Psalms 12:5

KJV

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the oppression {H7701} of the poor {H6041}, for the sighing {H603} of the needy {H34}, now will I arise {H6965}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; I will set {H7896} him in safety {H3468} from him that puffeth {H6315} at him.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Because the poor are oppressed, because the needy are groaning, I will now rise up," says ADONAI, "and grant security to those whom they scorn."

Berean Standard Bible

“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”

American Standard Version

Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; I will set him in the safety he panteth for.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 12:5 is a profound divine oracle embedded within a lament, declaring God's decisive and immediate intervention in response to the pervasive oppression of the vulnerable and the desperate cries of the afflicted. Amidst a societal landscape marred by deceit, flattery, and moral decay, this verse stands as a powerful assurance of God's unwavering commitment to justice, promising to deliver and secure those who are scorned and marginalized by the wicked. It marks a pivotal shift from human despair to divine hope, affirming the Lord's active sovereignty over injustice and His readiness to provide ultimate safety.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 12 is structured as a communal lament, voiced by an individual (traditionally David), decrying the widespread absence of faithfulness and truth among humanity. The preceding verses (1-4) vividly portray a world where "faithful men vanish" and "deceitful lips" and "flattering tongues" prevail, with the wicked boasting of their manipulative power and their ability to speak "proud things." The psalmist pleads for divine intervention, highlighting the stark contrast between pervasive human corruption and God's expected righteousness. Verse 5 serves as God's direct, declarative response to this lament, shifting the focus from human depravity to divine action. It is a pivotal moment, introducing God's voice into the human cry for justice, setting the stage for the affirmation of God's pure and reliable words in [the subsequent verses of the psalm](/psalms/12-6-7 "Psalm 12:6-7 - The Purity and Preservation of God's Words"). This divine oracle provides the turning point, infusing hope into a context of deep despair.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Psalm 12, likely during David's reign or a similar period of social instability in ancient Israel, reflects a time when social justice was a constant challenge. In ancient Israel, the "poor" (עָנִי, _ʻânîy_) and "needy" (אֶבְיוֹן, _ʼebyôwn_) were not merely those lacking material wealth but often included the marginalized, the oppressed, and those without powerful advocates or legal recourse. They were frequently exploited by the wealthy and influential, whose "flattering lips" and "proud tongues" (as described in [Psalm 12:3-4](/psalms/12-3-4 "Psalm 12:3-4 - The Boasting and Deceit of the Wicked")) were instruments of their oppression and social control. The act of "puffing at him" (מִפִּיחַ, _mippûwach_) would have been understood as a deeply contemptuous gesture, a dismissive scoff or malicious breath, symbolizing the arrogant scorn of the powerful towards the vulnerable, further highlighting their dehumanization. God's declaration to "arise" (קוּם, _qûwm_) in such a context was a radical promise of reversal and vindication for those whom society had cast aside, demonstrating His unique role as the advocate for the defenseless.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Intervention**, portraying God not as a distant observer but as an active, sovereign agent who intervenes directly when injustice reaches a critical point. The declaration "now will I arise" signals a divine commitment to righteousness that transcends human failure, as also seen in [Isaiah 33:10](/isaiah/33-10 "Isaiah 33:10 - God's Arising for Judgment"). Secondly, it highlights God's profound **Compassion for the Vulnerable**. The explicit mention of "the poor" and "the needy" demonstrates God's special advocacy for society's most defenseless members, whose "sighing" pierces the heavens and moves the Almighty to action. This theme resonates throughout the Law and Prophets, emphasizing the divine heart for the marginalized (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Care for the Poor and Needy")). Lastly, the verse promises **Divine Protection and Deliverance**. God pledges to "set him in safety," offering a secure refuge from those who mock and oppress. This promise of ultimate security directly confronts the malice of those who "puffeth at him," assuring the oppressed that their ultimate vindication and safety reside in the Lord alone, a theme echoed in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** The verb קוּם (_qûwm_) is a dynamic and volitional term. When used of God, as here, "now will I arise," it signifies a decisive and active intervention, a movement from a perceived state of inaction to a powerful and immediate engagement. It is not merely standing up, but taking action, often in judgment or salvation. This emphasizes God's sovereign will and His readiness to execute His purposes in human history, particularly in response to injustice.
