer for restoration, likely composed after the return from Babylonian exile. The psalm begins with a remembrance of God's past favor and deliverance, specifically recalling how He "brought back the captivity of Jacob" ([Psalms 85:1](/psalms/85-1 "Psalms 85:1 - God's Past Favor")). This recollection then transitions into an earnest plea for renewed divine favor and an end to current afflictions ([Psalms 85:4-7](/psalms/85-4 "Psalms 85:4-7 - Prayer for Restoration")). The psalmist expresses a confident expectation of God's answer, anticipating a word of "peace to his people" ([Psalms 85:8](/psalms/85-8 "Psalms 85:8 - Expectation of Peace")). Verse 10, therefore, serves as the theological bedrock for this anticipated peace and restoration, portraying the divine character that makes such reconciliation possible. It is immediately followed by verses that describe the flourishing of the land and the people as a direct result of this divine harmony ([Psalms 85:11-13](/psalms/85-11 "Psalms 85:11-13 - Fruits of Righteousness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic period was marked by both the joy of return and the harsh realities of rebuilding. The repatriated Israelites faced significant challenges: a desolate land, economic hardship, external opposition, and internal spiritual apathy. Though physically returned, they had not yet experienced the full, glorious restoration prophesied by the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - Comfort for Israel")). This context of longing for complete national and spiritual renewal permeates Psalms 85. The "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) they sought was not merely the absence of war but a holistic well-being encompassing prosperity, justice, and right relationship with God. The tension between God's past faithfulness and the present struggles made a theological affirmation of God's consistent character, as seen in verse 10, profoundly significant for maintaining hope and trust in His ultimate redemptive plan.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological themes central to the book of Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Harmony and Reconciliation** within God's own attributes. It asserts that God's **mercy** (His steadfast love and compassion, Hebrew _hesed_) and His **truth** (His faithfulness, integrity, and reliability, Hebrew _emet_) are not contradictory but perfectly united. Similarly, His **righteousness** (His justice and moral perfection, Hebrew _tzedeq_) and **peace** (holistic well-being and _shalom_, as seen in [Isaiah 32:17](/isaiah/32-17 "Isaiah 32:17 - Righteousness Brings Peace")) are depicted as embracing each other. Secondly, it underscores **God's Character in Salvation**. The convergence of these attributes is foundational to how God can remain just while extending grace and forgiveness, foreshadowing the ultimate reconciliation achieved through redemption. Lastly, it provides a profound **Hope for Restoration**. For a people yearning for renewal, this divine unity of attributes serves as the ultimate guarantee that God's promises of peace and prosperity will indeed be fulfilled, as His very nature ensures it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _ḥesed'_):** This rich Hebrew term denotes God's covenantal love, steadfast faithfulness, loyal devotion, and enduring compassion. It is a love that is active, committed, and often expressed in deliverance and forgiveness. In this context, it speaks to God's benevolent disposition towards His people, His willingness to forgive and restore.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _emet'_):** Signifying reliability, faithfulness, integrity, and reality. God's truth is the unchangeable foundation of His character and His promises. When mercy and truth meet, it implies that God's compassion is not arbitrary or sentimental, but grounded in His unyielding faithfulness and adherence to His own righteous character.
* **Kissed (Hebrew, _nāshaq'_):** This anthropomorphic verb powerfully conveys intimacy, affection, and reconciliation. It is not merely a casual meeting but a deep, loving embrace, signifying complete agreement and unity. This imagery emphasizes that God's justice and His desire for peace are not in conflict but are in perfect accord, expressing a profound mutual affirmation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mercy and truth are met together":** This clause presents a profound theological statement. "Mercy" (God's compassionate love and covenant faithfulness) and "truth" (His unyielding integrity, reliability, and adherence to His word) are depicted as actively converging. This meeting implies that God's compassion is never at the expense of His truth, nor does His truth negate His mercy. Instead, they are in perfect alignment, demonstrating the integrated nature of God's character. His forgiveness is always righteous, and His justice is always tempered with love.
* **"righteousness and peace have kissed [each other]":** This second clause parallels the first, extending the theme of divine harmony. "Righteousness" (God's perfect justice, moral rectitude, and adherence to His own holy standards) and "peace" (the holistic well-being, _shalom_, that results from right relationship with God and others) are personified as embracing. This "kiss" signifies a deep, affectionate union, indicating that true peace is not possible without righteousness, and righteousness ultimately leads to peace. God's justice is the very foundation upon which genuine peace is established, not its antithesis.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 85:10 is rich in **Personification**, attributing human actions and emotions ("met together," "kissed") to abstract divine attributes (mercy, truth, righteousness, peace). This vivid imagery makes profound theological concepts accessible and emotionally resonant, suggesting an active, relational dynamic between these qualities. The verse also employs a clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line ("righteousness and peace have kissed [each other]") reiterates and intensifies the concept presented in the first line ("Mercy and truth are met together"). This poetic structure emphasizes the unified and harmonious nature of God's character, reinforcing the central message of divine reconciliation and integrity. The use of **Anthropomorphism** in depicting God's attributes as human-like figures further enhances the emotional impact and relational understanding of these abstract concepts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the tension and ultimate resolution found throughout biblical theology regarding God's attributes. How can a holy and just God forgive sinful humanity without compromising His righteousness? Psalms 85:10 provides a poetic answer: in God's very being, His mercy and truth, and His righteousness and peace, are perfectly integrated and reconciled. This divine harmony is the bedrock of salvation, demonstrating that God's justice is not a barrier to His love, but rather the very means by which His love can be righteously extended. It points to a divine economy where ultimate peace is contingent upon divine justice being satisfied, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament.

