Psalms 82:4

KJV

Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

Deliver {H6403}{H8761)} the poor {H1800} and needy {H34}: rid {H5337}{H8685)} them out of the hand {H3027} of the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rescue the destitute and needy; deliver them from the power of the wicked!"

Berean Standard Bible

Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.

American Standard Version

Rescue the poor and needy: Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 82:4 issues a profound divine mandate to earthly authorities, urging them to actively intervene on behalf of the most vulnerable members of society. This verse is a categorical command from God, calling for rulers and judges to rescue and protect those who are defenseless against exploitation and oppression, ensuring that justice prevails over the corrupt practices of the wicked. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice and His expectation that human leaders reflect His righteous character in their governance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 82 belongs to the "Psalms of Asaph," a distinct collection within the Psalter (Psalms 50, 73-83) often characterized by themes of divine judgment, justice, and God's sovereign rule over all creation and nations. The psalm opens with a dramatic, almost theatrical, scene in [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God stands in the divine council") where God "takes His stand in the divine council" or "assembly of the gods" (*elohim*). While some interpretations suggest heavenly beings, the subsequent verses clarify that God is addressing human rulers or judges, whom He designates as "gods" due to their divinely appointed authority to administer justice on earth. God sternly rebukes these earthly powers in [Psalm 82:2-3](/psalms/82-2-3 "Psalm 82:2-3 - God's rebuke of unjust judges") for their egregious failures: showing partiality to the wicked, neglecting the plight of the poor, the fatherless, and the afflicted, and failing to uphold righteousness. Therefore, [Psalms 82:4](/psalms/82-4 "Psalms 82:4 - Deliver the Poor and Needy") is not a mere suggestion but a direct, imperative command, flowing as a logical consequence from God's indictment of their past injustices and underscoring the primary responsibility of those in authority to ensure societal equity and protection for the marginalized.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, judges and rulers held immense power and were considered God's earthly representatives in upholding the covenant and administering justice within the community. The application of the term *elohim* (gods) to human judges in [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - You are gods") underscores the sacred nature of their office and their profound accountability to the ultimate Judge. Ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, often lacked formal social safety nets, making the "poor and needy" (*dal* and *ʾeḇyôn*) — a category that typically included widows, orphans, and sojourners — particularly vulnerable to exploitation by the powerful. Legal proceedings and judgments were often conducted at the city gate, a public space where justice was expected to be administered impartially. The psalm reflects a pervasive prophetic critique found throughout the Old Testament against rulers who failed in this fundamental duty, allowing the powerful to oppress the weak and corrupting the very systems meant to ensure equity.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 82:4](/psalms/82-4 "Psalms 82:4 - Deliver the Poor and Needy") contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the **Divine Mandate for Justice**, emphasizing that justice for the oppressed is not merely a human ideal but a core attribute of God's character and a non-negotiable expectation for those He entrusts with authority. Rulers and judges are held accountable to God for how they exercise their power, reflecting the principle found in [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - Doing righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice"). Secondly, a central theme is the **Protection of the Vulnerable**. The "poor and needy" represent those who are economically disadvantaged, socially marginalized, and often without means to defend themselves against powerful oppressors. God consistently identifies with and champions the cause of the downtrodden, as seen in His self-description as a "[father of the fatherless and protector of widows](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God as Father to the Fatherless")". Lastly, the command to "rid them out of the hand of the wicked" emphasizes **Active Intervention** against oppression. It calls for decisive action to free the oppressed from the control and harmful influence of those who exploit or abuse them, aligning with the prophetic call to "[learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do good; seek justice")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** (H5337) This imperative verb signifies "to snatch away" or "to rescue." It implies an urgent, forceful, and decisive act of liberation, not merely passive sympathy or gradual improvement. It suggests actively breaking the hold of an oppressor and recovering what has been lost or taken.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _dal'_):** (H1800) This term refers to those who are "dangling," "weak," or "thin," often due to social or economic disadvantage. It denotes a state of vulnerability and marginalization, emphasizing their inability to defend themselves or escape their plight without external, powerful intervention.
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** (H7563) This word describes someone who is "morally wrong" or an "actively bad person." In this context, it refers to those who exploit, oppress, and act unjustly, leveraging their power or position to harm the vulnerable and subvert righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Deliver the poor and needy":** This opening clause is a direct, urgent command (an imperative verb) addressed to the human authorities, the "gods" of the divine council. The objects of this command are "the poor and needy," a common biblical pairing that collectively represents the most vulnerable, marginalized, and often exploited members of society. The action required is "deliver," which implies a proactive, rescuing intervention—not just providing aid, but actively freeing them from oppressive circumstances and ensuring their safety and well-being.
* **"rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked":** This second clause powerfully reinforces and clarifies the first, specifying both the source of the oppression and the nature of the required liberation. "Rid [them] out of the hand" is a vivid idiom meaning "to snatch/pull from the hand of," illustrating the need to break the grip, control, or power of the oppressor. The "wicked" are those who perpetrate injustice, exploit the vulnerable, and act contrary to God's righteous standards. The command is to decisively free the oppressed from the harmful grasp and malevolent influence of these unrighteous actors.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 82:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and non-negotiable message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, as the verse is structured as direct commands ("Deliver," "rid"). This conveys the absolute authority of the speaker (God) and the non-negotiable nature of His expectation for justice from human authorities. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, "Deliver the poor and needy" and "rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked." The second clause amplifies and specifies the meaning of the first, reinforcing the singular, comprehensive mandate for active intervention against oppression. The phrase "out of the hand of the wicked" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, vividly depicting the oppressive control exerted by the wicked and the need for a forceful, tangible liberation from their grasp. This imagery evokes a sense of urgency and the tangible nature of the deliverance required, emphasizing a physical rescue from a harmful situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 82:4 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering character as a righteous Judge and the ultimate Defender of the oppressed. It underscores the biblical truth that true justice is not merely punitive but fundamentally restorative and protective, especially for those who lack power and voice. This divine mandate for human authorities to champion the cause of the vulnerable reflects God's own nature, consistently revealed throughout Scripture as one who hears the cry of the afflicted and acts on their behalf. The verse connects the exercise of human power directly to divine accountability, reminding leaders that their authority is delegated and must be wielded in alignment with God's heart for equity and compassion. It establishes a foundational principle that societal well-being is inextricably linked to the just treatment of its weakest members, and failure to do so incurs divine displeasure and ultimately, divine judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")
* [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do good; seek justice")
* [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 82:4 remains profoundly relevant for all who hold positions of power and influence today, from governmental leaders and judicial systems to corporate executives, community organizers, and even individuals within their families and social circles. It serves as a timeless ethical and spiritual compass, challenging us to examine how we exercise our authority and steward our resources. The verse calls for more than mere sympathy for the oppressed; it demands active, courageous intervention to dismantle systems of injustice and to liberate individuals from the grip of exploitation. This involves advocating for just laws and policies, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities, and actively challenging any form of "wicked hand" that seeks to disempower or harm the vulnerable. For the believer, it is a call to embody God's heart for justice, recognizing that our faith is not merely personal piety but a transformative force for societal good, compelling us to speak for the voiceless and to work tirelessly for a world where the poor and needy are not just cared for, but truly delivered and protected, reflecting the very character of God in our actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of authority and power, whether in government, business, or our personal lives?**
* **In what specific ways can we, as individuals or communities, "deliver the poor and needy" in our spheres of influence today?**
* **What "wicked hands" or oppressive systems (e.g., economic, social, legal) do we need to confront in our society, reflecting God's heart for justice?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "gods" in Psalm 82 that God is rebuking?**

