Psalm 86:5
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Psalm 86 is a prayer of David in distress, appealing to God for mercy and help. Verse 5 grounds his confidence in God's revealed character as good and forgiving.
What Does Psalm 86:5 Mean?
This verse tells us what God is like at His core, and the picture is overwhelmingly welcoming. "Thou, Lord, art good" sets the foundation: goodness is not just something God does, it is who He is. From that goodness flows the second phrase -- "ready to forgive." God is not a reluctant judge who must be talked into mercy; He stands ready, even eager, to pardon those who turn to Him.
The word "plenteous" then pours mercy out without measure -- not a trickle but an abundance. And the reach of that mercy is striking: it extends "unto all them that call upon thee." The door is not narrow. Anyone who calls finds the same good and forgiving God waiting. David prays this in the middle of trouble, and he leans his whole request on God's character rather than on his own worthiness. That is the logic of the verse: because God is good and forgiving and full of mercy, calling on Him is never a gamble. The verse invites the reader to come honestly, with whatever burden of failure, and to expect not a grudging response but a generous one. God's readiness to forgive is greater than our reluctance to ask.
In the Original Language
"Ready to forgive" translates the Hebrew sallach, a word used only of God's pardon; "plenteous in mercy" uses rab-chesed, abundant in covenant loyalty and steadfast love.
Cross References
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
- 1 John 1:9
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
- Isaiah 55:7
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
- Romans 10:13
Application
When guilt makes you hesitate to pray, remember that God is ready to forgive -- come and call on Him, expecting the abundant mercy He gives to all who ask.
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