Old Testament

Psalms 86:15

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges the character of God, emphasizing His compassion and grace.

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel
CBTClear Bible Translation

But you, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

KJVKing James Version

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges the character of God, emphasizing His compassion and grace. The term 'compassion' indicates that God cares deeply for His creation and feels empathy for their struggles. 'Gracious' suggests that God gives blessings freely, not based on what we deserve. 'Longsuffering' means that God is patient, enduring our shortcomings and failures without immediate judgment. The phrase 'plenteous in mercy and truth' highlights that God's mercy is abundant, and He is faithful to His promises. This verse reassures believers that despite their flaws, God is always ready to forgive and support them. It reflects a deep understanding of God's nature, encouraging trust and reliance on Him during difficult times. The psalmist's recognition of these attributes serves as a reminder of the loving relationship between God and His people, inviting them to approach Him with confidence and hope.

Key themes

Related topics

compassion, grace, patience

How to apply Psalms 86:15 to your life

Understanding God's compassionate and gracious nature can transform how we interact with others. We should strive to embody these qualities in our own lives, showing patience and mercy to those around us, reflecting God's love in our actions and attitudes.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 86:15 mean?

Psalms 86:15 highlights God's character as compassionate, gracious, patient, and abundant in mercy and truth. It reassures believers that God cares for them deeply and is always ready to forgive and support them.

What is the meaning of 'compassion' in Psalms 86:15?

In Psalms 86:15, 'compassion' refers to God's deep care and empathy for His creation, indicating that He understands and feels for our struggles and hardships.

What does 'longsuffering' mean in Psalms 86:15?

'Longsuffering' in Psalms 86:15 means that God is patient and tolerant, enduring our mistakes and shortcomings without rushing to judgment.

How can I apply Psalms 86:15 in my life?

You can apply Psalms 86:15 by embodying God's qualities of compassion and grace in your interactions with others, showing patience and mercy in your relationships.

The Book of Psalms
Book Summary

The Book of Psalms

Psalm 1: Two Paths

This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.

Premium

Unlock the full Psalms summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.