Psalms 140:12

Translation
King James Version
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
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KJV (with Strong's)
I know H3045 that the LORD H3068 will maintain H6213 the cause H1779 of the afflicted H6041, and the right H4941 of the poor H34.
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Complete Jewish Bible
I know that ADONAI gives justice to the poor and maintains the rights of the needy.
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Berean Standard Bible
I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.
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American Standard Version
I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And justice for the needy.
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World English Bible Messianic
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
I know that the Lord will auenge the afflicted, and iudge the poore.
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Young's Literal Translation
I have known that Jehovah doth execute The judgment of the afflicted, The judgment of the needy.
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See also
Psalms 9:41 Kings 8:49Proverbs 23:10Proverbs 23:111 Kings 8:45Jeremiah 22:16Matthew 11:5
In the KJVVerse 16,276 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 140:12 stands as a powerful testament to the psalmist's unwavering conviction in God's righteous character and active intervention. It articulates a profound truth: the LORD, as the ultimate sovereign and just judge, is intimately concerned with the plight of the marginalized and vulnerable. This verse declares with certainty that God will not merely observe but will actively uphold the legal and moral cause of the afflicted and ensure the vindication of the poor, promising divine justice and protection in a world often marked by inequity and oppression.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 140 is a fervent prayer of lament and petition, deeply rooted in David's experience of intense persecution by malicious enemies. Throughout the psalm, David vividly describes the treachery, violence, and deceit of his adversaries, likening their words to serpent's venom and their plots to hidden snares, as seen in his desperate cry for deliverance in Psalms 140:1-5. He appeals repeatedly to God's righteous character for protection and judgment against those who seek his downfall. Verse 12 marks a pivotal shift from desperate plea to confident declaration. It functions as a theological anchor for David's hope, a confident "I know" that grounds his trust amidst present danger. This declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice for the vulnerable serves as the theological foundation for his subsequent prayers for divine intervention against his wicked foes, contrasting their schemes with God's ultimate righteousness.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israelite society, the "afflicted" (ʻânîy) and "poor" (ʼebyôwn) represented particularly vulnerable segments of the population. Lacking social standing, economic power, and often legal recourse, they were highly susceptible to exploitation by the wealthy and powerful, as lamented by prophets like Amos, who condemned those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth" Amos 2:7. The Mosaic Law, however, repeatedly underscored God's special concern for these groups, commanding fair treatment, protection, and provision for widows, orphans, and sojourners, who frequently fell into these categories, as exemplified by the divine injunctions in Deuteronomy 24:17-22. Kings were specifically enjoined to uphold justice for the poor and needy, a central aspect of righteous rule, as prophesied for the ideal king in Psalms 72:4. David, as king and psalmist, understood this divine mandate, and his declaration in Psalms 140:12 reflects a deep understanding of God's character as the ultimate defender of those without earthly advocates.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores Divine Justice, portraying God as the supreme judge who actively intervenes in human affairs, ensuring that righteousness prevails and injustice is corrected. This is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like Psalms 9:8 where God is depicted as one who "judges the world in righteousness." It highlights God's Care for the Vulnerable, specifically naming the "afflicted" and the "poor" as recipients of His special attention and defense, echoing the divine compassion articulated in Exodus 22:22-24. Furthermore, David's opening declaration, "I know," exemplifies Faith and Confidence in God's character and promises, even amidst intense personal suffering and external threats, a trust frequently articulated in the Psalms, such as the declaration in Psalms 27:1. Finally, the promise that the LORD will "maintain the cause" and "the right" implies Vindication, assuring that God will defend the rights and bring ultimate justice to those who have been wronged, a hope central to the prophetic messages of future restoration, as echoed in Isaiah 61:1-3.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • know (Hebrew, yâdaʻ', H3045): This word (H3045) is a primitive root meaning "to ascertain by seeing," but it extends to a vast array of senses including observation, care, recognition, and even instruction or designation. In Psalms 140:12, David's use of "I know" signifies not merely intellectual assent but a deep, experiential, and confident assurance. It implies a settled conviction born from understanding God's character and past actions, a profound trust that God's nature guarantees His intervention on behalf of the vulnerable.
  • maintain (Hebrew, ʻâsâh', H6213): From the primitive root H6213, ʻâsâh is a broad verb meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense and application. It encompasses actions like accomplishing, performing, executing, and even governing or dealing with. Here, in the context of God "maintaining" the cause, it denotes God's active, decisive, and effective intervention. It's not a passive observation but a direct, powerful engagement to bring about a desired outcome—justice for the oppressed.
  • cause (Hebrew, dîyn', H1779): This term (H1779) refers to "judgment," encompassing the suit, justice, sentence, or tribunal, and by implication, strife. It carries a strong legal connotation, representing the case or legal dispute of an individual. When God "maintains the cause," He is taking on the role of advocate and judge, actively pleading the case of the afflicted and ensuring a just verdict is rendered in their favor.
  • right (Hebrew, mishpâṭ', H4941): Derived from H4941, mishpâṭ properly means a "verdict" (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially. It refers to a sentence, formal decree, or divine law, and abstractly, justice itself. It also includes a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary). In parallel with "cause," "right" emphasizes the inherent justice and due privilege that the poor are entitled to, which God Himself will uphold and enforce.

