Psalms 86:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou, O Lord {H136}, art a God {H410} full of compassion {H7349}, and gracious {H2587}, longsuffering {H750}{H639}, and plenteous {H7227} in mercy {H2617} and truth {H571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, Adonai, are a merciful, compassionate God, slow to anger and rich in grace and truth.

Berean Standard Bible

But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.

American Standard Version

But thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:15 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's unchanging and benevolent character, serving as a theological anchor within David's earnest prayer for deliverance. In this pivotal verse, the psalmist shifts from a posture of desperate petition to one of confident praise, grounding his hope and appeal not in his own merit or strength, but in the steadfast, revealed attributes of the Lord: His abundant compassion, unmerited grace, patient longsuffering, overflowing mercy, and unwavering truthfulness. This concise yet comprehensive statement encapsulates the very essence of God's covenantal faithfulness and serves as a foundational truth for all who seek Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 86 is a deeply personal lament and prayer of David, categorized as a "prayer of an afflicted man" (v. 1). Throughout the psalm, David expresses his distress, appeals for God's attention and help (e.g., in [Psalm 86:1](/psalms/86-1 "Psalm 86:1 - David's Plea for Mercy") and [Psalm 86:6](/psalms/86-6 "Psalm 86:6 - Hear My Prayer")), and contrasts his own weakness and need with God's incomparable greatness and power (e.g., as seen in [Psalm 86:8-10](/psalms/86-8-10 "Psalm 86:8-10 - God's Uniqueness and Power")). Verse 15 marks a significant turn in the psalm, moving from a plea for rescue from enemies (e.g., [Psalm 86:14](/psalms/86-14 "Psalm 86:14 - Enemies Oppress David")) to a confident affirmation of God's character. This declaration is the theological bedrock upon which David's hope rests, providing the rationale for why he believes God will indeed hear and answer his fervent prayers, despite his dire circumstances. It functions as a powerful invocation of God's self-revelation, echoing foundational truths about the Lord's identity that provide profound assurance in times of crisis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The attributes listed in Psalms 86:15 are not arbitrary but echo a foundational self-revelation of God to Moses in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses") after the golden calf incident, a moment where Israel's covenant with God was almost irrevocably broken. This profound revelation established the very nature of God's covenantal relationship with His people—one marked by enduring love and faithfulness despite their rebellion. In the ancient Near East, deities were often portrayed as capricious, demanding, and unpredictable, but the God of Israel is consistently portrayed as merciful, just, and unwavering in His character. David, as king, understood the immense weight of divine favor and the critical importance of God's character for the well-being and stability of his nation. His appeal to these specific attributes reflects a deep understanding of Israel's covenant history and the unique nature of Yahweh compared to surrounding pagan gods. The cultural context emphasizes the significance of a king appealing to the established character of his divine suzerain, not merely for personal gain, but for the stability and blessing of his reign and people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Character and Attributes**, presenting a comprehensive summary of God's benevolent nature, which serves as the ultimate basis for all hope and trust. It underscores God's **Covenantal Faithfulness** (His *ḥeseḏ* and *’emeth*), assuring believers that He remains true to His promises despite human failings. The theme of **Divine Compassion and Grace** is central, highlighting God's tenderhearted pity and unmerited favor toward His people, especially in their weakness and sin. Furthermore, the inclusion of "longsuffering" points to God's **Patience and Forbearance**, emphasizing His willingness to delay judgment and extend opportunities for repentance. This comprehensive description of God's character provides the theological foundation for David's **Confidence in Prayer** and the ultimate **Hope in God's Deliverance**, reinforcing that God's actions are always consistent with His revealed nature. These themes resonate throughout the Psalms, particularly in declarations like [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious") and [Psalm 145:8](/psalms/145-8 "Psalm 145:8 - God's Character of Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Compassion (Hebrew, _rachûwm'_):** Derived from the root meaning "womb," this term (H7349) denotes a deep, visceral tenderness and empathetic pity, akin to a mother's affection for her child. It signifies God's profound, active concern that moves Him to relieve suffering and show kindness, indicating not merely a feeling but an inclination to act on behalf of the distressed, making Him "full of compassion" and "merciful."
* **Longsuffering (Hebrew, _’ârêk ’aph'_):** This compound phrase (H750, H639) literally translates to "long of nose" or "slow to anger," as anger was associated with flaring nostrils. It powerfully denotes God's immense patience, forbearance, and restraint in the face of human sin, rebellion, and provocation. This attribute highlights His willingness to delay judgment and provide ample opportunity for repentance rather than immediate retribution.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** A cornerstone theological term (H2617) often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," or "covenant loyalty." It signifies God's enduring, faithful, and active kindness, rooted in His covenant relationship with His people. This attribute describes a loyal, unwavering love that persists despite human unfaithfulness, demonstrating God's commitment to His promises and His people, encompassing favor, good deeds, and merciful kindness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou, O Lord, [art] a God":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a stark contrast ("But thou") with David's own weakness and the malevolence of his enemies, shifting the focus entirely to God. The direct address "O Lord" (Adonai, H136) emphasizes God's sovereign authority and David's personal, intimate relationship with Him. It sets the stage for a profound declaration of divine attributes, affirming God's unique and supreme nature (ʼêl, H410).
* **"full of compassion, and gracious,":** Here, the psalmist begins to unpack God's character. "Full of compassion" (_rachûwm_, H7349) highlights God's deep, empathetic pity and tender care for His creation, especially those in distress. "Gracious" (_channûwn_, H2587) describes God's willingness to bend down to help the needy, to bestow unmerited favor and kindness, particularly to those who are undeserving or helpless. These two attributes emphasize God's active benevolence and His readiness to extend unearned favor.
* **"longsuffering,":** This attribute, _’ârêk ’aph_ (H750, H639), signifies God's immense patience and slowness to anger. It underscores His forbearance with human sin, rebellion, and shortcomings, providing ample time for repentance and demonstrating His desire for reconciliation rather than immediate judgment. It speaks to God's enduring patience in the face of provocation.
* **"and plenteous in mercy and truth.":** This concluding phrase summarizes God's overflowing abundance of two critical covenantal qualities. "Plenteous" (_rab_, H7227) means great or abundant, emphasizing the overflowing nature of these attributes. "Mercy" (_chêçêd_, H2617) refers to God's steadfast, covenantal love and loyalty, His unfailing kindness and faithfulness to His promises. "Truth" (_’emeth_, H571) signifies God's reliability, integrity, and consistency; His word is dependable, and His character is unwavering. Together, "mercy and truth" form a **merism**, encompassing the full scope of God's benevolent and trustworthy character, assuring the believer of His unwavering commitment and reliability.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 86:15 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is the **Enumeration** or **Litany of Divine Attributes**. David lists five distinct yet interconnected qualities of God: compassion, graciousness, longsuffering, mercy, and truth. This comprehensive list functions as a powerful affirmation of God's multifaceted character, building a cumulative sense of His benevolence and trustworthiness. The phrase "plenteous in mercy and truth" employs **Merism**, where two complementary terms are used to express a single, comprehensive idea. "Mercy" (steadfast love) and "truth" (faithfulness) together encapsulate the entirety of God's covenantal loyalty and reliability, signifying that His love is always true and His truth is always loving. The structure also exhibits a subtle **Climax**, moving from the more immediate, emotional attributes (compassion, graciousness) to the enduring, foundational qualities (mercy, truth), which are described as "plenteous," suggesting their overflowing abundance. This carefully crafted declaration serves not just as a description but as a powerful invocation of God's revealed nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 86:15 is not an isolated theological statement but a profound echo of God's foundational self-revelation, particularly the declaration to Moses in Exodus 34. This verse encapsulates the very heart of God's covenantal character, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to His people despite their failings. It underscores that God's benevolence is not a fleeting emotion but an intrinsic and abundant aspect of His being, forming the bedrock of Israel's faith and hope. The attributes of compassion, grace, longsuffering, mercy, and truth consistently define Yahweh throughout the Old Testament, providing the basis for repentance, forgiveness, and the enduring relationship between God and humanity. This consistent portrayal assures believers of God's reliability and His desire for reconciliation, even when His justice is provoked.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Proclamation of His Name")
* [Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - God's Longsuffering and Mercy")
* [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Return to the Lord Your God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:15 offers a timeless and deeply comforting truth for believers today. In a world often characterized by harshness, injustice, and fleeting loyalties, this verse paints a vivid portrait of a God whose very essence is defined by boundless compassion, unmerited grace, enduring patience, overflowing steadfast love, and unwavering faithfulness. When we face personal struggles, doubts, or the consequences of our own sin, this declaration provides a solid foundation for our faith and prayer. It encourages us to approach God with boldness and confidence, knowing that He is eager to extend forgiveness, sustain us in our weakness, and remain true to every promise. Furthermore, this verse serves as a powerful call to mirror God's character in our own lives. As recipients of such divine attributes, we are challenged to extend compassion, grace, patience, mercy, and truth to those around us, reflecting the very nature of the God we worship and demonstrating His transformative power in our relationships and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "longsuffering" nature impact your perspective on personal failures or the slow pace of change in your life or the world?**
* **In what specific ways can you better reflect God's "compassion" and "graciousness" in your daily interactions with family, friends, or even strangers?**
* **How does the "plenteous in mercy and truth" aspect of God's character strengthen your trust in His promises and His plan for your life, especially during times of uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**Why does David emphasize these specific attributes of God in his prayer?**

