Psalms 146:7
Psalms 146:7 in Multiple Translations
He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free,
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
Who executeth justice for the oppressed; Who giveth food to the hungry. Jehovah looseth the prisoners;
Who gives their rights to those who are crushed down; and gives food to those who are in need of it: the Lord makes the prisoners free;
He makes sure the oppressed receive justice. He gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free.
Which executeth iustice for the oppressed: which giueth bread to the hungry: the Lord loseth the prisoners.
Doing judgment for the oppressed, Giving bread to the hungry.
who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners.
Who executeth judgment for the oppressed: who giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
Sing ye to the Lord with praise: sing to our God upon the harp.
He decides matters fairly for those who are ◄treated unfairly/oppressed►, and he provides food for those who are hungry. He frees those who are in prison.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 146:7
BAB
Word Study
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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 146:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֹשֶׂ֤ה
מִשְׁפָּ֨ט
לָ/עֲשׁוּקִ֗ים
נֹתֵ֣ן
לֶ֭חֶם
לָ/רְעֵבִ֑ים
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
מַתִּ֥יר
אֲסוּרִֽים
עֹשֶׂ֤ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
מִשְׁפָּ֨ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
לָ/עֲשׁוּקִ֗ים
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c
נֹתֵ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
לֶ֭חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
לָ/רְעֵבִ֑ים
râʻêb
H7457
hungry
Prep | Adj
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מַתִּ֥יר
nâthar
H5425
to start
V-Hiphil
אֲסוּרִֽים
ʼâçar
H631
to bind
V-Qal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 146:7
עֹשֶׂ֤ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
מִשְׁפָּ֨ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
לָ/עֲשׁוּקִ֗ים
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c
To oppress means to press upon or defraud someone, often violently. It is used to describe wrongdoing in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to oppress, wrong, extort 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Pual) to be exploited, be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). See also: Leviticus 5:21; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 72:4.
נֹתֵ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לֶ֭חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
לָ/רְעֵבִ֑ים
râʻêb
H7457
"hungry"
Prep | Adj
A person who is hungry is described by this Hebrew word, which appears in books like Deuteronomy and Amos. Hunger can be a physical or emotional state, and the Bible addresses both aspects.
Definition: 1) hungry 1a) hungry 1b) hungry man (subst) 1c) of failing strength (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hunger bitten, hungry. See also: 1 Samuel 2:5; Psalms 146:7; Psalms 107:5.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מַתִּ֥יר
nâthar
H5425
"to start"
V-Hiphil
This verb means to set free or untie, as in releasing someone from bondage. It can also mean to shake off or leap, as in Psalm 29:7-8, where God's voice shakes the earth.
Definition: 1) to start up, tremble, shake, spring up 1a) (Qal) to start up 1b) (Piel) to leap 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to start up
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: drive asunder, leap, (let) loose, [idiom] make, move, undo. See also: Leviticus 11:21; Psalms 105:20; Psalms 146:7.
אֲסוּרִֽים
ʼâçar
H631
"to bind"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
Study Notes — Psalms 146:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 146:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 146:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 146:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 146:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 146:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 146:7
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 146:7
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 146:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 146:7
- Sermons on Psalms 146:7
Context — Praise the LORD, O My Soul
5Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He remains faithful forever.
7He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free,
8the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous. 9The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 103:6 | The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. |
| 2 | Psalms 68:6 | God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. |
| 3 | Isaiah 61:1 | The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, |
| 4 | Proverbs 22:22–23 | Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. |
| 5 | Zechariah 9:11–12 | As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double. |
| 6 | Luke 4:18 | “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, |
| 7 | Psalms 142:7 | Free my soul from prison, that I may praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because of Your goodness to me. |
| 8 | Psalms 10:18 | to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more. |
| 9 | Psalms 107:9–10 | For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, |
| 10 | 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. |
Psalms 146:7 Summary
This verse tells us that God is a God of justice and compassion, who cares deeply about those who are hurting or oppressed. He wants to set people free from the things that are holding them back, whether that's physical hunger or spiritual bondage (as seen in John 8:36). God's heart is to provide for our needs and to bring us into a place of freedom and joy. As we read in Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to execute justice for the oppressed?
This means that God stands up for those who are being treated unfairly or cruelly, and He will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness, as seen in Isaiah 1:17, where we are called to learn to do right and to seek justice.
How does God give food to the hungry?