Verse Breakdown

  • "I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted": This opening clause is a powerful declaration of faith and conviction. The phrase "I know" (Hebrew: yâdaʻ) signifies a deep, personal certainty, not mere speculation or wishful thinking, but a settled understanding of God's nature. The subject is "the LORD" (Hebrew: Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant-keeping God of Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness, sovereignty, and omnipotence. To "maintain the cause" (Hebrew: ʻâsâh dîyn) means God will actively take up the legal or moral case of the "afflicted" (Hebrew: ʻânîy), those who are bowed down, oppressed, or suffering distress. This implies God's direct intervention as an advocate and judge on their behalf, ensuring their vindication.
  • "and the right of the poor": This second clause functions as a poetic parallel to the first, reinforcing and expanding its meaning through synonymous parallelism. "And the right" (Hebrew: mishpâṭ) refers to the justice, due privilege, or legal entitlement of the "poor" (Hebrew: ʼebyôwn), those who are destitute, needy, or lacking resources, often due to economic hardship or social marginalization. The parallelism highlights God's comprehensive commitment to justice for all vulnerable groups, ensuring that their inherent rights are not trampled but upheld by divine decree and action, demonstrating His impartial righteousness.

Literary Devices

Psalms 140:12 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Parallelism is prominently featured in the two clauses: "the cause of the afflicted" is mirrored by "the right of the poor." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central idea of divine justice for the vulnerable, emphasizing that God's concern extends to all who are marginalized, whether physically, socially, or economically. The phrase "I know" functions as a powerful declaration of Confidence or Assurance, setting a tone of unwavering faith amidst the preceding lament. It is a statement of theological conviction that anchors the psalmist's hope in God's character. Furthermore, the concept of God "maintaining the cause" and "the right" can be seen as a form of Anthropomorphism, attributing human-like legal or judicial actions to God. This makes God's active involvement in human affairs more relatable and tangible, portraying Him not as a distant deity but as an engaged, righteous judge who personally intervenes on behalf of the wronged.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice, especially for the most vulnerable members of society. It reveals a core aspect of God's character as a righteous judge and compassionate defender. Throughout Scripture, God is consistently portrayed as one who champions the cause of the oppressed, hears the cry of the needy, and actively works to right wrongs. This is not merely a passive sympathy but an active, judicial intervention that ensures ultimate vindication for those who have been exploited or marginalized. This divine concern establishes a theological imperative for believers to reflect God's heart by pursuing justice and showing compassion in their own spheres of influence, understanding that true worship involves caring for the least of these.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 140:12 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to action for believers today. In a world where injustice often seems to triumph, and the vulnerable are frequently exploited, this verse stands as a firm declaration of God's sovereign justice. It reminds us that our struggles are seen, our cries are heard, and our ultimate vindication is assured by a God who is actively involved in the affairs of humanity. This truth should ignite a deep trust within us, fostering patience and perseverance even when immediate justice seems elusive. Beyond personal comfort, this verse challenges us to embody God's character. If God is the defender of the afflicted and the poor, then His people are called to be His hands and feet in advocating for justice, speaking for the voiceless, and actively working to alleviate suffering. Our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a lived commitment to reflecting the heart of our just and compassionate God in our communities and beyond, trusting that He is with us in every endeavor to uphold righteousness.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the psalmist's declaration "I know" challenge or affirm your own level of trust in God's justice amidst personal or societal injustices?
  • In what specific ways can we, as individuals or as a community of faith, actively "maintain the cause" and "the right" of the afflicted and the poor in our contemporary context?
  • What does this verse teach us about God's character, and how might understanding this aspect of His nature change our prayers or our priorities?

