Psalms 109:31

KJV

For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save [him] from those that condemn his soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he shall stand {H5975} at the right hand {H3225} of the poor {H34}, to save {H3467} him from those that condemn {H8199} his soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because he stands alongside a needy person to defend him from unjust accusers.

Berean Standard Bible

For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from the condemners of his soul.

American Standard Version

For he will stand at the right hand of the needy, To save him from them that judge his soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 109:31 offers a profound assurance of divine intervention and steadfast advocacy for the afflicted. Following a lengthy and intense lament filled with imprecations against malicious adversaries, this verse pivots dramatically, revealing God's unwavering character as the ultimate defender of the righteous who are unjustly accused, poor, and vulnerable, promising their ultimate vindication and salvation from those who seek to condemn them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 109 stands as one of the most fervent of the imprecatory psalms, where the psalmist, likely David, pours out his profound anguish over the betrayal, slander, and unprovoked hatred he endures from his enemies. The preceding verses are dominated by a detailed enumeration of the severe curses he invokes upon his adversaries, expressing a raw and intense desire for divine retribution (e.Sg., [Psalm 109:6-20](/psalms/109-6 "Psalm 109:6-20 - Curses Against the Wicked")). This is followed by a poignant description of his own suffering, weakness, and desperate plea for God's help ([Psalm 109:21-29](/psalms/109-21 "Psalm 109:21-29 - The Psalmist's Distress and Plea")). Amidst this deep distress and the stark reality of human malice, verse 31 emerges as a powerful contrast and a beacon of hope, shifting the focus from the psalmist's suffering and imprecations to God's character as the ultimate, active defender of the vulnerable. It assures the psalmist, and by extension all who suffer unjustly, that divine justice will indeed prevail.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "standing at the right hand" is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern legal and social customs. In a courtroom setting, the "right hand" could be the position of either the accuser or the defender. By stating that God "shall stand at the right hand of the poor," the psalmist depicts God taking on the role of a powerful and active advocate, interposing Himself on behalf of the unjustly accused. The term "poor" (Hebrew: _'ebyon_) in this context extends beyond mere financial destitution; it often refers to those who are humble, afflicted, oppressed, marginalized, or lacking powerful human allies, thus being entirely dependent on divine intervention for their justice and protection. This reflects a broader biblical concern for the vulnerable in society.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 109:31 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Advocacy**, portraying God as the ultimate defender who actively intervenes on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. Secondly, it highlights God's special **Protection of the Vulnerable and Oppressed**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture, emphasizing His heart for the marginalized and those without human recourse (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Oppressed") and [Proverbs 22:22-23](/proverbs/22-22 "Proverbs 22:22-23 - Do Not Oppress the Poor")). Thirdly, the verse promises **Vindication and Justice**, assuring that God will deliver the righteous from false accusations and condemnation, ensuring they are not permanently overcome by those who seek to destroy their reputation or spirit. Finally, the imagery of God "standing" signifies His **Active Presence and Power**, ready to intervene decisively in the midst of suffering, echoing other scriptures where God's power and authority are depicted at His [right hand](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Right Hand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stand (Hebrew, _'amad'_):** This verb denotes a firm, resolute, and active posture. It implies not merely passive presence but a readiness to act, to intervene, and to take a stand. In a legal or confrontational context, it signifies taking one's place to advocate or oppose.
* **right hand (Hebrew, _yamin'_):** In ancient Near Eastern culture, the right hand was symbolically associated with power, authority, strength, and favor. In legal settings, the "right hand" was the customary position for either the accuser or the defender. Here, God takes the position of the defender, demonstrating His active and powerful role in pleading the cause of the innocent.
* **poor (Hebrew, _'ebyon'_):** This term refers to more than just financial poverty. It encompasses those who are needy, afflicted, humble, oppressed, or without powerful human allies. It describes a state of vulnerability and dependence, often highlighting one's complete reliance on God for justice and support.
* **save (Hebrew, _yasha'_):** This verb means to deliver, rescue, or bring salvation. It implies a comprehensive act of liberation from distress, danger, or enemies, leading to safety and well-being.
* **condemn (Hebrew, _shaphat'_):** While _shaphat_ broadly means "to judge," in this context, it carries the negative connotation of unjustly accusing, sentencing, or seeking to destroy. It refers to those who bring false charges or pronounce a damning verdict against the innocent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor":** This clause identifies the divine agent ("he," referring to God) and His posture of active intervention. God takes His place as the ultimate advocate and defender, positioning Himself powerfully alongside "the poor"—those who are vulnerable, afflicted, and unjustly accused, lacking human recourse or strength to defend themselves. This imagery conveys God's intimate solidarity and unwavering commitment to the marginalized.
* **"to save [him]":** This phrase articulates the clear purpose of God's intervention: to bring deliverance and rescue. The implication is a comprehensive act of salvation, not just from physical harm but also from the spiritual and reputational damage inflicted by adversaries. God's presence guarantees vindication.
* **"from those that condemn his soul":** This final clause identifies the adversaries and the nature of their attack. "Those that condemn his soul" refers to the enemies who bring false accusations, slander, or seek to destroy the very life, reputation, or essence ("soul" or _nephesh_) of the psalmist. God's intervention is specifically directed at thwarting these malicious attempts at destruction and ensuring justice against unjust condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 109:31 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human characteristics, specifically "standing at the right hand." This vivid imagery allows the reader to grasp God's active, personal involvement in human affairs, portraying Him as a divine advocate in a courtroom-like setting. The verse also employs powerful **Imagery**, painting a clear picture of a legal confrontation where God steps in as the ultimate defender. This creates a strong sense of divine presence and intervention. There is a profound **Contrast** established between the psalmist's deep suffering and the malicious actions of his enemies (detailed in earlier verses) and God's powerful, unwavering commitment to justice and salvation. Finally, the phrase "right hand" functions as a **Metaphor** for power, authority, and decisive action, signifying God's supreme ability to defend and deliver.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 109:31 profoundly articulates God's unwavering character as the defender of the oppressed and the source of ultimate justice. It reinforces the consistent biblical theme that God has a special concern for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those who are unjustly treated. This verse assures believers that even when human systems of justice fail, or when they are abandoned and slandered by others, God Himself takes an active stance as their advocate. It speaks to the sovereignty of God's justice, promising that His vindication will ultimately prevail over all forms of human malice and condemnation. This divine commitment to the "poor" (understood broadly as the afflicted and dependent) is a cornerstone of biblical theology, demonstrating God's righteousness and compassion.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Oppressed")
* [Proverbs 22:22-23](/proverbs/22-22 "Proverbs 22:22-23 - Do Not Oppress the Poor")
* [Psalm 34:6](/psalms/34-6 "Psalm 34:6 - The Poor Cry Out to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 109:31 offers immense comfort and encouragement for believers navigating injustice, slander, or false accusations in their lives. In moments when human systems fail, friends betray, or adversaries relentlessly seek to undermine one's reputation or spirit, this verse reminds us that our ultimate advocate is the sovereign God. It calls us to trust in His unfailing justice and to cast our burdens upon Him, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate His own. This perspective shifts our reliance from our own limited abilities to defend ourselves to God's infinite power and unwavering commitment to those who depend on Him. Furthermore, understanding God's heart for the "poor" and afflicted should stir within us a profound empathy and a call to action. We are invited to reflect God's character by actively seeking justice, advocating for the marginalized, and extending compassion to those who are vulnerable in our own communities, becoming instruments of His divine advocacy in a world often marked by injustice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God "standing at the right hand" reshape your understanding of His active presence in your struggles and times of injustice?**
* **In what ways might you be called to act as an advocate for the "poor" or vulnerable in your own context, reflecting God's character and commitment to justice?**
* **When facing false accusations or deep personal distress, how does this verse encourage you to rely on divine vindication rather than solely on self-defense or human solutions?**