God provides for the physical needs of those who are hungry, often through the actions of His people, as seen in Matthew 25:35, where Jesus teaches that feeding the hungry is a way of serving Him.
What kind of prisoners is God setting free in this verse?
This verse is not just talking about physical prisoners, but also spiritual prisoners - those who are trapped in sin and need to be set free by God's power, as seen in Luke 4:18, where Jesus talks about proclaiming freedom to the captives.
Is this verse saying that God only helps certain groups of people?
No, this verse is highlighting God's heart of love and compassion for all people, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized, as seen in Psalm 145:9, where it says that God's compassion is over all His works.
Reflection Questions
- How have I seen God execute justice in my own life or in the lives of others?
- What are some ways that I can participate in giving food to the hungry and setting prisoners free, as an act of obedience to God?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's character and heart for the oppressed and marginalized?
- What are some areas in my own life where I feel like a prisoner, and how can I trust God to set me free?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 146:7
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed,.... All judgment being committed to Christ as Mediator, he executes it on the behalf of his oppressed ones, and breaks in pieces their oppressors; being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 146:7
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: Which executeth judgment for the oppressed (Psalms 103:6) - i:e., for His own people when oppressed.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 146:7
Psalms 146:7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:Ver. 7. Which executeth judgment] Vindicat violatos. This should draw custom and company about him; as all that were in distress fled to David, and he became their captain. Which giveth food to the hungry] As he did to Elijah, by the ravens; to Hunniades, by his shepherd, with whom he supped on coarse fare, and found it sweet; to the town of Rochel, by a shoal of fish extraordinarily cast up into it by the tide, when they were straitly besieged and distressed. The Lord looseth the prisoners] As he did Peter, Acts 12:7-11, and still he knoweth how to deliver his, saith the same Peter, who could speak it by good experience, 2 Peter 2:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 146:7
(7) Comp. Psalms 103:6; Psalms 104:27; Psalms 107:9; Psalms 136:25; Isaiah 55:1. Here follow five lines, each beginning with the Divine name, and each consisting of three words, the rhythm prominent in the book of Job.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 146:7
Verse 7. Which executeth judgment for the oppressed] For those who suffer by violence or calumny. This may refer to the Israelites, who suffered much by oppression from the Babylonians, and by calumny from the Samaritans, &c., who had prejudiced the king of Persia against them. Giving food to the hungry.] No doubt he fed the poor captives by many displays of his peculiar providence. The Lord looseth the prisoners] And as he has sustained you so long under your captivity, so will he bring you out of it.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 146:7
7. Illustrations of Jehovah’s beneficent action, not without allusion to the circumstances of Israel. Observe how these Divine works were literally manifested in Christ’s miracles. 7 a is abbreviated from Psalms 103:6; with 7 b cp. Psalms 107:9. the Lord &c.] Five times the name of Jehovah stands emphatically at the beginning of the line, to shew that it is He and no other Who does all these things. Prison may be a figure for exile, or for suffering generally (cp. Psalms 107:10; Psalms 107:14). Releasing from prison and giving sight to the blind are coupled together in Isaiah 42:7; Isaiah 61:1, “to prisoners opening of eyes.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 146:7
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed - This is the third reason why the lot of those is a happy one who trust in God.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 146:7
7. The five lines beginning with The Lord, etc., Psalms 146:7, are, in Hebrew, of three words each, forming a beautiful and peculiar strain, which may be read as one verse.
Sermons on Psalms 146:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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I Was a Slave in Russia - Part 2 by John Noble | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being in a prisoner camp in the Soviet Union. He describes how prisoners from different backgrounds and professions were brough |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 47 Psalm 72 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons explores Psalm 72, which reflects on the rule of King Solomon and foreshadows the reign of the Messiah. He emphasizes that both rulers are characterized by justice, ri |
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From Fetters Free by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the liberating power of the Lord, who has historically freed many from bondage, including figures like Joseph and Peter. He reassures that God continues to |
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The Door of Temptation Swings Both Ways by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of overcoming temptation by focusing on three key strategies: enduring temptation by saying no, closing the door to sin by cutting off provisi |
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Great Women of the Bible by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the virtues of a godly woman as described in Proverbs 31, emphasizing the importance of a woman's value, trustworthiness, wisdom, kindness, and dedicati |
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The Lonely Human by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer explores the paradox of human nature, where individuals may exhibit pride and arrogance while simultaneously experiencing profound loneliness and despair. He emphasizes |
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Reading From the Beatitudes by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signi |