FAQ

What does it mean for the LORD to "maintain the cause" of someone?

Answer: To "maintain the cause" (Hebrew: ʻâsâh dîyn) means that God actively intervenes, acts as an advocate, and serves as a judge on behalf of the afflicted. It's a legal and judicial term implying that God takes up their case, defends their rights, and ensures that justice is served. It's not passive observation but a decisive and effective action to bring about a just resolution for those who are wronged or oppressed. This active defense is a fundamental aspect of God's character, as seen throughout the Law and Prophets, where God frequently promises to judge on behalf of the marginalized, as He declares, "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause" Isaiah 1:17.

Who are the "afflicted" and the "poor" in this verse, and why are they singled out?

Answer: The "afflicted" (Hebrew: ʻânîy) refers to those who are humble, lowly, suffering, or oppressed, often bowed down by circumstances or external forces. The "poor" (Hebrew: ʼebyôwn) denotes those who are needy, destitute, or lacking resources, frequently due to economic hardship or social marginalization. These groups are singled out because, in ancient societies (and often today), they lacked power, influence, and legal recourse, making them uniquely vulnerable to exploitation and injustice. God's special concern for them highlights His compassion and His commitment to upholding righteousness where human systems fail. This divine advocacy for the vulnerable is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, from the commands in Deuteronomy to the prophetic critiques of injustice in books like Amos, which condemn those who oppress the needy.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 140:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament declares God's commitment to the afflicted and poor, Jesus perfectly embodies and enacts this divine justice. His earthly ministry was characterized by a radical identification with the marginalized, the sick, the outcast, and the economically disadvantaged. He proclaimed good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, and set the oppressed free, directly quoting Isaiah 61:1-2 as His mission statement in Luke 4:18-19. Jesus not only spoke of justice but actively lived it, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and challenging the oppressive systems of His day, demonstrating God's active "maintenance of the cause" for the vulnerable. Ultimately, He, the innocent Lamb of God, became the ultimate "afflicted" and "poor" one, suffering injustice on the cross (Isaiah 53:3-7), yet through His resurrection, God "maintained His cause" and "His right," vindicating Him and establishing a new covenant of justice and mercy for all who believe (Romans 1:4). In His future return, Christ will fully and finally establish God's righteous kingdom, where all injustice will be eradicated, and the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor will be eternally upheld, as described in the vision of a new heaven and new earth where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" (Revelation 21:4).

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Commentary on Psalms 140 verses 8–13

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details

Here is the believing foresight David had,

I. Of the shame and confusion of persecutors.

1.Their disappointment. This he prays for (Psa 140:8), that their lusts might not be gratified, their lust of ambition, envy, and revenge: "Grant not, O Lord! the desires of the wicked, but frustrate them; let them not see the ruin of my interest, which they so earnestly wish to see; but hear the voice of my supplications." He prays that their projects might not take effect, but be blasted: "O further not his wicked device; let not Providence favour any of his designs, but cross them; suffer not his wicked device to proceed, but chain his wheels, and stop him in the career of his pursuits." Thus we are to pray against the enemies of God's people, that they may not succeed in any of their enterprises. Such was David's prayer against Ahithophel, that God would turn his counsels into foolishness. The plea is, lest they exalt themselves, value themselves upon their success as if it were an evidence that God favoured them. Proud men, when they prosper, are made prouder, grow more impudent against God and insolent against his people, and therefore, "Lord, do not prosper them."

