Mercy is one of the greatest attributes of God. Throughout Scripture, we see His compassion, forgiveness, and kindness toward humanity. When we read Bible verses about mercy, we are reminded of God’s willingness to forgive us, even when we fall short. Mercy is not something we earn; it is a gift freely given by God through His love and grace.
In this post, we will look at 40 powerful Bible verses about mercy, reflect on what the Bible says about mercy, and highlight examples of mercy demonstrated in both the Old and New Testaments.
What Does the Bible Say About Mercy?
The Bible speaks extensively about mercy, describing it as the act of showing compassion and forgiveness to those who deserve punishment or judgment. God’s mercy is revealed in His dealings with Israel, His patience with sinners, and ultimately, in sending His Son Jesus Christ to save the world.
Here are some key truths the Bible teaches about mercy:
- God’s mercy is endless – Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that His mercies are new every morning.
- Mercy triumphs over judgment – James 2:13 reminds us that mercy is greater than punishment.
- We are called to show mercy to others – Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
- Salvation itself is an act of mercy – Titus 3:5 emphasizes that God saves us not by works, but by His mercy.
In essence, mercy reflects God’s heart of love and His desire to draw us closer to Him despite our sins.
Examples of Mercy in the Bible
The Scriptures are filled with powerful examples of God’s mercy toward individuals and nations. Here are a few:
- The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): A story where a father forgives his wayward son, symbolizing God’s mercy toward repentant sinners.
- David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12): After David sinned, he cried out for forgiveness in Psalm 51, and God showed him mercy.
- Jonah and Nineveh (Jonah 3): God showed mercy to the city of Nineveh when they repented of their wickedness.
- The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11): Jesus extended mercy by telling her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
- The Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 1:13-16): Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul received mercy and became one of the greatest preachers of the Gospel.
These examples remind us that no matter how far we have gone, God’s mercy is always available to restore and forgive us.
40 Powerful Bible Verses About Mercy
Here are 40 powerful Bible verses about mercy that reveal God’s love and compassion:
Old Testament Bible Verses About Mercy
1. Exodus 34:6 – “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”
2. Deuteronomy 4:31 – “For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not forsake you, neither destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers.”
3. 2 Samuel 24:14 – “Let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great.”
4. 1 Kings 8:23 – “O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee… who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants.”
5. Nehemiah 9:31 – “Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.”
6. Psalm 4:1 – “Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.”
7. Psalm 23:6 – “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
8. Psalm 25:6 – “Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses.”
9. Psalm 51:1 – “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness.”
10. Psalm 86:5 – “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
11. Psalm 100:5 – “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting.”
12. Psalm 103:8 – “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”
13. Psalm 118:29 – “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
14. Psalm 136:1 – “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
15. Isaiah 30:18 – “The LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.”
16. Isaiah 55:7 – “Let the wicked forsake his way… and he will have mercy upon him.”
17. Daniel 9:9 – “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses.”
18. Hosea 6:6 – “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
19. Micah 6:8 – “What doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
20. Micah 7:18 – “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity… because he delighteth in mercy?”
New Testament Bible Verses About Mercy
21. Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
22. Matthew 9:13 – “I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
23. Matthew 23:23 – “Ye… have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.”
24. Luke 1:50 – “And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.”
25. Luke 6:36 – “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
26. Romans 9:15 – “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.”
27. Romans 9:16 – “So then it is not of him that willeth… but of God that sheweth mercy.”
28. Romans 11:30 – “For ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy.”
29. Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies a living sacrifice… by the mercies of God.”
30. 2 Corinthians 1:3 – “Blessed be God… the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.”
31. Galatians 6:16 – “Peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”
32. Ephesians 2:4 – “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.”
33. 1 Timothy 1:16 – “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering.”
34. Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness… but according to his mercy he saved us.”
35. Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy.”
36. James 2:13 – “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”
37. James 3:17 – “The wisdom that is from above is… full of mercy and good fruits.”
38. 1 Peter 1:3 – “Blessed be the God… which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope.”
39. Jude 1:21 – “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
40. Hebrews 2:17 – “That he might be a merciful and faithful high priest.”
Conclusion
When we meditate on Bible verses about mercy, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s love and compassion. His mercy is not just a theological concept, it is something we experience every day in forgiveness, guidance, and salvation.
As believers, we are called to reflect God’s mercy in our daily lives, showing compassion to those around us, forgiving those who hurt us, and extending kindness to those in need. Mercy changes hearts, restores relationships, and brings healing.
Let these verses remind you that no matter where you are or what you’ve done, God’s mercy is always available to you.
Read also: 40 Powerful Midnight Prayers for Mercy
