King James Bible
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,"
This emphatic transition marks a dramatic reversal from the preceding verses describing humanity's spiritual deadness and condemnation. The phrase signals divine intervention when human effort was impossible, emphasizing that salvation originates entirely from God's initiative. God's mercy is described as abundant wealth, suggesting inexhaustible resources of compassion toward sinners. The economic metaphor implies God's mercy far exceeds what justice alone would require, pointing to his generous character. God's mercy flows from his profound, active love—not mere sentiment but committed action toward humanity. The repetition of love concepts intensifies the personal nature of God's salvific work, grounding the theological argument in divine affection.