King James Version

What Does Psalms 62:12 Mean?

Psalms 62:12 in the King James Version says “Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 62 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Psalms 62:12 · KJV


Context

10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

11

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. power: or, strength

12

Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The affirmation 'Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy' balances verse 11's power. The foundation for final judgment appears: 'thou renderest to every man according to his work.' This appears to contradict salvation by grace until recognizing that believers' works flow from grace, tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). God's mercy determines standing; works evidence genuine faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The doctrine of judgment according to works appears throughout Scripture (Ecclesiastes 12:14, Matthew 16:27, Revelation 20:12), requiring careful integration with justification by faith. Works are evidence, not basis, of salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you reconcile salvation by grace with judgment according to works?
  2. What does God's mercy 'belonging' to Him reveal about its availability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּלְךָֽ1 of 8
H0
אֲדֹנָ֥י2 of 8

Also unto thee O Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

חָ֑סֶד3 of 8

belongeth mercy

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

כִּֽי4 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַתָּ֨ה5 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תְשַׁלֵּ֖ם6 of 8

for thou renderest

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

לְאִ֣ישׁ7 of 8

to every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כְּֽמַעֲשֵֽׂהוּ׃8 of 8

according to his work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 62:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 62:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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