Answer: David emphasizes these specific attributes—compassion, grace, longsuffering, mercy, and truth—because they represent the core of God's covenantal character, which was first profoundly revealed to Moses in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Proclamation of His Name"). This revelation occurred after Israel's egregious sin with the golden calf, demonstrating that despite human rebellion, God remains faithful to His covenant promises and His nature is one of enduring love and forgiveness. For David, facing distress and enemies, appealing to these attributes was not merely flattery but a theological argument. He was reminding God (and himself) of God's established identity as a merciful and faithful deliverer. His confidence in God's willingness to help stemmed directly from this understanding of God's unchanging character, providing a solid foundation for his petitions and hope for deliverance. This emphasis underscores that God's actions are always consistent with His benevolent nature, giving David (and us) a reason to trust in His intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 86:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment and revelation of God's character. Every attribute declared by David—compassion, grace, longsuffering, mercy, and truth—is perfectly manifested in Christ. He is the very "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), through whom God's attributes are made tangible. Christ's earthly ministry was characterized by profound **compassion** for the sick, the marginalized, and the lost ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). His entire life and sacrificial death exemplify divine **grace**, offering unmerited favor and salvation to humanity ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace")). The **longsuffering** of God is seen in Christ's patient endurance of human sin and rejection, even to the point of the cross ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). He is the ultimate expression of God's **mercy** (steadfast love), demonstrating God's covenantal faithfulness by becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Finally, Jesus declared Himself to be "the way, the **truth**, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), embodying God's unwavering faithfulness and reliability. In Christ, the abstract attributes of God become a living, saving reality, demonstrating that God is not only "plenteous in mercy and truth" but has fully poured out that abundance for our redemption.

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

Ephesians 2:4

¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:7

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Psalms 130:7

Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD [there is] mercy, and with him [is] plenteous redemption.

Psalms 103:8

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

Ephesians 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Psalms 86:5

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

Joel 2:13

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.