### FAQ

**What does "condemn his soul" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 109:31, "condemn his soul" refers to the malicious actions of adversaries who seek to bring false accusations, slander, or unjust judgment against the psalmist. The Hebrew word for "soul" (_nephesh_) often encompasses the entire person, including their life, reputation, and very being. Therefore, to "condemn his soul" means to seek to destroy his life, his standing, his good name, or his spirit through unjust means, effectively pronouncing a damning verdict against him. God's intervention is to save him from this comprehensive assault on his personhood.

**Is "the poor" only about financial status in this psalm?**

Answer: While it can include financial poverty, the Hebrew term _'ebyon_ (אֶבְיוֹן) used here is broader than simply economic destitution. It describes one who is needy, afflicted, humble, oppressed, or lacking powerful human allies. It emphasizes a state of vulnerability and dependence, often on God alone, because they have no other recourse. This term highlights their social and existential condition, making them particularly reliant on divine intervention for justice and protection.

**How does this verse relate to other "imprecatory psalms" where the psalmist curses enemies?**

Answer: Psalms 109:31 serves as a crucial counterpoint and resolution within the intense context of Psalm 109, which is one of the most prominent imprecatory psalms. While the psalmist expresses raw pain and calls for severe justice against his oppressors (as seen in earlier verses like [Psalm 109:6-20](/psalms/109-6 "Psalm 109:6-20 - Curses Against the Wicked")), verse 31 shifts the focus from human imprecation to divine intervention. It affirms that ultimate vindication and salvation belong to God, who will actively defend the righteous. It's not a retraction of the desire for justice but a statement of faith that God Himself will execute that justice. This verse provides the theological grounding for the psalmist's hope, demonstrating that even amidst the desire for retribution, the ultimate trust is in God's unfailing commitment to His people and His sovereign justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 109:31 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "poor" whom God stands to defend are perfectly represented in Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sake ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). He identified completely with the marginalized, the afflicted, and the unjustly condemned, declaring that what is done to "the least of these" is done to Him ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These")). Jesus Himself stood condemned by those who sought to destroy His soul, enduring false accusations and a wrongful death on the cross, becoming the ultimate "poor" one in His utter dependence on the Father. Yet, in His resurrection, God powerfully stood at His right hand, vindicating Him from those who condemned Him, proving Him to be the righteous Son. Furthermore, Christ now stands at the right hand of God the Father, not as one needing defense, but as our eternal [Advocate](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate") and Intercessor, continually pleading our cause and saving us from the condemnation of sin and the accuser ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Our Intercessor")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing our condemnation so that we, the truly poor in spirit, might be saved and declared righteous in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 121:5

The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.

Psalms 16:8

¶ I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Psalms 140:12

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor.

Psalms 73:23

Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.

Psalms 110:5

¶ The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

Proverbs 22:22

¶ Rob not the poor, because he [is] poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: