Psalm 82 3

Psalm 82:3 kjv

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

Psalm 82:3 nkjv

Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Psalm 82:3 niv

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.

Psalm 82:3 esv

Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

Psalm 82:3 nlt

"Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.

Psalm 82 verses

Psalm 82 3 Meaning

Psalm 82:3 is a divine command from God to those entrusted with authority and power, likely human rulers or judges. It instructs them to actively uphold justice and provide protection for the most vulnerable and marginalized in society. It highlights a core aspect of divine justice: intervening on behalf of the weak, the oppressed, and those without a voice or means to defend themselves.

Psalm 82 3 Context

Psalm 82 opens with God standing in the "divine council," or more accurately, taking His place to judge the "gods" (elohim), which in this context are commonly understood to refer to human judges or rulers in ancient Israel or leaders in positions of authority who were seen as representatives of God's justice on earth. The entire Psalm is a divine indictment against these earthly authorities for their corrupt judgment, partiality towards the wicked, and failure to defend the rights of the weak. Verse 3, therefore, is a direct, imperative command from the ultimate Judge (God) to these human judges/rulers, outlining their fundamental and neglected duty. Historically, the judicial system in Israel was meant to reflect God's righteousness, and caring for the poor, fatherless, and widows was a consistent demand of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing God's own character and concern for the vulnerable.

Psalm 82 3 Word analysis

• Defend: (Implied from the broader Hebrew injunction to 'deliver' and 'judge rightly'). This word implies an active, protective stance. It means to intervene, to advocate for, and to safeguard from harm or oppression. It's not passive observation but proactive intercession on behalf of those unable to protect themselves.
• the poor (Hebrew: dal, ani, rash - appear across the phrasing of the verse): These terms collectively describe various dimensions of vulnerability.
  • dal (דַּל): One who is low, weak, powerless, or helpless; often used in an economic sense, but more broadly indicates a state of general feebleness or lack of status.
  • ani (עָנִי): Afflicted, suffering, humble, or oppressed; someone who endures hardship, often unjustly, and who may be poor as a result of oppression.
  • rash (רָשׁ): Needy, destitute, or impoverished; explicitly refers to economic poverty or lack of resources.Collectively, they highlight individuals lacking power, influence, or means of sustenance and self-defense.
• and fatherless (Hebrew: veyatom - וְיָתוֹם): Refers to an orphan, specifically one whose father has died. In the patriarchal ancient world, the father was the primary provider, protector, and legal representative of the family. A fatherless child was among the most vulnerable, lacking both material security and legal standing, thus highly susceptible to exploitation.
• Do justice (Hebrew: shif·tu - שִׁפְטוּ, from shafat): To judge, govern, or rule. This word means more than just pronouncing a verdict; it signifies actively administering justice, ensuring equity, setting things right, upholding fairness, and making righteous decisions. It implies a moral and governmental responsibility to bring about rectitude and fairness in society.
• to the afflicted (Hebrew: ani - עָנִי): Already discussed above, often appearing in tandem with 'needy'. This highlights individuals who are in a state of distress, hardship, or suffering due to oppressive circumstances or injustice.
• and needy (Hebrew: varash - וָרָשׁ): Already discussed above. Those who lack essential resources and are in a state of destitution or economic hardship.

Words-group analysis:

• "Defend the poor and fatherless": This phrase emphasizes the compassionate and protective aspect of justice. It is a call to actively shield the vulnerable from harm and exploitation. It points to a moral imperative to use authority and strength to benefit the weakest members of society, particularly those historically without adequate means of support or representation.
• "Do justice to the afflicted and needy": This phrase highlights the impartial and equitable aspect of justice within the legal and social system. It demands that those in power ensure fair and righteous treatment for all, specifically addressing the grievances and disadvantages of those suffering from oppression or lack of resources. It speaks to establishing correct social and legal order.
• The conjunction of these two phrases reveals a comprehensive approach to divine justice: it requires both proactive protection (defend) and righteous adjudication (do justice), specifically for the various categories of vulnerable people who embody the core concern of God's justice.

Psalm 82 3 Bonus section

• Divine Delegation and Accountability: This verse clearly establishes that human authority is a delegated power from God. Those who govern are not autonomous; they are answerable to the Supreme Judge for how they exercise this trust, especially concerning the welfare of the most vulnerable citizens. This underscores the theological foundation for ethical leadership.
• Revelation of God's Character: More than just a command, this verse is a window into God's very nature. He is not a distant, indifferent deity but one deeply invested in the equitable and compassionate functioning of society, holding particular care for those most susceptible to injustice. His justice is not merely punitive but redemptive and protective.
• Social Justice Mandate: For followers of Christ today, this verse serves as a foundational text for Christian social ethics and the pursuit of justice in the world. It frames care for the poor and oppressed not as an optional act of charity, but as an essential component of living out God's will and embodying His kingdom values on earth. It calls for actively dismantling systems of injustice and establishing righteousness in their place.

Psalm 82 3 Commentary

Psalm 82:3 provides a profound statement on the true nature of God's justice and the fundamental responsibility of earthly authority. God, as the ultimate and righteous Judge, issues a non-negotiable directive to those He has placed in positions of power, reminding them that their role is not for self-aggrandizement or perpetuating systems of injustice, but to serve as instruments of divine justice. This verse underlines a crucial truth: God's concern is preeminently for the marginalized, the voiceless, and the weak. The "poor," "fatherless," "afflicted," and "needy" represent all those who lack social, economic, or legal standing and are most susceptible to abuse and oppression. The command to "defend" and "do justice" signifies an active, uncompromising commitment to their welfare and rights. Failure to uphold this mandate incurs divine judgment, as the Psalm continues to articulate. For believers, this extends beyond the literal judicial system, calling all those with any sphere of influence – whether in family, community, church, or marketplace – to embody God’s heart for justice, compassionately intervening and acting righteously on behalf of those in need, thereby reflecting the very character of Christ.

Examples for practical usage:

• A Christian leader advocating for fair labor practices to protect workers from exploitation.
• A believer volunteering to mentor an at-risk youth or offering support to a struggling single parent.
• A church establishing a food bank or crisis relief fund to assist those facing financial hardship.
• Individuals using their platforms to speak against systemic injustices that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.