Psalm 103 6

Psalm 103:6 kjv

The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

Psalm 103:6 nkjv

The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.

Psalm 103:6 niv

The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

Psalm 103:6 esv

The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.

Psalm 103:6 nlt

The LORD gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

Psalm 103 verses

Psalm 103 6 Meaning

Psalm 103:6 declares that the LORD is actively involved in administering righteousness and justice on behalf of all those who suffer oppression and exploitation. It affirms God's character as a just sovereign who does not merely observe injustice but takes definitive action to correct wrongs and deliver the downtrodden. This verse emphasizes His commitment to upholding moral order and championing the cause of the vulnerable.

Psalm 103 6 Context

Psalm 103 is a personal hymn of praise by David, expressing deep gratitude and worship for the Lord's manifold benefits. The initial verses (1-5) focus on personal blessings: forgiveness, healing, redemption from destruction, crowning with lovingkindness, and satisfaction. Verse 6 marks a shift from God's personal benevolence to His universal character, specifically His unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice on a grander scale. This establishes God not just as a benevolent individual helper, but as the supreme ruler who governs the world according to moral principles, actively intervening for the oppressed. Historically, the people of Israel frequently experienced oppression, both from external nations and, at times, from unjust internal rulers or social structures, making the assurance of God's active justice a vital hope and comfort in a fallen world.

Psalm 103 6 Word analysis

• The LORD (יהוה, YHWH): This is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful, and redemptive nature. It emphasizes that this active justice flows from the very character of the God who is in a committed relationship with His people and His creation, not merely from a distant deity. It highlights His unchanging faithfulness.
• executes (עֹשֶׂה, ‘oseh): From the verb `asah`, meaning "to do, make, perform, accomplish, bring about." This is a strong, active verb, not merely "intends" or "decrees," but actively brings into being. God's justice is not passive observation but direct, effective action. It signifies His dynamic involvement in the world's affairs.
• righteousness (צְדָקֹות, tsedakot): This is the plural form of `tsedaqah`, often translated "righteousness" or "justice." The plural (`tsedaqot`) emphasizes a multitude of just acts, a consistent pattern of behavior, or perhaps the various dimensions of what is right and fair. It denotes God's moral perfection and His active demonstration of it by righting wrongs. It's about God acting in conformity with His own holy standards and restoring balance.
• and justice (וּמִשְׁפָּט, u-mishpat): This word (`mishpat`) means "judgment, justice, custom, ordinance, legal case." When paired with `tsedaqah`, `mishpat` often refers to the administration or application of righteousness—the act of judging fairly, delivering a just verdict, and defending rights. It speaks to the practical, legal, and governmental aspect of justice, ensuring fair rule and protecting legal rights.
• for all (לְכָל, le-khol): "For all" or "to all" indicates a universal scope, extending God's justice beyond a specific group to every individual fitting the description. It underlines God's impartiality in defending the downtrodden.
• who are oppressed (הָעֲשׁוּקִים, ha’ashuqim): From the root `ashaq`, meaning "to oppress, to exploit, to defraud, to wrong, to crush." This passive participle identifies those who have suffered violence, exploitation, or deprivation of their rights at the hands of others. These are the victims of systemic injustice or personal cruelty, the vulnerable and defenseless in society. This is the specific focus of God's active justice.

• "The LORD executes righteousness and justice": This phrase emphasizes God's active, intentional, and effective demonstration of His moral character. It is not abstract virtue but manifested action in the world. He doesn't merely possess righteousness, but performs it. This stands in contrast to the often arbitrary or corrupt justice systems of human societies and pagan deities, who were often indifferent or even contributed to oppression. Yahweh is portrayed as a God who champions moral order and actively intervenes to uphold it.
• "for all who are oppressed": This highlights God's particular concern and advocacy for the vulnerable. His justice is not reserved for the powerful or for the establishment but is specifically directed towards those who have been wronged, cheated, or exploited. This underlines His compassionate nature and His role as the ultimate defender of the weak, providing hope for those without any earthly recourse.

Psalm 103 6 Bonus section

This verse reinforces a foundational biblical theme: God is actively partisan for the oppressed. He identifies with the suffering and aligns His power and authority with their vindication. This principle is not only a comforting promise to the afflicted but also serves as an indictment against all forms of injustice, reminding those who oppress that they are actively opposing the will and character of the Most High God. The covenantal name YHWH highlights that this justice is inextricably linked to His faithful nature and His redemptive plan for humanity, where ultimately, through the Messiah, true and universal justice will be fully established. It underscores the "ethics of the Kingdom," demanding that God's people participate in bringing about fairness and relief to the marginalized.

Psalm 103 6 Commentary

Psalm 103:6 stands as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering character. Following David's personal praise for God's blessings, this verse expands the focus to reveal God's universal governance as supremely just. It asserts that the Lord is not an indifferent observer of human suffering but an active "executor" of righteousness and justice. The deliberate use of tsedaqot (plural "righteousnesses") and mishpat (justice/judgment) signifies that God's actions are numerous, consistent, and always align with perfect moral rectitude. Crucially, this divine action is directed "for all who are oppressed"—those systematically exploited, unjustly treated, or violently crushed. This distinguishes the God of the Bible from any human ruler or pagan deity, showcasing His impartiality, His active concern for the vulnerable, and His readiness to intervene against injustice. It serves as a profound assurance to those who suffer, providing hope and a solid foundation for faith in God's ultimate vindication and restoration of order. Believers are thus called to mirror this divine attribute by advocating for justice in their own spheres of influence.