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    God's Character

    Psalm 145:8 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy."
    — Psalm 145:8 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    This verse is a capsule summary of God's character — four attributes in one sentence: gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and of great mercy. This is not David's opinion but God's own self-description, first revealed to Moses on Sinai (Exodus 34:6) and echoed throughout Scripture.

    If you want to know what God is like in four words: gracious, compassionate, patient, merciful.

    Historical Context

    Psalm 145 is David's final psalm of praise — an acrostic poem exalting God's greatness and goodness. Verse 8 quotes the foundational divine self-revelation from Exodus 34:6, the most frequently repeated description of God in the Old Testament. David closes his psalmic legacy by anchoring everything in God's revealed character.

    Original Language Insights

    'Channun' (gracious) — freely giving favor, showing kindness without obligation. 'Ve-rachum' (compassionate) — from the womb-word 'rechem,' deep, maternal-like tenderness.

    'Erekh appayim' (slow to anger) — literally 'long of nostrils.' In Hebrew, anger flares the nostrils; God's nostrils are long — it takes a great deal to provoke Him.

    'U-gedol-chesed' (of great mercy/lovingkindness) — 'chesed' is covenant loyalty, steadfast love. Not just great mercy but GREAT mercy — abundant, overflowing.

    Theological Significance

    This four-fold description appears at least nine times in the Old Testament (Exodus 34:6, Numbers 14:18, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalms 86:15, 103:8, 145:8, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2, Nahum 1:3). It is the most repeated theological statement about God in Scripture.

    God chose these words to define Himself. Whatever else He is — holy, just, sovereign — He wants us to know Him primarily as gracious, compassionate, patient, and merciful.

    Practical Application

    When you're afraid to approach God after failure, remember: He is gracious (gives you favor you don't deserve), compassionate (feels your pain deeply), slow to anger (patient with your repeated stumbling), and of great mercy (His lovingkindness is overwhelming).

    This verse should shape your entire theology. God is not looking for an excuse to punish you — He is looking for opportunities to show mercy.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Exodus 34:6

    "The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth."

    The original self-revelation that Psalm 145:8 echoes.

    Jonah 4:2

    "I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness."

    Even Jonah — reluctantly — acknowledges God's core character.

    Joel 2:13

    "He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."

    Joel invites Israel to return to a God whose character is mercy.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, You are gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and of great mercy. This is who You are — not reluctantly but by nature. Help me approach You with confidence, knowing Your heart toward me is always merciful. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    If God is slow to anger, does He ever get angry?

    Yes — but slowly, reluctantly, and justly. His default posture is mercy. Anger is His strange work (Isaiah 28:21); mercy is His delight.

    Why is this description repeated so often in Scripture?

    Because God wants to make sure we understand who He is. Repetition signals importance. The most repeated theological statement in the Bible defines God's core identity: gracious, compassionate, patient, merciful.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Psalms 145 verse by verse:

    Before · Psalm 145:3Exact verse

    Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

    Theme: God's Greatness

    After · Psalm 145:9Exact verse

    The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

    Theme: God's Universal Goodness

    After · Psalm 145:17Exact verse

    The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

    Theme: Righteous in All His Ways

    After · Psalm 145:18Exact verse

    The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

    Theme: God's Nearness

    Nearest commentary in Psalms

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Psalm 144:13Nearest chapter

    That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets.

    Theme: Abundance from the LORD

    Later · 1 ch forward · Psalm 146:5Nearest chapter

    Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.

    Theme: True Happiness

    Read Psalms 144Commentary: Psalm 144:13
    Read Psalms 145 (full)Nearest commentary: Psalm 145:9
    Read Psalms 146Commentary: Psalm 146:5
    Previous commentary: Psalm 145:3Next commentary: Psalm 145:9

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Is Mercy in the Bible?

    Mercy is God's compassionate response to human misery and sin — His active kindness toward those who deserve punishment, and His command for believers to extend the same compassion to others.

    Read answer

    How to Deal with Anger Biblically?

    Believers handle anger by being slow to wrath, addressing it before sundown, refusing bitterness and revenge, and bringing the matter to God in prayer rather than acting on the flesh.

    Read answer

    Why Does God Allow Suffering?

    While the Bible doesn't give a complete answer, it reveals that God uses suffering for growth, discipline, compassion, and ultimately His glory.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Anger?

    The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful anger, teaching believers to be 'slow to wrath' and to resolve anger quickly.

    Read answer

    What does the Bible say about suffering?

    The Bible teaches that suffering is a reality in a fallen world but that God uses it to build character, draw people closer to Him, and accomplish His redemptive purposes.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Hope?

    Biblical hope is not wishful thinking but confident assurance in God's promises — an anchor for the soul grounded in the character and faithfulness of God.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Psalm 145:8-9 – Meaning & Devotional

    "The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Plague Stopped by Phinehas

    Phinehas' zealous act ends a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites at Peor.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Cleansing of the Ten Lepers

    Jesus cleansed ten lepers on the way to Jerusalem; only one — a Samaritan — returned to give thanks.

    Read the miracle
    Provision
    New Testament

    Feeding of the 4,000

    Jesus feeds 4,000 men with seven loaves and a few small fishes, with seven baskets left over.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of Malchus' Ear

    Jesus restores the severed ear of the high priest's servant at His arrest in Gethsemane.

    Read the miracle

    Related Reading

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    Luke 10:25–37 • Compassion and Mercy

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    10 curated KJV verses

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    Psalm 103:13Isaiah 43:19

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