* **poor (Hebrew, _ʻânîy'_):** The Hebrew term עָנִי (_ʻânîy_) refers to those who are economically disadvantaged, but more broadly, it encompasses the afflicted, humble, oppressed, or those who are in a state of dependence. In biblical thought, the _ʻânîy_ are often those who are righteous sufferers, relying solely on God for their vindication and sustenance, making them a special object of divine concern and compassion.
* **puffeth (Hebrew, _pûwach'_):** This translates the Hiphil participle of the verb פּוּחַ (_pûwach_), which literally means "to blow with the breath or air," or "to utter." In this context, it powerfully conveys a range of malicious actions: scorn, contempt, derision, or even plotting harm through words or actions. It depicts the arrogant and dismissive attitude of the oppressors, who treat the vulnerable with utter disdain, as if blowing them away with a contemptuous breath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the oppression of the poor,"**: This clause establishes the primary motivation for God's intervention. "Oppression" (שֹׁד, _shôd_) speaks of violence, devastation, and ruin, indicating a severe and destructive form of injustice inflicted upon the vulnerable. The "poor" (עָנִי, _ʻânîy_) are not just economically disadvantaged but are those suffering under systemic or individual exploitation, whose plight moves God to action.
* **"for the sighing of the needy,"**: This phrase parallels the previous one, adding another dimension to the suffering. "Sighing" (אֲנָקָה, _ʼănâqâh_) denotes a deep groan, a cry of anguish, or a lament born out of distress and pain. It emphasizes the emotional and spiritual suffering of the "needy" (אֶבְיוֹן, _ʼebyôwn_), whose desperate cries reach God's ears, highlighting His attentiveness to their deepest anguish and His compassionate response.
* **"now will I arise, saith the LORD;"**: This is the divine declaration, the turning point of the verse and the psalm. "Now" (עַתָּה, _ʻattah_) signifies immediacy and decisiveness, indicating that God's intervention is imminent and certain. The phrase "saith the LORD" (נְאֻם יְהוָה, _neʼum YHWH_) functions as a divine oracle, lending absolute authority and certainty to the promise, underscoring that this is a direct, authoritative word from the self-existent God (Yᵉhôvâh).
* **"I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him."**: This clause specifies the outcome of God's intervention. God promises to place the oppressed and needy "in safety" (בְּיֶשַׁע, _b'yeshaʻ_) – literally, "in salvation" or "deliverance." This safety is from "him that puffeth at him," referring to the scornful, malicious oppressor. It signifies not just physical protection but ultimate vindication and security from all forms of contempt and harm, demonstrating God's complete reversal of their plight and His commitment to their well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 12:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with profound impact. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the opening phrases, "For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy," where synonymous clauses emphasize the dual nature of the suffering that provokes God's response, reinforcing the depth of the plight. **Imagery** is vivid and evocative, particularly in "sighing of the needy," which conjures a profound sense of anguish and desperation, and "puffeth at him," which paints a clear picture of contemptuous scorn and malicious dismissal. The most significant device is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in "now will I arise," where God is depicted as taking human-like action, rising from a seat of judgment or perceived inaction to intervene decisively. This device makes God's action relatable and underscores His active, personal engagement in human affairs. Finally, the phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Oracle**, a direct and authoritative declaration from God, lending ultimate authority and irrefutable certainty to His promise of intervention and salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 12:5 profoundly articulates God's character as the righteous judge and compassionate deliverer. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to human suffering, but intimately aware of and actively responsive to the cries of the oppressed. This verse underscores the biblical principle that true justice ultimately emanates from God, who champions the cause of the vulnerable when human systems fail. It affirms His covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His promises to protect the weak are unwavering, and His intervention is both timely and decisive. Theologically, it asserts God's sovereignty over evil and His ultimate victory over those who seek to exploit or diminish His creation, providing a foundational hope that even in the darkest times, divine justice will prevail and the marginalized will find their refuge in Him.

