Psalms 72:4
Psalms 72:4 in Multiple Translations
May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
He will judge the poor of the people, He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor.
May he be a judge of the poor among the people, may he give salvation to the children of those who are in need; by him let the violent be crushed.
May he defend the poor and save their children, may he crush those who oppress them.
He shall iudge the poore of the people: he shall saue the children of the needie, and shall subdue the oppressor.
He judgeth the poor of the people, Giveth deliverance to the sons of the needy, And bruiseth the oppressor.
He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces.
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
For there is no regard to their death, nor is there strength in their stripes.
Help me, your king, to defend the poor people and to rescue needy people and to defeat those who oppress them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 72:4
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 72:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט
עֲֽנִיֵּי
עָ֗ם
י֭וֹשִׁיעַ
לִ/בְנֵ֣י
אֶבְי֑וֹן
וִֽ/ידַכֵּ֣א
עוֹשֵֽׁק
יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עֲֽנִיֵּי
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
י֭וֹשִׁיעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לִ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Adj
וִֽ/ידַכֵּ֣א
dâkâʼ
H1792
to crush
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
עוֹשֵֽׁק
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 72:4
יִשְׁפֹּ֤ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
עֲֽנִיֵּי
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
י֭וֹשִׁיעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
לִ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
וִֽ/ידַכֵּ֣א
dâkâʼ
H1792
"to crush"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to crush or bruise something, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often translated as 'crush', 'bruise', or 'oppress' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) to crush, be crushed, be contrite, be broken 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be crushed 1a2) to be contrite (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to crush 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be crushed, be shattered 1c2) to be made contrite 1d) (Hithpael) to allow oneself to be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beat to pieces, break (in pieces), bruise, contrite, crush, destroy, humble, oppress, smite. See also: Job 4:19; Psalms 143:3; Psalms 72:4.
עוֹשֵֽׁק
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
V-Qal
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 72:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 72:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 72:4
- Sermons on Psalms 72:4
Context — Endow the King with Your Justice
2May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.
3May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness.
4May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.
5May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations. 6May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 11:4 | but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 34:15–16 | I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’ |
| 3 | Psalms 109:31 | For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from the condemners of his soul. |
| 4 | Zechariah 9:8–10 | But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of those who march to and fro, and never again will an oppressor overrun My people, for now I keep watch with My own eyes. Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the bow of war will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. |
| 5 | Zechariah 11:7 | So I pastured the flock marked for slaughter, especially the afflicted of the flock. Then I took for myself two staffs, calling one Favor and the other Union, and I pastured the flock. |
| 6 | Job 34:24 | He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place. |
| 7 | Psalms 2:9 | You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 8 | Revelation 19:2 | For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.” |
| 9 | Psalms 72:12–14 | For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight. |
| 10 | Revelation 18:24 | And there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who had been slain on the earth. |
Psalms 72:4 Summary
[This verse is asking for a king who will defend and protect those who are being treated unfairly, like the poor and the weak, as seen in Psalm 72:4, and it's a reminder that God cares deeply about justice and compassion, as seen in Micah 6:8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to vindicate the afflicted?
To vindicate means to defend or justify someone who is being treated unfairly, as seen in Psalm 72:4, where the king is asked to vindicate the afflicted among the people, similar to how God defends the orphan and the fatherless in Psalms 82:3.
Who are the children of the needy?
The children of the needy are those who are born into poverty or difficult circumstances, and the Bible teaches that God has a special concern for these individuals, as seen in Psalms 72:4, where the king is asked to save them, and in James 1:27, where caring for orphans and widows is considered true religion.
What does the Bible mean by an oppressor?
An oppressor is someone who uses their power or influence to harm or take advantage of others, and the Bible teaches that God hates oppression, as seen in Proverbs 28:15-16, where the oppressor is described as a ruler who lacks understanding, and in Psalms 72:4, where the king is asked to crush the oppressor.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teaching?
This verse relates to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:31-46, where He teaches that caring for the needy and oppressed is a key part of following Him, and that those who do so will be rewarded, which is similar to the idea in Psalms 72:4, where the king is asked to vindicate the afflicted and save the children of the needy.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can vindicate the afflicted in my own community, and how can I use my resources to make a positive impact?
- How can I balance the desire to help those in need with the need to also care for myself and my own family, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:8?
- What are some ways that I can pray for those who are being oppressed, and how can I use my prayers to make a difference in their lives, as seen in Psalm 102:17?
- How can I use my own influence and power to help those who are being oppressed, and what are some ways that I can work to create positive change in my community, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:4
He shall judge the poor of the people,.... Of the people of God, whether among Jews or Gentiles; [See comments on Psalms 72:2]; he shall save the children of the needy; whose parents being needy,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:4
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. He shall judge the poor - He shall vindicate the cause of the afflicted.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:4
Judge, i.e. vindicate them from their potent oppressors, as judging is used, , and oft elsewhere. The children of the needy; whom the rich peradventure did seize upon for bondmen, upon some pretence or other.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:4
Psalms 72:4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.Ver. 4. He shall judge the poor of the people] Indeed all, indifferently, without respect of persons; but a poor man’ s tale shall be heard, and his cause judged, as well as a rich man’ s. Under Christ’ s government it shall be so howsoever; "I know thy poverty, but thou art rich," saith he, Revelation 3:9. Amongst men, both in suits of love and of law, money maketh mastery; not so here. And shall break in pieces the oppressor] The tale berarer, saith the Greek; the slanderer, saith the Latin; the devil, say some. Over these he shall turn the wheel.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:4
4. An expansion of Psa 72:2. The oppressed and defenceless are the special care of the true king, “whose glory is, redressing human wrong.” He does justice to ‘the afflicted of the people’; he is the preserver of ‘the children of the needy,’ words which are best understood literally, not merely of those born poor, or as a periphrasis, according to a common idiom, for ‘the needy,’ but of children, especially orphans, at once innocent and helpless, and therefore calling for special protection (see Isaiah 10:2; Micah 2:9, for the dangers to which they were exposed): while he crushes the merciless oppressor, treating him as he had treated his victims (Psalms 94:5; Proverbs 22:22-23; Isaiah 3:15; James 2:13).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:4
He shall judge the poor of the people - The afflicted; the down-trodden; the needy.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 72:4
4. Children of the needy—The phrase specially signifies those who are born to poverty, and is an intensive advance in the sense of poor, in the former line of the verse.
Sermons on Psalms 72:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Holy Spirit Convincing. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in convincing the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He explains that the Spirit awakens the conscience of sinners |
|
Eyewitnesses of His Glory by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Transfiguration of Jesus, highlighting that it served as a pivotal moment for the disciples, providing them with a vision of His |
|
Toys and Playthings of the Religious Babyhouse by J.C. Philpot | In this sermon transcript titled "Toys and Playthings of the Religious Baby House," J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of feeding the soul with God's appointed food. He compare |
|
God With Us by Dick Brogden | Dick Brogden preaches about the assurance and knowledge we have as believers because God came near to us, dwells in us, and His Word guides us. Through the story of Zechariah, we s |
|
|
Beauty and Bonds by Dick Brogden | Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of having a generous heart that God blesses, contrasting it with a stingy heart that restricts ministry and seeks to minimize influence. He h |
|
Be an Overcomer (Part 4) by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of continuous growth in the Christian faith. He highlights the tendency of some Christians to reach a certain point in their sp |
|
The Sickness, Death and Resurrection of Lazarus 1 of 4 (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee. He emphasizes the importance of faith and how it is tested in times of trials. Th |