What Does the Bible Say About Mercy?
What Does the Bible Say About Mercy? Mercy is God's compassionate withholding of deserved punishment, demonstrated supremely at the cross and expected of all believers.
Key verse: Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
Mercy is God's compassionate withholding of deserved punishment, demonstrated supremely at the cross and expected of all believers.
Mercy is God's compassionate withholding of deserved punishment, demonstrated supremely at the cross and expected of all believers.
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Mercy is central to God's character. He describes Himself as 'merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth' (Exodus 34:6). Unlike grace (giving what we don't deserve), mercy is not giving us what we do deserve. God's mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Jesus embodied mercy through healing, forgiving, and dying for sinners. He taught that the merciful will receive mercy (Matthew 5:7) and told the parable of the unmerciful servant as a warning (Matthew 18:21-35). James writes that 'mercy rejoiceth against judgment' (James 2:13). Believers are called to show mercy to others as God has shown mercy to them.
Key Scripture References
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.)"
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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The Bible teaches that God is perfectly just, commands His people to pursue justice for the oppressed, and will ultimately judge all people fairly.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Mercy
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Lamentations. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Lamentations on day 239 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Mercy?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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