Psalms 140:12

KJV

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

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I know that ADONAI gives justice to the poor and maintains the rights of the needy.

Berean Standard Bible

I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.

American Standard Version

I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And justice for the needy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 140:12 is a profound declaration of faith by the psalmist, expressing unwavering certainty that the LORD, the sovereign God of Israel, will actively intervene to uphold justice for those who are marginalized and vulnerable. It encapsulates a core biblical truth: God is not indifferent to suffering but is intimately concerned with the plight of the oppressed, promising to defend their rights and ensure their vindication against those who would exploit or harm them. This verse serves as a powerful anchor of hope, affirming divine justice in a world often marked by inequity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is a fervent prayer of lament and petition from David, who is under severe threat from malicious enemies. Throughout the psalm, David vividly describes the treachery and violence of his adversaries, likening their words to venomous snakes and their plots to snares (e.g., [Psalms 140:3](/psalms/140-3 "Psalms 140:3 - Enemies' Malice")). He cries out for deliverance and judgment upon them, appealing to God's righteous character. Verse 12 marks a pivotal shift from desperate plea to confident declaration. It is a statement of theological conviction, a confident "I know" that grounds his hope amidst the present danger, asserting God's ultimate commitment to justice for the vulnerable, thereby contrasting the wicked's schemes with God's unwavering righteousness. This declaration serves as the theological foundation for his subsequent prayers for God's intervention against his foes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the "afflicted" (`ʻânîy`) and "poor" (`ʼebyôwn`) were particularly vulnerable groups. They often lacked social standing, economic power, and legal recourse, making them susceptible to exploitation by the wealthy and powerful (e.g., [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6 "Amos 2:6-7 - Oppression of the Poor")). The Mosaic Law, however, repeatedly emphasized God's special concern for these groups, commanding fair treatment, protection, and provision for widows, orphans, and sojourners, who often fell into these categories (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Love for the Vulnerable")). Kings were specifically enjoined to uphold justice for the poor and needy, a central aspect of righteous rule (e.g., [Psalms 72:4](/psalms/72-4 "A King's Righteous Rule")). David, as king, 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 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, as seen in passages like [Psalms 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "God Judges the World Righteously"). 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](/exodus/22-22 "Exodus 22:22-24 - Protection for Widows and Orphans"). 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 (e.g., [Psalms 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "The LORD is My Light and Salvation")). 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 (e.g., [Isaiah 61:1-3](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1-3 - The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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. 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. "I know" (Hebrew: `yâdaʻ`) signifies a deep, personal certainty, not mere speculation. The subject is "the LORD" (Hebrew: `Yᵉhôvâh`, H3068), the covenant-keeping God, emphasizing His faithfulness 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.
* **"and the right of the poor":** This second clause functions as a poetic parallel to the first, reinforcing and expanding its meaning. "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 oppression. 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.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 140:12 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Parallelism** is evident 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 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. 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.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")
* [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Honoring God by Helping the Poor")
* [Psalms 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "God, Father of the Fatherless and Defender of Widows")

### 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 (e.g., [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Defend the Oppressed")).

**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](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy") to the prophetic critiques of injustice in books like [Amos](/amos/1 "The Book of Amos").

### 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](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - Jesus' Mission Statement") as His mission statement in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon"). Jesus not only spoke of justice but actively lived it, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and challenging the oppressive systems of His day. Ultimately, He, the innocent Lamb of God, became the ultimate "afflicted" and "poor" one, suffering injustice on the cross, 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. 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 (e.g., [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears 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 9:4

For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.

1 Kings 8:49

Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause,

Proverbs 23:10

¶ Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

Proverbs 23:11

For their redeemer [is] mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

1 Kings 8:45

Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

Jeremiah 22:16

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD.

Matthew 11:5

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.