Psalm 62:12 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalm 62:12 mean?

ESV: and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.

NIV: and with you, Lord, is unfailing love'; and, 'You reward everyone according to what they have done.'

NASB: And faithfulness is Yours, Lord, For You reward a person according to his work.

CSB: and faithful love belongs to you, Lord. For you repay each according to his works.

NLT: unfailing love, O Lord, is yours. Surely you repay all people according to what they have done.

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

NKJV: Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; For You render to each one according to his work.

Verse Commentary:

David has already noted that lasting and eternal power belongs only to God (Psalm 62:5–7, 11). Now the song attributes unchanging love and perfect justice to the Lord. This verse uses the important Hebrew root word checed, often translated as "lovingkindess," "unfailing love," or "steadfast love." The word implies an assured, steady benevolence rooted in God's unchanging and perfect nature. Key to this concept is the idea of mercy: God applying love rather than wrath.

This kind of love never ends or gives up (John 13:1). Jesus loved His disciples to the very end of His earthly ministry. His disciples were not always loving or loyal. Sometimes they argued about who would be most prominent in Jesus' kingdom (Luke 22:24–27). Sometimes they failed to accept what Jesus predicted about His rejection and sufferings (Matthew 16:21–23). Peter would deny Him three times (Matthew 26:69–75). Nevertheless, Jesus continued to love them with a self-sacrificing kind of love. Divine love never leaves those who put their faith in Christ. Paul assured the believers at Rome that nothing can separate believers from God's love (Romans 8:38–39). The apostle John marveled at such love. He writes: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are" (1 John 3:1).

David also gives a final reminder that God exhibits perfect justice. Salvation allows the believer to be forgiven of sin (Romans 6:23). Yet God also knows all our secret thoughts, words, and actions (Hebrews 4:13). Believer and unbeliever, alike, are subject to God's scrutiny (1 Corinthians 3:12–15; Revelation 20:12–13), and only those in Christ will be spared from eternal separation (John 3:36).

Psalm 62:9–12 closes this song with a contrast. Prior verses highlighted the sure, eternal, unshakable nature of the Lord God. This passage emphasizes human mortality and the futility of defying His will. God possesses power, loyal love, and the prerogative to judge every man through His perfect understanding.

Chapter Summary:

David asserts that he places all trust and faith in the Lord God alone. Evil people may slander and attack, but the believer in God can patiently wait for justice. Whether weak or powerful, all people are subject to God's judgment. No deeds will escape the Lord's notice (Hebrews 4:13).

Chapter Context:

No specific event is associated with this psalm. It may relate to David's time as a fugitive from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2). It is most likely a general expression of David's faith in God's provision. Other psalms echo these themes of unjust attackers (Psalm 38:19) and God's overwhelming power (Psalm 63:2; 147:5).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 4/28/2024 7:28:20 AM