Psalms 86:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For thou, Lord {H136}, art good {H2896}, and ready to forgive {H5546}; and plenteous {H7227} in mercy {H2617} unto all them that call {H7121}{H8802)} upon thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai, you are kind and forgiving, full of grace toward all who call on you.

Berean Standard Bible

For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You.

American Standard Version

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:5 stands as a profound theological declaration of God's essential character, revealing Him as intrinsically good, actively eager to forgive, and overflowing with steadfast, covenantal love towards all who earnestly seek Him. This verse forms the very bedrock of David's heartfelt prayer, emphasizing his deep reliance on the Lord's compassionate and faithful nature as the ultimate basis for his petitions and unwavering confidence amidst distress. It beautifully encapsulates the accessible, benevolent, and redemptive disposition of the Divine, inviting humble dependence and bold supplication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 86, uniquely titled "A Prayer of David," is an intensely personal and fervent supplication, distinguished within the Psalter by its direct address and earnest appeal. David, facing adversaries and personal distress, pours out his soul to God, pleading for deliverance, guidance, and protection. Throughout the psalm, David consistently anchors his requests in God's attributes—His mercy, faithfulness, and power—rather than his own merit. Verse 5 serves as a pivotal theological affirmation within this prayer, providing the foundational assurance for David's confidence. It starkly contrasts the psalmist's vulnerability and dire need with the unwavering strength and loving-kindness of God, establishing that divine intervention is rooted in God's character, not human worthiness. This declaration of God's benevolent nature precedes and undergirds many of David's specific petitions, such as his plea for a listening ear in [Psalms 86:1](/psalms/86-1 "Psalms 86:1 - David's Plea for Mercy") and his confidence in God's help in [Psalms 86:7](/psalms/86-7 "Psalms 86:7 - David's Trust in God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As a "Prayer of David," this psalm is deeply rooted in the historical experiences of Israel's most significant king, who frequently navigated personal peril, national crises, and moral failures. The concepts of God's "goodness" and "mercy" (Hebrew _chesed_) were central to the covenant relationship established at Sinai. There, God revealed Himself to Moses as "the Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" ([Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses")). The act of "calling upon" the Lord was a fundamental and ancient aspect of Israelite worship and prayer, signifying an act of humble dependence, invocation, and seeking divine intervention in times of need or repentance. This practice was deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel, reflecting a profound personal and communal reliance on Yahweh as their covenant God and deliverer, a theme evident from the earliest patriarchal narratives in [Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis - The Book of Beginnings") to the prophetic calls for repentance in [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah - The Book of the Prophet Isaiah").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 86:5 powerfully articulates several core theological themes that resonate throughout Scripture. Firstly, it underscores the **inherent goodness of God**, portraying His benevolent nature as an essential, unchanging attribute, not merely a conditional disposition. This goodness forms the bedrock of all His actions and promises, assuring believers of His consistently benevolent intentions. Secondly, the theme of **divine forgiveness** is prominently featured, highlighting God's active readiness and eagerness to pardon sin, which stands in stark contrast to human reluctance or inability to forgive. This attribute offers profound hope for reconciliation and restoration. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes God's **plenteous and abundant mercy** (Hebrew _chesed_), signifying His steadfast, covenantal love that is deep, enduring, and unfailing. This mercy extends beyond mere pity, actively seeking the well-being and redemption of His people, as seen in His faithfulness to Israel despite their wanderings ([Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "Nehemiah 9:17 - God's Readiness to Forgive in the Wilderness")). Finally, the verse highlights the **accessibility of God's grace**, affirming that His goodness, forgiveness, and mercy are freely extended "unto all them that call upon thee," underscoring the importance of personal relationship, prayer, and humble dependence on the Lord, a truth echoed in the New Testament's universal invitation to salvation in [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - All Who Call on the Lord Will Be Saved").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word (H2896) signifies not merely the absence of evil, but an active, inherent moral excellence, pleasantness, and benevolence. When applied to God, it describes His essential nature as perfectly righteous, kind, and beneficial in all His ways. It implies that God's intentions and actions are always ultimately for the good of His creation and His people, reflecting His perfect character and purposes.
* **Ready to forgive (Hebrew, _çallâch'_):** This is a unique and significant Hebrew verb (H5546), distinct from other words for pardon or overlook. It specifically denotes God's disposition to pardon sin, implying an active willingness, eagerness, and placability, rather than a reluctant or forced act. It suggests that forgiveness is not something God is persuaded into, but rather an intrinsic attribute of His character, readily available to those who turn to Him in repentance.
* **Plenteous in mercy (Hebrew, _rab chêçêd'_):** This phrase combines "rab" (H7227), meaning abundant, great, or much, with "chêçêd" (H2617), a cornerstone theological term in the Old Testament. _Chesed_ describes God's loyal, faithful, and compassionate love that is rooted in His covenant relationship with His people. "Plenteous in mercy" therefore means an overflowing, superabundant, and unwavering covenantal love that is inexhaustible, consistently extended, and actively committed to the well-being and redemption of His beloved.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou, Lord, [art] good":** This opening clause establishes God's fundamental and unchanging nature. It is a declarative statement of His inherent moral and benevolent excellence, serving as the bedrock upon which all other attributes and actions are founded. The psalmist appeals to God's very being, affirming His goodness as a constant reality that undergirds His dealings with humanity.
* **"and ready to forgive":** This clause reveals God's active disposition towards humanity's sin and rebellion. It emphasizes His willingness and eagerness to pardon, indicating that forgiveness is not a difficult or rare act for Him, but a characteristic expression of His nature. This provides immense hope and encouragement for those who acknowledge their sin and seek His grace, knowing He desires reconciliation.
* **"and plenteous in mercy":** This phrase highlights the boundless and overflowing nature of God's steadfast love and covenantal faithfulness (_chesed_). It signifies that His compassion is not limited or scarce, but abundant and inexhaustible, always available to those who turn to Him. This mercy is the active expression of His goodness and the profound foundation of His willingness to forgive, demonstrating His loyal commitment to His people.
* **"unto all them that call upon thee":** This final clause specifies the recipients of God's abundant goodness, forgiveness, and mercy. It underscores the universal accessibility of these divine attributes to anyone who sincerely invokes His name, seeks His presence, or appeals to Him in prayer and faith. It implies a condition of active engagement and humble dependence on the part of the supplicant, highlighting the relational aspect of God's grace and the open invitation for all to draw near.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 86:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message about God's character. The primary device is **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, as the verse states undeniable, essential truths about God's nature, serving as a foundational theological assertion. This is powerfully reinforced by a form of **Parallelism**, where three distinct but complementary attributes of God—His goodness, His readiness to forgive, and His plenteous mercy—are listed. While not strict synonymous or antithetical parallelism, the cumulative effect builds a comprehensive and multifaceted portrait of God's benevolent and compassionate disposition. The phrase "ready to forgive" can be seen as a subtle form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like disposition or eagerness to God, making His divine nature relatable and approachable to the human heart. Furthermore, the term "plenteous" functions as an **Intensifier** or mild **Hyperbole**, underscoring the boundless, inexhaustible, and immeasurable nature of God's mercy, ensuring the reader understands its vastness beyond human comprehension or limitation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 86:5 stands as a profound theological statement, anchoring our understanding of God's character in His inherent goodness, active willingness to forgive, and boundless mercy. This verse assures believers that God's nature is fundamentally benevolent and compassionate, providing the ultimate foundation for trust and prayer. It reveals that forgiveness is not grudgingly given but is a ready expression of His divine heart, driven by an overflowing covenantal love. This understanding invites a posture of humble dependence and bold access to God, knowing that He is always receptive to those who sincerely seek Him. The verse underscores that God's attributes are not abstract concepts but active realities that shape His interaction with humanity, particularly in the context of sin and redemption, establishing a pattern of divine grace that permeates the entire biblical narrative.

