Psalms 140:12
Psalms 140:12 in Multiple Translations
I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And justice for the needy.
I am certain that the Lord will take care of the cause of the poor, and of the rights of those who are troubled.
Yet I know the Lord defends the rights of those who are persecuted, and gives justice to the poor.
I know that the Lord will auenge the afflicted, and iudge the poore.
I have known that Jehovah doth execute The judgment of the afflicted, The judgment of the needy.
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
Yahweh, I know that you defend those who are oppressed, and that you do what is just/fair for those who are needy/poor.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 140:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 140:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֥ישׁ
לָשׁוֹן֮
בַּל
יִכּ֪וֹן
בָּ֫/אָ֥רֶץ
אִישׁ
חָמָ֥ס
רָ֑ע
יְ֝צוּדֶ֗/נּוּ
לְ/מַדְחֵפֹֽת
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
לָשׁוֹן֮
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
יִכּ֪וֹן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
בָּ֫/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
חָמָ֥ס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
יְ֝צוּדֶ֗/נּוּ
tsûwd
H6679
to hunt
V-Qal-Juss-3ms | Suff
לְ/מַדְחֵפֹֽת
mᵉdachphâh
H4073
thrust
Prep | N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 140:12
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לָשׁוֹן֮
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
יִכּ֪וֹן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
בָּ֫/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חָמָ֥ס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
יְ֝צוּדֶ֗/נּוּ
tsûwd
H6679
"to hunt"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms | Suff
To provision means to gather food and supplies for a journey, as in Genesis 45:23, where Jacob prepares for his trip to Egypt. It represents God's care for His people.
Definition: 1) to hunt 1a) (Qal) to hunt 1b) (Poel) to hunt, hunt eagerly or keenly
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: chase, hunt, sore, take (provision). See also: Genesis 27:3; Psalms 140:12; Proverbs 6:26.
לְ/מַדְחֵפֹֽת
mᵉdachphâh
H4073
"thrust"
Prep | N-fp
A thrust or push can lead to ruin or overthrow, describing a forceful action. In the Bible, it is used to describe a powerful movement or a sudden collapse.
Definition: push, thrust
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: overthrow. See also: Psalms 140:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 140:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 140:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
- Sermons on Psalms 140:12
Context — Rescue Me from Evil Men
10May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.
11May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.
12I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.
13Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 9:4 | For You have upheld my just cause; You sit on Your throne judging righteously. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 8:49 | then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, their prayer and petition, and may You uphold their cause. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:10–11 | Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 8:45 | then may You hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and may You uphold their cause. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 22:16 | He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Psalms 102:17 | He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer. |
| 7 | Psalms 35:10 | All my bones will exclaim, “Who is like You, O LORD, who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor, the poor and needy from the robber?” |
| 8 | Matthew 11:5 | The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. |
| 9 | Psalms 72:4 | May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. |
| 10 | Psalms 10:17–18 | You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear, to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more. |
Psalms 140:12 Summary
This verse means that God is a powerful defender of those who are weak and don't have a voice, like the poor. He will make sure that they are treated fairly and that their needs are met, as seen in Psalms 140:12. This gives us confidence to trust in God's goodness and justice, especially when we see injustice in the world, and reminds us to care for the poor and needy as seen in James 1:27. We can trust that God will always do what is right, just like it says in Genesis 18:25 that 'the Judge of all the earth' will always do what is right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD upholds justice for the poor?
This means that God is a defender of those who are powerless and vulnerable, and He will ensure that justice is served on their behalf, as seen in Psalms 140:12 and also in Proverbs 31:9 where it says to 'plead the case of the poor and needy'
How does God defend the cause of the needy?
God defends the cause of the needy through His people, as seen in Isaiah 1:17 where it says to 'seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause', and also through His divine intervention, as seen in Psalms 72:12-14
What is the relationship between God's justice and the poor?
God's justice is particularly concerned with the well-being of the poor, as seen in Psalms 140:12, and also in Luke 4:18 where Jesus says He was sent to 'preach good news to the poor'
How can I trust that God will uphold justice for the poor?
We can trust that God will uphold justice for the poor because of His character, as seen in Psalms 103:6 where it says that 'the LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed', and also in Deuteronomy 10:18 where it says that God 'executes justice for the fatherless and the widow'
What is my role in upholding justice for the poor?
As a follower of God, you are called to care for the poor and needy, as seen in James 1:27, and to 'do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God' as seen in Micah 6:8
Reflection Questions
- How have you seen God defend the cause of the needy in your life or in the lives of others?
- What are some ways you can practically care for the poor and needy in your community, and how can you trust God to guide you in this?
- How does knowing that God upholds justice for the poor impact your trust in Him, especially in times of uncertainty or hardship?
- What are some areas in your life where you need to trust God to defend your cause, and how can you surrender those areas to Him?
- How can you use your voice and actions to plead the case of the poor and needy, as seen in Proverbs 31:9?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:12
I know,.... Here is a double reading: the "Keri", or marginal reading, is, "thou knowest"; an appeal of the psalmist to God, who knew the thoughts of the wicked concerning him, and their devices
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:12
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the ... poor - (Psalms 9:4.) Solomon adopted the same phrase from his father (1 Kings 8:45).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
I know, both by God’ s word, which hath promised it, and by my own experience of it in the course of God’ s providence.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
Psalms 140:12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor.Ver. 12. I know] For I have a promise for it, and that is infallible.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
(12) Comp. Psalms 9:4; Psalms 9:16.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
Verse 12. The cause of the afflicted] Every person who is persecuted for righteousness' sake has God for his peculiar help and refuge; and the persecutor has the same God for his especial enemy.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:12
12, 13. The destiny of the righteous contrasted with the fate of the wicked.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:12
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted - See the notes at Psalms 9:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:12
12, 13. A more calm and confident tone marks the closing of this psalm. Maintain the cause of the afflicted—The language is forensic.
Sermons on Psalms 140:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Help Comes in the Morning! by Elmer G. Klassen | Elmer G. Klassen preaches on the importance of spending time alone with God in the morning, emphasizing that morning is the best time for personal worship and fellowship with God. |
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Exposition on Psalm 10 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, delving into the deep meanings behind the verses. He discusses the consequences of sin, the anger of the Lord towards the ungodly, and the imp |
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Just Vessels by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor, highlighting how God chooses the weak and needy to shame the strong, and how reaching out to the poor can lead to |
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Love Who You See by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving others and treating them with justice and equality. They share a personal experience of witnessing the vast differen |
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Useful for the Master - Part 10 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians behaving like Jesus Christ to inspire belief in others. It discusses the need to reach out to the poor and marginalized, especia |
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Understanding Drug Addicts by Jackie Pullinger | Jackie Pullinger emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion towards drug addicts, sharing her experiences with individuals who have faced deep pain and shame. She highlig |
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A Plea to Pray for Pastors by Gardiner Spring | Gardiner Spring emphasizes the vital role of prayer in shaping and supporting ministers of the Gospel. He highlights the need for congregations to fervently pray for their minister |