Psalms 62:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's mercy and His just judgment of human deeds both flow from His character and reign.
The Context of Psalms 62:12
God's mercy and just judgment both characterize His rule and form the ground of final trust.
What Does Psalms 62:12 Mean?
The closing verses balances divine attributes. 'Mercy belongeth unto thee, O Lord' affirms God's compassion and grace as His intrinsic possession and prerogative. Mercy cannot be earned or purchased; it is God's gift, flowing from His nature. The parallel structure—'power belongeth unto God' (verse 11) and 'mercy belongeth unto thee' (verse 12)—presents God as both mighty and merciful, both terrifyingly powerful and graciously compassionate.
'Thou renderest to every man according to his work' affirms divine justice: judgment is proportioned to deeds. This is not the work of chance or human whim but of God's righteous evaluation. The psalmist trusts both mercy and justice because both proceed from God. The closing sends the reader back to verses 8-10: the faithful pour out their hearts to God, avoid injustice, and refrain from trusting in stolen wealth—all because God sees and judges all work while remaining merciful to those who trust Him.
Psalms 62:12 in the Original Language
gemol (גָּמַל), 'renderest' — to repay, requite, or render recompense according to what is deserved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 62:12
What does Psalms 62:12 mean?
God's mercy and His just judgment of human deeds both flow from His character and reign.
What is the context of Psalms 62:12?
God's mercy and just judgment both characterize His rule and form the ground of final trust.