Psalms 82:3

KJV

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Defend {H8199}{H8798)} the poor {H1800} and fatherless {H3490}: do justice {H6663}{H8685)} to the afflicted {H6041} and needy {H7326}{H8802)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give justice to the weak and fatherless! Uphold the rights of the wretched and poor!

Berean Standard Bible

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

American Standard Version

Judge the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 82:3 is a direct divine command issued within a heavenly court scene, where God judges earthly rulers for their failure to administer justice. This verse specifically charges those in positions of authority to actively champion the cause of the poor, the fatherless, the afflicted, and the needy, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and equity, especially for society's most vulnerable members. It serves as a foundational declaration of the divine mandate for justice, holding human leaders accountable for reflecting God's own character in their governance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 82:3 is embedded within a prophetic psalm, often attributed to Asaph, which depicts a dramatic divine assembly. The psalm opens with God taking His stand in the divine council, judging the "gods" (Hebrew: _elohim_), a term widely interpreted as referring to human rulers or judges who have been given authority. Verses 1-2 establish God's indictment against these rulers for their corrupt and unjust judgments, specifically for showing partiality to the wicked. Verse 3 then issues a direct, imperative command, detailing the specific responsibilities these rulers have neglected. This command is followed by a lament over their ignorance and a declaration of their mortality in verses 6-7, emphasizing that despite their elevated status, they are subject to God's ultimate judgment. Thus, verse 3 is the heart of God's corrective instruction, outlining the righteous conduct expected of those who wield power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East (ANE), kings and rulers were often seen as divine representatives, responsible for maintaining cosmic and social order, with justice being a primary duty. However, in practice, corruption and oppression of the weak were rampant. Within Israel, the Mosaic Law established a unique standard, frequently emphasizing the protection of the marginalized—the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:17](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17 - Justice for the Sojourner, Fatherless, and Widow")). Prophets consistently condemned leaders who failed in this regard (e.g., [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Defend the Oppressed")). Psalms 82:3, therefore, reflects a deep-seated biblical concern that contrasts God's righteous governance with the often-corrupt practices of human rulers, reminding them of their divinely appointed role to uphold justice for all, especially those without inherent power or voice in society.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Psalms 82, powerfully articulated in verse 3, is the **divine mandate for justice** and the **accountability of human authority**. God, as the ultimate sovereign, holds all earthly rulers responsible for how they exercise their power, demanding that it be used for the welfare of the weak and not for personal gain or oppression. This highlights **God's character as a just and righteous judge**, who identifies with the oppressed and champions their cause. The psalm also underscores the **vulnerability of the marginalized**—the poor, fatherless, afflicted, and needy—and God's specific concern for their protection and vindication. It implicitly critiques the **corruption of human systems** that fail to reflect divine justice, serving as a timeless reminder that true authority derives from God and must be exercised in alignment with His righteous standards, as seen throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defend (Hebrew, _shaphat'_):** This verb means more than merely "to judge" in a judicial sense; it encompasses the broader concept of governing, ruling, setting things right, and acting as an advocate or champion. In this context, it implies active intervention to ensure justice, to vindicate the wronged, and to protect the vulnerable from exploitation or oppression. It's a call for proactive, righteous governance.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _dal'_):** This term refers to those who are weak, powerless, or economically disadvantaged. It often denotes a state of being "low" or "thin," highlighting their vulnerability and lack of resources, making them susceptible to being exploited or overlooked by society.
* **Fatherless (Hebrew, _yathom'_):** Specifically referring to orphans, this term denotes a class of individuals who, in ancient patriarchal societies, lacked the protection, legal standing, and economic security typically provided by a male head of household. They were among the most vulnerable to injustice and exploitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Defend the poor and fatherless":** This opening imperative is a direct, non-negotiable command to those in authority. "Defend" (_shaphat_) implies not just passive judgment but active intervention—to govern justly, to advocate for, and to protect. The "poor" (_dal_) represent the economically and socially weak, while the "fatherless" (_yathom_) are orphans, particularly susceptible to exploitation due to their lack of a male protector. This clause emphasizes the proactive responsibility of rulers to champion the cause of society's most vulnerable.
* **"do justice to the afflicted and needy":** This second imperative clause parallels and reinforces the first, broadening the scope of concern. "Do justice" here uses the root _tsadaq_, meaning to act righteously, to vindicate, or to declare innocent. The "afflicted" (_'ani_) are those who are oppressed, humble, or suffering under hardship, while the "needy" (_'ebyon_) refers to the destitute, often those reduced to begging. Together, these terms encompass all who are suffering under oppression or poverty, underscoring a comprehensive divine concern for the marginalized and a demand for righteous action on their behalf.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 82:3 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("do justice to the afflicted and needy") reiterates and expands upon the first ("Defend the poor and fatherless"). This repetition emphasizes the core message of righteous judgment and advocacy for the vulnerable, reinforcing its importance. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Defend," "do justice") highlights the non-negotiable and urgent nature of God's command, underscoring the divine authority behind the instruction. Furthermore, the verse uses a form of **Merism or Categorization** by listing four distinct but related groups ("poor," "fatherless," "afflicted," "needy"). While each term has a nuanced meaning, together they comprehensively represent the entirety of society's marginalized and disempowered, indicating God's holistic concern for all who are vulnerable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 82:3 profoundly reveals God's character as the ultimate righteous Judge who demands justice on earth. It establishes that the administration of justice, particularly for the vulnerable, is not merely a human ideal but a divine imperative and a reflection of God's own nature. This verse underscores the theological truth that God identifies with the oppressed and holds those in power accountable for their stewardship. It challenges any notion that power is for self-aggrandizement, instead framing it as a sacred trust to be used for the welfare of the community, especially its weakest members. This divine concern for justice is a consistent thread throughout Scripture, forming a core component of biblical ethics and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")
* [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8-9 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless")
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 82:3 serves as a timeless and potent challenge to every generation, calling all who possess any form of influence or authority—whether in government, legal systems, corporations, communities, or even families—to examine how they wield their power. It demands that we move beyond passive sympathy to active advocacy and intervention on behalf of the marginalized. For individuals, this means cultivating a heart for justice, actively seeking out and addressing the needs of the poor, the orphaned, the suffering, and the oppressed in our spheres of influence. For the Church, it is a clarion call to embody Christ's compassion, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to engage in ministries that bring both relief and systemic justice. Ultimately, this verse compels us to reflect God's own righteous character in our personal lives and in the structures of our society, ensuring that justice flows like a river for all, not just for the privileged.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of power and authority, whether personal or societal?**
* **In what specific ways can I, or my community, actively "defend" and "do justice" for the vulnerable around us?**
* **What are the practical implications of viewing care for the poor and needy as a divine mandate rather than mere charity?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "gods" mentioned in Psalm 82:1, and how does verse 3 relate to them?**

