What Does the Bible Say About Mercy?

The Bible addresses mercy across both Old and New Testaments. These verses are organized by biblical era — from the patriarchs to the apostles — letting Scripture speak for itself.

12 verses·5 eras·3 promises

Exodus (~1400 BC)

Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, "Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth,

Divided Kingdom (~930 BC)

He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
"Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Life of Jesus (~30 AD)

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.
Luke 23:34· JesusPrayer
He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.
Matthew 12:20· GodPromise
But you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
He said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
But when they continued asking him, he looked up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her."
John 8:7· Jesus

Early Church (~50 AD)

For he said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
Romans 9:15· PaulPromise
not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

United Kingdom (~1000 BC)

But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.
Psalms 86:15· DavidPrayer
Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psalms 85:10· Sons of KorahPrayer

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