Psalms 82:3

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

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

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

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

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

Context of Psalms 82:3

Psalm 82 is a powerful prophetic declaration, often attributed to Asaph, where God presides over a divine assembly, judging earthly rulers and powerful figures (referred to as "gods" or elohim in verse 1) for their failure to administer justice. This verse, Psalms 82:3 KJV, is a direct command from the Almighty to these authorities, outlining their fundamental responsibility to the vulnerable within society. It underscores God's deep concern for righteousness and equity, particularly for those who cannot defend themselves, reflecting a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament legal and prophetic literature.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Mandate for Justice: The verse highlights that caring for the vulnerable is not merely a charitable act but a divine imperative. God holds those in positions of power accountable for ensuring justice is served impartially.
  • Advocacy for the Vulnerable: It specifically names the "poor," "fatherless," "afflicted," and "needy" – groups historically marginalized and lacking protection. The command to "defend" and "do justice" implies active intervention, protection, and righteous judgment on their behalf. This aligns with God's own character as a Father of the fatherless and a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5).
  • Responsibility of Authority: This verse serves as a timeless reminder to all who hold influence or authority—whether in government, legal systems, or even within communities—that their power is to be used for the welfare of the weak, not for personal gain or oppression.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse emphasize the profound vulnerability of the groups mentioned:

  • "Defend" (Hebrew: shaphat) implies more than just judging; it carries the sense of acting as a champion or advocate, to rule justly in favor of.
  • "Poor" (dal) and "needy" ('ebyon) refer to those who are economically disadvantaged and dependent.
  • "Fatherless" (yathom) specifically points to orphans, a class particularly susceptible to exploitation in ancient societies without a male protector.
  • "Afflicted" ('ani) refers to those who are oppressed, humble, or suffering under hardship.

Together, these terms paint a picture of society's most vulnerable members, for whom God demands active and righteous protection.

Practical Application

The message of Psalms 82:3 remains profoundly relevant today. It challenges:

  • Governments and Legal Systems: To establish and uphold laws that protect the rights of all citizens, especially the marginalized, ensuring equitable access to justice.
  • Individuals: To cultivate a heart for social justice, actively seeking opportunities to help and advocate for the poor, the orphaned, the suffering, and the oppressed in their communities. This resonates with the New Testament call to pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27).
  • The Church: To embody Christ's compassion by being a voice for the voiceless and actively engaging in ministries that bring relief and justice to those in need, remembering Jesus' teaching about caring for "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40).

Ultimately, this verse calls for a reflection of God's own righteous character in human society, demanding that justice flow like a river for all.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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