* [Psalms 89:14](/psalms/89-14 "Psalms 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice are the Foundation of God's Throne")
* [Isaiah 45:8](/isaiah/45-8 "Isaiah 45:8 - Righteousness and Salvation Spring Forth")
* [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness and Justification Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 85:10 offers profound assurance and a robust foundation for faith in a world often characterized by conflict and moral ambiguity. It reminds us that the God we worship is utterly consistent and unified in His character; His attributes do not compete but cooperate in perfect harmony. This understanding should instill deep confidence in His promises and His plan for salvation. We can trust that His mercy is never at the expense of His truth, nor does His righteousness ever negate His desire for peace. For the believer, this means that the peace we receive from God is a righteous peace, secured by His justice, and extended through His unfailing love. Furthermore, this verse serves as a powerful model for human relationships and societal aspirations. As image-bearers of God, we are called to embody these same virtues, striving to be people who pursue truth with mercy, and who work for peace grounded in righteousness, thereby reflecting the very character of our Creator in our interactions and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the harmony of God's attributes in Psalms 85:10 deepen your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways does this verse provide comfort and assurance regarding God's plan for your life and for the world?**
* **How can you, as a follower of Christ, strive to embody the meeting of "mercy and truth" and the "kiss" of "righteousness and peace" in your daily interactions and community?**
* **What practical steps can you take to promote peace that is rooted in truth and righteousness, rather than compromise or avoidance?**

### FAQ
**What does "kissed each other" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "kissed each other" is a powerful anthropomorphism that signifies a deep, intimate union, complete agreement, and profound reconciliation. It suggests that righteousness and peace are not merely co-existing but are in a loving embrace, perfectly aligned and mutually affirming. This imagery emphasizes that true, holistic peace (_shalom_) is not possible without the foundation of righteousness (justice and moral rectitude), and that God's perfect justice ultimately leads to and establishes genuine peace. It’s a picture of attributes that were seemingly at odds (justice demanding punishment, peace desiring harmony) finding perfect accord in God’s character and plan.

**How does Psalms 85:10 relate to the concept of God's justice and mercy?**

Answer: Psalms 85:10 is a pivotal verse for understanding the intricate relationship between God's justice and His mercy. It asserts that these attributes, often perceived as opposing forces, are in fact perfectly reconciled within God's character. "Mercy and truth are met together" indicates that God's compassionate love (mercy) is always consistent with His faithfulness and integrity (truth). Similarly, "righteousness and peace have kissed [each other]" shows that God's perfect justice (righteousness) is the very foundation upon which true peace is established. This verse resolves the tension by demonstrating that God's justice does not negate His mercy, nor does His mercy compromise His justice; rather, they work in perfect harmony to achieve His redemptive purposes, ultimately making a way for sinful humanity to experience peace with a holy God. This divine harmony is crucial for understanding the mechanism of salvation, where God remains just while justifying the ungodly, as seen in [Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and the Justifier").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 85:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "meeting" of mercy and truth and the "kiss" of righteousness and peace, which seemed an impossible reconciliation for fallen humanity, became a glorious reality at the cross. In Christ, God's perfect **righteousness** was fully satisfied through His obedient life and atoning death, bearing the penalty for sin that justice demanded ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")). Simultaneously, God's boundless **mercy** was poured out upon humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")). The **truth** of God's promises and His unwavering character were perfectly upheld and demonstrated in Christ, who is Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). As a result of this divine convergence at Calvary, humanity can now experience genuine **peace** with God, a peace that transcends understanding because it is founded on a righteous reconciliation ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")). Thus, in Jesus, the seemingly disparate attributes of God harmoniously converged, making salvation possible and bringing about the ultimate _shalom_ between God and humanity.

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

Proverbs 3:3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Psalms 89:14

Justice and judgment [are] the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

Isaiah 32:16

Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

Isaiah 32:18

And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

Psalms 100:5

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

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.