* [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "God's Self-Revelation of Mercy and Truth")
* [Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "God's Readiness to Forgive in the Wilderness")
* [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Return to the Gracious and Merciful Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:5 offers immense comfort and profound encouragement for believers navigating the complexities of life and the stark reality of their own sin. It serves as a powerful reminder that no matter our past failures, current struggles, or the depth of our unworthiness, God's character remains consistently good, actively eager to forgive, and rich in boundless mercy. This liberating truth frees us from the crushing burden of guilt and shame, fostering a spirit of genuine repentance and confident reliance on divine grace. It encourages us to boldly approach God in prayer, not based on our fleeting merit or performance, but solely on the unwavering assurance of His benevolent nature and His covenant faithfulness. When overwhelmed by sin, doubt, or life's myriad challenges, this verse calls us to find solace and strength in the knowledge that God is always ready to hear our cry, extend His boundless compassion, and restore us to intimate fellowship. It cultivates a worshipful heart that acknowledges God's supreme goodness and a hopeful spirit that trusts implicitly in His unfailing grace, empowering us to live lives of gratitude and obedient love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "good" and "ready to forgive" fundamentally transform your personal prayer life and your approach to confession?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most deeply need to experience God's "plenteous mercy" today, and how does this verse encourage you to seek it with confidence?**
* **What does it mean practically to "call upon" the Lord in your daily life, beyond formal prayer, and how does this verse motivate you to do so more consistently and authentically?**

