Psalms 86:5 Commentary: The Rare Word for Forgiveness

This verse stands at the heart of a prayer attributed to David (Psalm 86:1, title). The psalmist is in distress, he describes himself as “poor and needy” (v.1), surrounded by enemies (v.14), and crying out daily (v.3). In the ancient Near East, petitioners would appeal to a king's reputation for justice and mercy. Here David appeals to the character of the heavenly King.

The word “call” (קָרָא, qara) in v.5 carries the sense of crying out for help or invoking God's name in worship. The covenant word “loving kindness” (חֶסֶד, hesed) points to God's faithful loyalty to his covenant people, a concept central to Israel's understanding of God.

The rare adjective salach appears only here. It is built on a root that suggests loosening or release, the idea of letting go of sin. The verse deliberately echoes God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 34:6, where God proclaims his name as “abundant in loving kindness.” This echo places David's personal prayer within the larger story of God's character revealed to Israel. The structure of the verse is chiastic: good, ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness, to all who call. The phrase “all those who call on you” is universalizing, no one is excluded from this invitation. In the psalm's structure, v.5 serves as the theological center that supports the petitions on either side.

The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Psalm 86:5. The Hebrew text is stable, and the rare word salach is preserved consistently across manuscripts.

Psalm 86:5 has been widely received in Jewish and Christian tradition as a key text on God's forgiving character. Early rabbinic writings value the verse for its emphasis on God's readiness to pardon, often linking it to the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy from Exodus 34. In Christian liturgy, the verse appears in prayers of confession and assurance, and in hymns that celebrate God's abundant mercy. Reformation-era commentators like Calvin and Luther drew on it to emphasize grace, and it continues to be cited in pastoral care for those seeking assurance of forgiveness.

Three-point outline

1. God's goodness, He is good in himself and good to us, the source of every perfect gift (Gill).
2. God's readiness to forgive, The rare word salach emphasizes eagerness; he does not hold back forgiveness but is “forward unto it” (Gill).
3. God's abundant covenant loyalty, Hesed flows to all who call, not just the worthy. This is the foundation for confident prayer.

Five-point outline

1. The foundation of prayer: David appeals to God's character, not his own merit (Barnes).
2. The rarity of salach: One occurrence in the OT highlights a unique attribute, God's eagerness to release sin.
3. The scope of mercy: “All” who call, with no exceptions. This opens the door for every penitent.
4. The echo of Exodus 34:6: This verse ties to God's self-proclamation, rooting it in covenant history.
5. The confidence it gives: Because God is this way, we can call in trouble and expect an answer (v.7).

Illustration hooks

• A child who has broken something runs to a parent known for forgiveness, not away from them. David runs toward God because of who he is.
• In a courtroom, a defendant appeals to a judge's reputation for leniency. David appeals to God's character as “ready to forgive.”
• A person with a recurring condition calls their doctor because they know the doctor's skill and willingness to help. Psalm 86:5 shows why we call on God: he is good, ready to forgive, and full of loving devotion.

Questions your congregation is asking

• Does God really forgive every sin? How can I be sure he will forgive me?
• What if I don't feel “godly” enough to call on him? (v.2 says “I am godly,” but v.5 opens to all who call, even the poor and needy of v.1.)
• How do I actually “call” on God in the middle of trouble, does that mean prayed only when desperate?

Psalm 86:5 is a compact statement of God's character. It uses a rare Hebrew word to emphasize one aspect of who God is: he is ready to forgive. This passage invites us to examine our own assumptions about God's willingness to receive us.

Discussion questions

1. Observation: What does this verse directly say about God? List every attribute and action.
2. Observation: Look at the context (vv.1-7). Why does David state this here? What is he asking for?
3. Interpretation: The word salach is unique in the OT. Why do you think the psalmist chose this word rather than a more common term for forgiveness?
4. Interpretation: How does this verse connect to God's self-proclamation in Exodus 34:6? What does that echo add?
5. Interpretation: What does “all who call on you” include? Are there any conditions implied by the word “call”?
6. Application: How does knowing God is “ready to forgive” change how you approach him in prayer, especially when you feel ashamed or hesitant?
7. Application: When have you experienced God's “abundant loving kindness” (hesed)? How does that shape your trust for the future?