2.Their destruction. This he prays for (as we read it); but some choose to read it rather as a prophecy, and the original will bear it. If we take it as a prayer, that proceeds from a spirit of prophecy, which comes all to one. He foretels the ruin,

(1.)Of his own enemies: "As for those that compass me about, and seek my ruin," [1.] "The mischief of their own lips shall cover their heads (Psa 140:9); the evil they have wished to me shall come upon themselves, their curses shall be blown back into their own faces, and the very designs which they have laid against me shall turn to their own ruin," Psa 7:15, Psa 7:16. Let those that make mischief, by slandering, tale-bearing, misrepresenting their neighbours, and spreading ill-natured characters and stories, dread the consequence of it, and think how sad their condition will be when all the mischief they have been accessory to shall be made to return upon themselves. [2.] The judgments of God shall fall upon them, compared here to burning coals, in allusion to the destruction of Sodom; nay, as in the deluge the waters from above, and those from beneath, met for the drowning of the world, both the windows of heaven were opened and the fountains of the great deep were broken up, so here, to complete the ruin of the enemies of Christ and his kingdom, they shall not only have burning coals cast upon them from above (Job 20:23; Job 27:22), but they themselves shall be cast into the fire beneath; both heaven and hell, the wrath of God the Judge and the rage of Satan the tormentor, shall concur to make them miserable. And the fire they shall be cast into is not a furnace of fire, out of which perhaps they might escape, but a deep pit, out of which they cannot rise. Tophet is said to be deep and large, Isa 30:33.

(2.)Of all others that are like them, Psa 140:11. [1.] Evil speakers must expect to be shaken, for they shall never be established in the earth. What is got by fraud and falsehood, by calumny and unjust accusation, will not prosper, will not last. Wealth gotten by vanity will be diminished. Let not such men as Doeg think to reign long, for his doom will be theirs, Psa 2:5. A lying tongue is but for a moment, but the lip of truth shall be established for ever. [2.] Evil doers must expect to be destroyed: Evil shall hunt the violent man, as the blood-hound hunts the murderer to discover him, as the lion hunts his prey to tear it to pieces. Mischievous men will be brought to light, and brought to ruin; the destruction appointed shall run them down and overthrow them. Evil pursues sinners.

II. Here is his foresight of the deliverance and comfort of the persecuted, Psa 140:12, Psa 140:13. 1. God will do those justice, in delivering them, who, being wronged, commit themselves to him: "I know that the Lord will maintain the just and injured cause of his afflicted people, and will not suffer might always to prevail against right, though it be but the right of the poor, who have but little that they can pretend a right to." God is, and will be, the patron of oppressed innocence, much more of persecuted piety; those that know him cannot but know this. 2. They will do him justice (if I may so speak), in ascribing the glory of their deliverance to him: "Surely the righteous (who make conscience of rendering to God his due, as well as to men theirs) shall give thanks unto thy name when they find their cause pleaded with jealousy and prosecuted with effect." The closing words, The upright shall dwell in thy presence, denote both God's favour to them ("Thou shalt admit them to dwell in thy presence in grace here, in glory hereafter, and it shall be their safety and happiness") and their duty to God: "They shall attend upon thee as servants that keep in the presence of their masters, both to do them honour and to receive their commands." This is true thanksgiving, even thanksliving; and this use we should make of all our deliverance, we should serve God the more closely and cheerfully.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–13. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 140
"I know that the Lord will maintain the right of the needy" [Psalm 140:12]. This "needy" one is not "full of words;" for he that is full of words, wishes to abound, knows not to hunger. He is "needy" of whom it is said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." [Matthew 5:6] They groan among the stumbling-blocks of the wicked, they pray to their Head, to be delivered from the wicked man. "And the cause of the poor." These then are they whose cause the Lord will not neglect; although now they suffer hardships, their glory shall appear, when their Head appears. For to such while placed here it is said, "You are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." [Colossians 3:3] So then we are poor, our life is hid; let us cry to Him that is our Bread. [John 6:51] ...
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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