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Proverbs 16 · a question people ask

"By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for" (16:6). Whose mercy and truth does it mean?

In the text

The verse doesn't say. Is atoned for is kafar, the law's verb for atonement: "for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you" (Leviticus 16:30) (tap atoned). Mercy and truth is a pair Proverbs uses more than once, chesed ve'emet in Hebrew, and the notes on Proverbs 14 set out each time. In Proverbs it is said of people: "Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you" (Proverbs 3:3), and "Love and faithfulness keep the king safe" (Proverbs 20:28). The same pair is said of the LORD: "The LORD, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth" (Exodus 34:6). The second half of 16:6 speaks of people: "By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil" (16:6). Christians read the first half in more than one way, and 16:6 by itself doesn't settle it. These notes don't either.

The verses

“By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”
Proverbs 16:6 · World English Bible
“for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you. You shall be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”
Leviticus 16:30 · World English Bible
“Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.”
Proverbs 3:3 · World English Bible
“Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.”
Proverbs 20:28 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Proverbs 16

Proverbs 16: The LORD directs his steps

In Hebrew the verb of "the LORD directs his steps" (16:9) is the verb of "your plans shall succeed" (16:3) and "the throne is established" (16:12). And "iniquity is atoned for" (16:6) and "a wise man will pacify it" (16:14) are one verb, kafar.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions