Psalm 109 31

Psalm 109:31 kjv

For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.

Psalm 109:31 nkjv

For He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, To save him from those who condemn him.

Psalm 109:31 niv

For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save their lives from those who would condemn them.

Psalm 109:31 esv

For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.

Psalm 109:31 nlt

For he stands beside the needy,
ready to save them from those who condemn them.

Psalm 109 verses

Psalm 109 31 Meaning

Psalm 109:31 proclaims God's unwavering support and powerful defense of the vulnerable and oppressed. It signifies that the Lord actively intervenes on behalf of those in need, especially against their unjust accusers and adversaries who seek to condemn them. The verse assures that God stands as a mighty advocate, delivering the needy from spiritual or judicial condemnation, thus vindicating their cause.

Psalm 109 31 Context

Psalm 109 is a deeply personal and often challenging imprecatory psalm, believed to be authored by David. The psalmist pours out his distress to God, surrounded by wicked and deceitful adversaries who accuse and slander him unjustly (verses 1-5). He dedicates the majority of the psalm (verses 6-20) to a harsh curse upon his chief antagonist, seeking divine retribution that fits the severity of the injustice. He then returns to lamenting his own suffering and weakness (verses 21-25) and prays for God's merciful intervention and salvation (verses 26-29). Verse 30 declares his intention to give thanks and praise to God publicly. Verse 31 then serves as the concluding reason or theological assurance behind his confidence and hope—it pivots from the vivid depiction of divine judgment against the wicked to God's positive action of defending and delivering the oppressed. It signifies God’s character as the protector of the innocent and vulnerable, a strong contrast to the malevolent schemes of the accusers.

Psalm 109 31 Word analysis

• For (כִּֽי - ki): This Hebrew particle introduces a reason, a causal link, or an emphatic affirmation. Here, it explains why the psalmist can praise God despite his suffering—because God will act as defender. It points to the certain outcome of God's character and power.

• He will stand (יַֽעֲמֹ֧ד - ya'amod): From the root עָמַד (amad), meaning to stand, take a stand, stand by, or endure. This verb implies an active, stable, and committed presence. It is not passive; God will actively position Himself to intervene. The imperfect tense suggests an ongoing or repeated action, emphasizing God's continuous readiness to act.

• at the right hand (לִֽימִ֖ין - liyamin): The "right hand" is a consistent biblical idiom for power, authority, honor, help, and protection. To stand "at the right hand of" someone often means to be their chief support, defender, or aide. When God is said to stand at the right hand of the needy, it powerfully conveys His full commitment and active omnipotent aid. This contrasts sharply with legal condemnation, as one who stands to defend in a legal context acts as an advocate.

• of the needy (אֶבְיֽוֹן - 'evyon): This term refers to someone who is destitute, utterly poor, or oppressed, and hence dependent on others (ultimately God) for help. It emphasizes not merely economic poverty but also a state of vulnerability, helplessness, and social deprivation, often facing injustice or oppression without recourse. The 'evyon is not merely 'poor' (עָנִי - 'ani), but one who has no means of support and whose distress compels begging for assistance. In the context of the psalm, it points to the psalmist's state of being defenseless against his accusers.

• to save (לְהוֹשִׁ֖יעַ - l'hoshiya): From the root יָשַׁע (yasha), meaning to deliver, rescue, liberate, or bring victory. It implies more than just being physically rescued; it includes being vindicated, preserved, and given salvation from peril, distress, or condemnation. It encompasses a holistic deliverance that re-establishes safety and well-being.

• him (referring to the needy, 'evyon): The object of salvation is specific: the very person described as "needy." God’s intervention is personal and direct.

• from those who condemn his soul (מִשֹּׁפְטֵי נַפְשֽׁוֹ - misho’fṭe nafsho):

  • from those who condemn (מִשֹּׁפְטֵי - misho’fṭey): From the verb שָׁפַט (shafat), meaning to judge, rule, or govern. In this context, with the preposition "from," it means those who pronounce judgment against, who accuse, condemn, or bring a verdict of guilt upon. It depicts the legal or judicial opposition the needy person faces. These are the slanderers and false accusers mentioned throughout the psalm.
  • his soul (נַפְשֽׁוֹ - nafsho): "Soul" (nephesh) in Hebrew refers to the whole person, their life, vitality, very being, or inner self. It signifies that the condemnation is against the person's entire existence, their character, reputation, and perhaps their very life. The condemnation is profound and affects every aspect of their being, seeking to utterly ruin them.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • He will stand at the right hand: This phrase highlights God's role as a supreme Advocate and Protector. The imagery is drawn from legal or battlefield contexts where an ally or champion stands directly beside one to provide immediate and powerful support. It signifies God's complete and authoritative backing.
  • of the needy, to save him: This coupling reveals the specific target and purpose of God's intervention. God's focus is on the most vulnerable, and His goal is total deliverance and restoration. This reinforces God's character as One who hears the cries of the helpless and responds with active power.
  • from those who condemn his soul: This specifies the nature of the threat. It’s not just physical danger, but threats to one's legal standing, reputation, and life itself, inflicted by those who accuse unjustly. The phrasing highlights the severity of the accusations that aim to utterly destroy the individual's "soul" or entire being.

Psalm 109 31 Bonus section

The concept of God standing at the "right hand" foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, Christ is described as being seated at the right hand of the Father (e.g., Eph 1:20; Heb 1:3), signifying His supreme power, authority, and ongoing role as Intercessor and Advocate for believers. This reflects the ultimate fulfillment of divine protection and vindication. Just as God stands for the needy in Psalm 109, Christ stands as our perfect advocate, securing salvation and overcoming all condemnation. This verse, therefore, contains both an immediate promise of divine protection for the distressed psalmist and a broader theological truth about God's nature that culminates in Christ's mediatorial work.

Psalm 109 31 Commentary

Psalm 109:31 is a beacon of hope, assuring the vulnerable that they are not alone. In a world often marred by injustice and false accusations, this verse presents God as the ultimate Defender. It contrasts sharply with human systems of judgment, which can be swayed or corrupted. The Lord, by actively standing at the right hand of the needy, demonstrates His absolute solidarity and protective power. This isn't merely passive empathy but an active, mighty intervention "to save him" – to vindicate, deliver, and liberate. The adversaries, who seek to condemn the "soul," aim at total destruction, both in reputation and in life itself. Yet, against such malevolent forces, God emerges as the supreme Advocate, disarming all accusations and bringing salvation. This promise underscores the fundamental justice inherent in God's character and offers profound comfort to those suffering under slander or oppression. It beckons believers to place their trust wholly in the God who defends the defenseless.