Psalm 82 4

Psalm 82:4 kjv

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

Psalm 82:4 nkjv

Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82:4 niv

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

Psalm 82:4 esv

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

Psalm 82:4 nlt

Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.

Psalm 82 verses

Psalm 82 4 Meaning

Psalm 82:4 is a divine command given to those in positions of power and authority, whether human rulers, judges, or appointed spiritual beings, to actively rescue and protect the most vulnerable members of society. It calls for immediate and decisive action to free the impoverished and destitute from the oppressive control and harmful actions of the wicked, who are perpetrators of injustice and exploitation.

Psalm 82 4 Context

Psalm 82 sets the scene with God presiding over a "divine council," where "gods" (elohim) are gathered. In the most common and robust interpretation within Christian theology, these "gods" refer to human rulers and judges who were delegated authority by God to administer justice on Earth. The psalm sternly rebukes them for their grave failure to uphold their divine mandate. They are accused of judging unjustly, showing partiality to the wicked, and neglecting the plight of the poor and afflicted (Psa 82:1-3). Psalm 82:4 is a direct, imperative instruction from the Lord to these failing authorities, urging them to immediately correct their negligence. It articulates the core duty of those in power: to intervene proactively to defend and free those who are vulnerable and exploited by the corrupt and oppressive elements within society. This serves as a strong polemic against the pervasive injustice and disregard for the marginalized common in ancient societies, contrasting it sharply with God's demand for righteousness.

Psalm 82 4 Word analysis

• Hatzilu (הַצִּילוּ) / "Deliver":

  • This is the Hiphil imperative plural of the Hebrew verb natsal (נצל), meaning "to rescue," "to snatch away," or "to set free."
  • It is a strong, urgent, and active command directed at those addressed, demanding immediate intervention.
  • The term implies a forceful action of extracting someone from a dangerous or oppressive situation, rather than merely offering assistance.

• Dal (דַל) / "poor":

  • This Hebrew term refers to someone who is weak, lowly, or diminished in social, economic, or physical standing.
  • It describes a state of vulnerability and disadvantage, often leading to dependency or susceptibility to oppression.

• Ve'evyon (וְאֶבְיוֹן) / "and needy":

  • From the root abah (אבה), suggesting a strong desire, hence one who is in severe want or destitution, often implying one who begs.
  • Paired with "dal," it collectively refers to the most impoverished and defenseless members of society, encompassing various forms of material and social deprivation.

• Miyad (מִיַּד) / "from the hand of":

  • This is a common Hebrew idiom. While literally meaning "from the hand of," it signifies "from the power of," "from the grasp of," or "from the control of."
  • It highlights that the "poor and needy" are not merely suffering hardship but are actively being oppressed or dominated by a harmful external force.

• Resha'im (רְשָׁעִים) / "the wicked":

  • The plural of rasha (רשע), referring to individuals who are morally corrupt, guilty, and actively unrighteous.
  • In this context, it specifically denotes those who abuse their power, exploit the vulnerable, or perpetrate injustice against others. They stand in direct opposition to divine justice and human well-being.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Deliver the poor and needy": This command identifies the specific beneficiaries of righteous action. It is not a general call for charity but a demand for active intervention and protection on behalf of society's most defenseless and marginalized. This reveals God's heart for the vulnerable.
  • "Free them from the hand of the wicked": This clarifies the source of the problem and the nature of the required action. The plight of the "poor and needy" is attributed not just to misfortune, but to active oppression and malevolent control exercised by "the wicked." The command is for liberation, demanding a cessation of injustice and a removal of oppressive influences.

Psalm 82 4 Bonus section

• God's Impartiality and Advocacy: The verse powerfully illustrates God's own character as a protector of the weak. His command to rulers reflects His own divine impartiality and His consistent advocacy for those unable to defend themselves (Deut 10:18, Psa 10:14).
• Basis for Prophetic Ministry: This psalm and verse often serve as a foundational text for prophetic ministry, which frequently confronts corrupt power structures and demands justice for the oppressed. The prophets in Israel often echoed this divine demand (e.g., Amos, Isaiah).
• The Church's Mission: The command to "deliver the poor and needy" resonates deeply with the mission of the New Testament church. As followers of Christ, who identified deeply with "the least of these" (Mat 25:40), believers are called to participate in this divine mandate through both personal action and advocating for just systems.

Psalm 82 4 Commentary

Psalm 82:4 is a powerful declaration of God's unchanging standard of justice for those in authority. It represents a divine imperative, a direct command from the supreme Judge, God, to those to whom He has entrusted earthly power. This verse challenges any system or individual who, through action or inaction, allows the vulnerable to suffer exploitation. "Deliver" is an active, liberating verb, demanding an intervention that goes beyond mere assistance, aiming to dismantle the structures of oppression. The "poor and needy" are not simply objects of charity but subjects of inherent worth who deserve the protection of righteous governance. By commanding their liberation "from the hand of the wicked," the Lord highlights that His justice actively confronts those who perpetuate evil, condemning exploitation and partiality. This psalm, and this verse in particular, serve as an enduring reminder that legitimate authority is God-given and carries the sacred responsibility to champion justice, especially for the defenseless. Its neglect leads to the shaking of societal foundations and ultimately to divine judgment.