and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse links "steadfast love" and "rendering according to works," subtly highlighting that God's justice isn't a harsh, detached judgment but is actually rooted in His overflowing mercy. This means He's not just rewarding good deeds but also graciously considering His people's efforts, even amidst imperfections.
and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has just declared that "power belongs to God" (v. 11), which could be a terrifying thought if that power were wielded without regard for justice. This verse clarifies that God's immense power is balanced by His inherent steadfast love and His commitment to rendering justice, ensuring that every person will ultimately face consequences based on their actions. Therefore, despite the changing tides of the world, the psalmist’s trust is firmly placed in this supremely powerful, loving, and just God.
We often think of God's love as a gentle breeze, but the Bible describes it with a force that's both constant and powerful. What does this deep, unwavering love truly mean for us?
The verse highlights "steadfast love" (or mercy, loving-kindness, in other translations) as belonging to God. This isn't just a fleeting emotion; it's a core attribute of His being. It's a loyal, covenant-keeping love that is always present, even when we falter.
A Love That Endures
This love is the foundation for our trust in God. It means He is not only able to help us (as mentioned in the preceding verse about His power) but also willing. His love motivates Him to act on our behalf, offering forgiveness and salvation, not because we earn it, but because it's who He is. It's a love that anticipates our needs and His promises, reaching out to us even in our unworthiness.
The idea of getting what we deserve can be scary. But what if God's rendering according to our work is not just about punishment, but also about His perfect fairness?
The second part of the verse states God 'will render to a man according to his work.' This speaks to God's perfect justice and righteousness. It means He sees everything – our intentions, our actions, our hidden motives – and will respond accordingly.
Fairness in God's Kingdom
This rendering isn't based on human merit, as some commentaries point out. God's justice works in tandem with His mercy. For believers, this means our sins are forgiven through Christ's sacrifice, and our good works are accepted by His grace, not as payment, but as a response to His love. For those who reject Him, His justice will be meted out according to their deeds.
Ask a follow-up
This truth encourages us to live with integrity, knowing that our lives matter to God and will be evaluated by Him. It also assures us that He will ultimately right all wrongs.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term denoting God’s covenantal faithfulness, loyal love, mercy, and kindness. It describes a deep, steadfast commitment to His people that surpasses human obligations and remains firm despite human unfaithfulness.
'adonay · Hebrew Noun
A title for the Almighty, signifying His absolute authority, ownership, and masterhood over all creation. It expresses the believer's recognition of His divine right to rule and their own position of subjection and reliance.
shuv · Hebrew Verb
The act of rewarding or punishing individuals based on the moral quality of their deeds. Scripture consistently teaches that God, as the righteous Judge, impartially evaluates human actions and ensures that justice is ultimately served.
ma'aseh · Hebrew Noun
A person’s deeds, actions, or conduct throughout their life. The Bible emphasizes that these are the tangible expressions of a person's heart and character, which God examines to determine the outcome of judgment.
This passage directly echoes Psalm 62:12, emphasizing that God will repay each person according to what they have done, highlighting the principle of divine accountability.
Matthew 16:27Jesus states that the Son of Man will come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will repay each according to what he has done, aligning with the psalm's declaration of God's just recompense.
2 Corinthians 5:10Paul writes that 'we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil,' reinforcing the idea of personal accountability before God for one's actions.
Revelation 20:12This vision of the final judgment shows the dead being judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books, demonstrating the ultimate fulfillment of God rendering to each person according to their works.
Galatians 6:7This verse serves as a New Testament principle that whatever a person sows, they will also reap, which is a profound illustration of the concept that our actions have consequences, directly related to God's just recompense mentioned in the psalm.
gillPsalms 62:12: "Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work."
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy,.... This is the other thing the psalmist had heard, and was assured of, and which encouraged his hope and trust in the Lord; that mercy belonged to him, Psalm 130:7 ; as appears, not only from the common bounties of his providence, daily bestowed upon his creatures; but from the special gift of his Son, and of all spiritual mercies and blessing…
pulpitPsalms 62:12: "Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work."
Verse 12. - Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy; or, loving kindness. "Of Divine power all nature speaks; the knowledge of God's mercy rests mainly on revelation" (Kay). For thou renderest to every man according to his work. When God rewards well doing, it is Still of his mercy, since no man can claim that he deserves reward.
The verse links "steadfast love" and "rendering according to works," subtly highlighting that God's justice isn't a harsh, detached judgment but is actually rooted in His overflowing mercy. This means He's not just rewarding good deeds but also graciously considering His people's efforts, even amidst imperfections.
The psalmist has just declared that "power belongs to God" (v. 11), which could be a terrifying thought if that power were wielded without regard for justice. This verse clarifies that God's immense power is balanced by His inherent steadfast love and His commitment to rendering justice, ensuring that every person will ultimately face consequences based on their actions. Therefore, despite the changing tides of the world, the psalmist’s trust is firmly placed in this supremely powerful, loving, and just God.
The psalmist has just declared that "power belongs to God" (v. 11), which could be a terrifying thought if that power were wielded without regard for justice. This verse clarifies that God's immense power is balanced by His inherent steadfast love and His commitment to rendering justice, ensuring that every person will ultimately face consequences based on their actions. Therefore, despite the changing tides of the world, the psalmist’s trust is firmly placed in this supremely powerful, loving, and just God.
"and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work." — The verse links "steadfast love" and "rendering according to works," subtly highlighting that God's justice isn't a harsh, detached judgment but is actually rooted in His overflowing mercy. This mean…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026