Old Testament
Psalms 116:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD is gracious and righteous; yes, our God is merciful.
Compare translations
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
What Psalms 116:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the character of God, emphasizing His graciousness, righteousness, and mercy. It reassures believers that God is not only kind and forgiving but also just and fair. The term 'gracious' indicates that God gives blessings freely, while 'righteous' signifies that He always acts in accordance with what is right. The mention of mercy underscores His compassion towards those who are in need or who have sinned. This verse serves as a reminder of the nature of God, encouraging believers to trust in His goodness and to seek His help in times of trouble. It reflects the overall theme of the Psalms, which often expresses gratitude for God's attributes and His interventions in the lives of His people. By recognizing these qualities, believers can find comfort and hope, knowing that they are loved and cared for by a just and merciful God.
How to apply Psalms 116:5 to your life
In our daily lives, we can reflect God's grace and mercy by being kind and forgiving to others. When we face challenges, we should remember that God is always righteous and merciful, encouraging us to seek His guidance and support in our struggles.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 116:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 116:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 116:5 mean?
Psalms 116:5 expresses the nature of God as gracious, righteous, and merciful. It reassures believers that God is kind and forgiving while also being just, highlighting His compassion towards those in need.
What is the meaning of 'gracious' in Psalms 116:5?
'Gracious' in Psalms 116:5 refers to God's willingness to give blessings freely and show kindness to His people. It emphasizes His generosity and readiness to forgive.
What is the significance of God's mercy in Psalms 116:5?
The mention of God's mercy in Psalms 116:5 signifies His compassion and willingness to help those who are suffering or have sinned. It reassures believers that they can rely on His kindness in difficult times.
How does Psalms 116:5 relate to trust in God?
Psalms 116:5 encourages trust in God by reminding believers of His graciousness and righteousness. Knowing that God is merciful helps individuals feel secure in seeking His support during challenges.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.