Answer: The "gods" (Hebrew: _elohim_) in [Psalms 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalms 82:1 - God Judges the Gods") are widely interpreted by scholars as referring to human rulers, judges, or powerful figures who have been divinely appointed to administer justice on earth. While the term _elohim_ can refer to divine beings, in this context, it functions as a metaphor or a title for those who act in God's stead as earthly authorities. God is depicted as presiding over a divine council, confronting these human "gods" for their corruption and failure to uphold justice. [Psalms 82:3](/psalms/82-3 "Psalms 82:3 - The Divine Command for Justice") is God's direct command to these very rulers, outlining the specific duties they have neglected: to defend the poor, fatherless, afflicted, and needy. It serves as a scathing indictment of their abuse of power and a clear articulation of the righteous standard by which they are being judged.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 82:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm condemns earthly rulers for their failure to administer justice, Jesus perfectly embodies the divine mandate to defend the poor and do justice to the afflicted. His earthly ministry was characterized by a radical identification with the marginalized: He healed the sick, fed the hungry, welcomed the outcasts, and consistently championed the cause of those society deemed "needy" or "afflicted," declaring His mission to "proclaim 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 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). As the righteous King and ultimate Judge, Jesus will, at His return, establish a kingdom where perfect justice prevails, vindicating the oppressed and judging the wicked ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Furthermore, Christ serves as our eternal Advocate and High Priest, continually interceding for us before the Father, truly defending the poor in spirit and doing justice for those afflicted by sin ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest and Advocate")). He is the one who will ultimately "judge with righteousness" and "defend the cause of the poor of the people" ([Isaiah 11:4](/isaiah/11-4 "Isaiah 11:4 - The Righteous Reign of the Branch")).

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 10:18

To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

Jeremiah 5:28

They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Jeremiah 22:3

Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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.

Deuteronomy 24:17

Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, [nor] of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.