### FAQ
**What does 'ready to forgive' imply about God's character?**

Answer: The phrase "ready to forgive" (Hebrew _sallach_) implies that forgiveness is not a reluctant, difficult, or infrequent act for God, but rather an active and inherent disposition of His character. It suggests an eagerness and willingness on God's part to pardon sin when approached with a repentant heart. This highlights God's gracious and compassionate nature, demonstrating that He desires reconciliation and restoration with His people, rather than holding grudges or being slow to pardon. It underscores His boundless love and His desire for humanity's well-being, reflecting a core aspect of His covenant faithfulness, as seen in passages like [Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "Nehemiah 9:17 - God's Forgiveness in the Wilderness") where He is described as "a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful."

**How does 'plenteous in mercy' differ from mere pity?**

Answer: "Plenteous in mercy" (Hebrew _rav-chesed_) signifies far more than mere pity. While pity might involve a feeling of sorrow for someone's suffering, "mercy" here, particularly _chesed_, denotes God's steadfast, covenantal love and loyalty. It is an active, enduring, and unfailing love that is rooted in His faithfulness to His promises and His relationship with His people. This mercy is not just a passive feeling but an active commitment to the well-being of the beloved, expressed through compassion, forgiveness, and deliverance. It is abundant and inexhaustible, going beyond human understanding of compassion, as God's love is limitless and constantly available, as affirmed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Come to an End"), where His mercies are new every morning.

**Is God's forgiveness truly available to 'all' who call upon Him, or are there conditions?**

Answer: Psalms 86:5 states that God is "plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." This emphasizes the universal accessibility of God's forgiveness and mercy to anyone who genuinely seeks Him. The condition "that call upon thee" implies a sincere act of faith, repentance, and humble dependence on God. It's not about a select group, but about the posture of the heart that turns to Him. While God's mercy is boundless, it is received by those who acknowledge their need, turn from sin, and appeal to Him in prayer and faith. This open invitation is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament's glorious promise that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" ([Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Salvation for All Who Call")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 86:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of God's inherent goodness, the visible manifestation of the Father's benevolent nature, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus' earthly ministry was a constant demonstration of God being "ready to forgive," as He not only declared sins forgiven during His life ([Mark 2:5](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Jesus Forgives the Paralytic")) but also provided the ultimate means for that forgiveness through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. His death and resurrection perfectly satisfied divine justice, making it possible for God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). Furthermore, Christ is the very expression of God's "plenteous in mercy," for it was "because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions" ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God, Rich in Mercy")). The invitation to "call upon thee" is fully realized in the New Covenant, where all who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in faith receive salvation, forgiveness, and the abundance of God's mercy ([Romans 10:9-13](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-13 - Confession and Belief for Salvation")). In Christ, God's goodness, readiness to forgive, and plenteous mercy are not just attributes declared in ancient psalms, but eternal realities experienced and freely offered to all who believe, culminating in the new covenant of grace.

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 145:8

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

Psalms 145:9

The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works.

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.

Exodus 34:6

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Nehemiah 9:17

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

Psalms 103:8

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

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.