What Does the Bible Say About Mercy? With Key Scriptures

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Lord’s Library editors answer the question “What does the Bible say about mercy?” with specific Bible references.

Have you ever asked yourself the question “What does the Bible say about mercy?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone! And since the Bible helps Christians form a foundational understanding of important topics, it’s imperative that one know how Scripture describes mercy in different contexts.

The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines mercy as “That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.”

Lord’s Library editors thought it would be a helpful exercise to provide Biblical context. As a result, we compiled this short resource which captures all notable mentions of the word judging, as well as its other forms. If you’ve been wondering what the King James Bible says about judging, scroll on for additional detail.

Note: If you want to know what the Bible says about judging and 206 other important topics (to be exact), our editors recommend Spencer Smith’s Doctrine Matters: Bible Topic Guidebook.

The Gospel

What Does the Bible Say About Mercy?


Matthew 5:7

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

Psalms 103:17

“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;”

Exodus 33:19

“And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.”

Psalms 13:5

“But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.”

Psalms 6:2

“Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.”

Psalms 30:10

“Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.”

Psalms 36:5

“Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.”

Psalms 86:15

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”

Psalms 106:1

“Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Psalms 145:8

“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.”


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Timothy Andrew
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Timothy Andrew

Timothy Andrew

Tim is the Founder of Lord's Library. He believes the Bible commands us to minister "as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11). Tim aspires to be as The Lord's mouth by "taking forth the precious from the vile" (Jeremiah 15:19) and witnessing The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) to the whole world.

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