Answer: The "gods" (*elohim*) in Psalm 82, particularly in [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God stands in the divine council") and [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - You are gods"), are most commonly understood to refer to human rulers, judges, or those in positions of authority. While *elohim* can refer to divine beings or angels, the immediate context of the psalm, which details their failure to administer justice, their partiality to the wicked, and their neglect of the poor and needy ([Psalm 82:2-4](/psalms/82-2-4 "Psalm 82:2-4 - God's indictment of unjust rulers")), strongly points to human magistrates. God is rebuking them for misusing the divine authority delegated to them, reminding them that though they are called "gods" (as God's representatives), they will ultimately die like mere mortals if they fail in their sacred duty ([Psalm 82:7](/psalms/82-7 "Psalm 82:7 - You will die like mere mortals")).

**What is the significance of "the poor and needy" in biblical thought, and why are they so central to God's concern?**

Answer: In biblical thought, "the poor and needy" (*dal* and *ʾeḇyôn*) are not merely an economic class but represent a broader category of the vulnerable, marginalized, and often exploited in society. This group typically included widows, orphans, sojourners (foreigners), and those without land or familial support, who were susceptible to injustice and oppression. God's special concern for them is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing His character as a just and compassionate deliverer. He commands His people to care for them ([Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Care for the Poor")), establishes laws to protect their rights (e.g., gleaning laws, debt remission), and condemns those who exploit them. Their centrality reflects God's commitment to equity and His opposition to all forms of oppression, making the treatment of the vulnerable a litmus test for true righteousness and a just society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 82:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the divine mandate for justice and serves as the perfect Deliverer of the poor and needy. As the true King and ultimate Judge, Jesus perfectly exercised the authority that human rulers so often abused. His earthly ministry was characterized by a radical concern for the marginalized, the sick, the demon-possessed, and the spiritually bankrupt, fulfilling the prophetic words of [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me"), which He quoted as His mission statement in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement"): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed." Jesus not only delivered the poor and needy from physical ailments and social ostracization but, more significantly, He delivered humanity from the ultimate "wicked hand"—the power of sin, death, and the devil. Through His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He broke the grip of spiritual oppression, offering true freedom and eternal justice to all who believe. His future return will see the establishment of a kingdom where perfect justice reigns, and the poor and needy, both physically and spiritually, will be fully vindicated and delivered, as described in the profound judgment scene in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"), where care for "the least of these" is paramount to His divine justice. Thus, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's call for deliverance and justice.

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

Proverbs 24:11

¶ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;

Proverbs 24:12

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?

Job 5:15

But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.

Job 5:16

So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.

Job 29:12

Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and [him that had] none to help him.

Job 29:16

I [was] a father to the poor: and the cause [which] I knew not I searched out.

Job 29:17

And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.