* [Psalm 9:9](/psalms/9-9 "Psalm 9:9 - The Lord is a Stronghold for the Oppressed")
* [Proverbs 22:22-23](/proverbs/22-22-23 "Proverbs 22:22-23 - Do Not Exploit the Poor")
* [Isaiah 41:17](/isaiah/41-17 "Isaiah 41:17 - God Hears the Poor and Needy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 12:5 offers profound comfort to those who feel marginalized, unheard, or oppressed, serving as a powerful reminder that their suffering is seen and their cries are heard by a God who promises to intervene. In a world still rife with injustice, deceit, and the powerful "puffing" at the vulnerable, this verse anchors our hope in a divine reality where righteousness will ultimately triumph. It calls believers not only to trust in God's ultimate deliverance but also to embody His heart for the poor and needy. As followers of Christ, we are challenged to be agents of His justice, to speak for the voiceless, to stand with the oppressed, and to work towards a society that reflects God's compassion, knowing that our efforts are aligned with His sovereign plan to "set them in safety." This verse compels us to examine our own attitudes towards the marginalized and to actively participate in God's redemptive work in the world, extending compassion and advocating for justice in our spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I see "the oppression of the poor" and "the sighing of the needy" in my own community or the wider world today, and how does this verse prompt my response?**
* **How does God's declaration "now will I arise" challenge my understanding of divine timing and intervention in the face of injustice, especially when immediate relief is not apparent?**
* **What practical steps can I take to reflect God's heart for the vulnerable and contribute to their "safety" from those who "puff at them" through scorn or exploitation?**
* **How does this verse strengthen my faith in God's ultimate justice and His unwavering commitment to His people, even when circumstances seem bleak or His intervention seems delayed?**

### FAQ
**What does "puffeth at him" truly mean, and how does it relate to modern forms of oppression?**

Answer: The phrase "puffeth at him" (מִפִּיחַ, _mippûwach_) literally means to breathe out, blow, or utter. In this context, it powerfully conveys scorn, contempt, derision, or malicious intent expressed through words or actions. It's a vivid image of the oppressor's arrogant dismissal and dehumanization of the vulnerable. In modern terms, this can manifest as verbal abuse, mocking, gaslighting, public shaming, online bullying, or any form of dismissive behavior that trivializes suffering and seeks to silence or invalidate the voice of the marginalized. It represents the psychological and emotional violence that often accompanies physical or economic oppression, where the powerful seek to diminish the humanity of the weak. God's promise to set the oppressed in safety from such scorn speaks to His commitment to restoring dignity and worth to those who have been belittled and dehumanized.

**Does God always intervene immediately when the poor and needy are oppressed?**

Answer: Psalms 12:5 declares, "now will I arise," emphasizing God's decisive and timely intervention. While this verse highlights God's readiness and commitment to act, "now" in God's timing (עַתָּה, _ʻattah_) may not always align with human expectations of immediacy. Throughout scripture, God's justice often unfolds according to His sovereign plan and perfect timing, which can involve periods of waiting and perseverance for His people. However, the verse unequivocally assures that God *will* arise; His intervention is certain, even if the precise moment is known only to Him. It's a promise of ultimate vindication and deliverance, ensuring that injustice will not have the final word. This divine promise encourages enduring faith and prayer, knowing that the Lord hears the cries of the afflicted and will act on their behalf, bringing about His perfect justice and salvation in due time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 12:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "arising" to set the oppressed in safety. Jesus consistently identified with the "poor" and "needy" throughout His earthly ministry, declaring Himself sent to "preach good news to the poor... to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). His life was a direct response to the "sighing of the needy," as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and offered dignity to the outcast, confronting the "puffing" scorn of the religious elite and the powerful who despised the marginalized. Ultimately, Christ's death and resurrection represent God's decisive "arising" against the ultimate oppressors: sin, death, and the devil. Through His sacrifice, He provides ultimate "safety" and eternal deliverance, not just from human scorn but from the spiritual forces that "puff" at humanity, offering refuge to all who believe in Him ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). His second coming will be the final and complete "arising" of the Lord, when all injustice will be definitively judged, and His redeemed will be set in perfect safety in His eternal kingdom, 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](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain")).

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 34:6

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

Proverbs 14:31

¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

James 5:4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Isaiah 33:10

Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.

Psalms 146:7

Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

Psalms 146:8

The LORD openeth [the eyes of] the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

Micah 7:8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.