Psalms 86:5 Meaning and Explanation
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God is good and quick to forgive, with mercy overflowing for everyone who calls on Him.
The Context of Psalms 86:5
A Prayer of David, written in a time of trouble and need. As he asks God to hear him, he steadies himself by remembering the kind of God he is praying to.
What Does Psalms 86:5 Mean?
In the middle of his trouble, David reminds himself who God is, and it changes how he prays. God is 'good,' kind at the root of His being. He is 'ready to forgive,' leaning toward pardon, quick where we might fear slowness. And He is 'plenteous in mercy,' rich and abundant in it, with enough and more for 'all them that call upon' Him. That last phrase throws the door wide open: this mercy is available to everyone who simply calls, with no select few shut out. David approaches a God already inclined toward grace.
This is the very heart Jesus revealed, welcoming those who came to Him and turning no one away (John 6:37). On the cross He showed how ready God is to forgive, praying mercy over the very people who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). When we call, we call on the God who is good and waiting to forgive.
Psalms 86:5 in the Original Language
sallach (סַלָּח), 'ready to forgive' -- a rare word meaning disposed to pardon, forgiving by nature.
How to Apply Psalms 86:5 Today
Forgiveness is not something we wring out of a reluctant God; He is good and already inclined to pardon. Whatever we have done, we can call on Him with confidence, knowing His mercy is abundant and open to all who turn to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 86:5
What does Psalms 86:5 mean?
God is good and quick to forgive, with mercy overflowing for everyone who calls on Him.
What is the context of Psalms 86:5?
A Prayer of David, written in a time of trouble and need. As he asks God to hear him, he steadies himself by remembering the kind of God he is praying to.
How can I apply Psalms 86:5 today?
Forgiveness is not something we wring out of a reluctant God; He is good and already inclined to pardon. Whatever we have done, we can call on Him with confidence, knowing His mercy is abundant and open to all who turn to Him.