Psalms 85:10 Meaning and Explanation
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's compassion and faithfulness meet together with justice and harmony.
The Context of Psalms 85:10
The psalmist celebrates the union of God's divine attributes in restoration.
What Does Psalms 85:10 Mean?
This verse uses vivid anthropomorphic imagery to describe four divine attributes—mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace—as though they were persons meeting and embracing. The image of 'kissing' conveys intimate union and mutual compatibility. Rather than presenting these attributes as in tension, the psalmist proclaims their harmonious coexistence in God's character and purpose.
The pairing emphasizes that God's mercy is grounded in truth (faithfulness to His word) and that His righteousness (justice) is compatible with peace (wholeness). In God's restoration, justice is not abandoned; rather, it is satisfied in a way that permits reconciliation. This vision reassures the people that restored relationship with God does not require compromising either accountability or mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 85:10
What does Psalms 85:10 mean?
God's compassion and faithfulness meet together with justice and harmony.
What is the context of Psalms 85:10?
The psalmist celebrates the union of God's divine attributes in restoration.