Psalms 136:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 136:12 mean?

Psalms 136:12 describes God bringing Israel out of Egypt by his power. The verse connects that rescue with God’s “mercy,” presenting his lasting kindness as the reason for the action.

The “strong hand” and “stretched out arm” picture a person reaching out to act with force. Following the mention of Israel’s departure in verse 11, these images describe how the rescue happened. The verse’s final line is a repeated response throughout the psalm.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 136:12

• “mercy” — חֶסֶד (ḥesed): This word often carries the sense of faithful kindness or enduring love. Here the KJV’s “mercy” names a lasting care shown in action, rather than only pity.
• “ever” — עוֹלָם (ʿolam): This word can refer to a very long duration or to time without a known end. In the repeated line, “for ever” expresses the continuing reach of God’s mercy.

Why Psalms 136:12 matters

• The verse gives a reason for thanks, not merely a report of power. The psalm joins the rescue to the recurring words “for his mercy endureth for ever.”
• The rescue belongs to a larger story of deliverance. The following verses speak of the Red Sea and Israel’s passage through it, showing that the departure from Egypt was not the end of the account.