Psalms 74:21
Psalms 74:21 in Multiple Translations
Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame; may the poor and needy praise Your name.
O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.
Oh let not the oppressed return ashamed: Let the poor and needy praise thy name.
O let not the crushed be turned back in shame; let the low man and the poor give praise to your name.
Don't let those who suffer be mistreated again. Let the poor and needy praise you for you who are.
Oh let not the oppressed returne ashamed, but let the poore and needie prayse thy Name.
Let not the oppressed turn back ashamed, Let the poor and needy praise Thy name,
Don’t let the oppressed return ashamed. Let the poor and needy praise your name.
O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.
Do not allow your oppressed people to be disgraced; help those poor and needy people in order that they will again praise you [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 74:21
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 74:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
יָשֹׁ֣ב
דַּ֣ךְ
נִכְלָ֑ם
עָנִ֥י
וְ֝/אֶבְי֗וֹן
יְֽהַלְל֥וּ
שְׁמֶֽ/ךָ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יָשֹׁ֣ב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
דַּ֣ךְ
dak
H1790
crushed
Adj
נִכְלָ֑ם
kâlam
H3637
be humiliated
V-Niphal
עָנִ֥י
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
וְ֝/אֶבְי֗וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Conj | Adj
יְֽהַלְל֥וּ
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
שְׁמֶֽ/ךָ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 74:21
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יָשֹׁ֣ב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
דַּ֣ךְ
dak
H1790
"crushed"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to be crushed or oppressed, often used to describe someone who is injured or afflicted. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: crushed, oppressed
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, oppressed. See also: Psalms 9:10; Psalms 74:21; Psalms 10:18.
נִכְלָ֑ם
kâlam
H3637
"be humiliated"
V-Niphal
To be humiliated means to be insulted or shamed, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe people's reactions to their mistakes. It is about feeling ashamed or reproached.
Definition: 1) to insult, shame, humiliate, blush, be ashamed, be put to shame, be reproached, be put to confusion, be humiliated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be humiliated, be ashamed 1a2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put to shame, insult, humiliate, cause shame to 1b2) to exhibit shame 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be insulted, be humiliated 1c2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: be (make) ashamed, blush, be confounded, be put to confusion, hurt, reproach, (do, put to) shame. See also: Numbers 12:14; Proverbs 25:8; Psalms 35:4.
עָנִ֥י
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.
וְ֝/אֶבְי֗וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Conj | 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.
יְֽהַלְל֥וּ
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
שְׁמֶֽ/ךָ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 74:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 74:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 74:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 74:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 74:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 74:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 74:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 74:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 74:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 74:21
- Sermons on Psalms 74:21
Context — Why Have You Rejected Us Forever?
19Do not deliver the soul of Your dove to beasts; do not forget the lives of Your afflicted forever.
20Consider Your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
21Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame; may the poor and needy praise Your name.
22Rise up, O God; defend Your cause! Remember how the fool mocks You all day long. 23Do not disregard the clamor of Your adversaries, the uproar of Your enemies that ascends continually.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 12:5 | “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.” |
| 2 | 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?” |
| 3 | Psalms 9:18 | For the needy will not always be forgotten; nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed. |
| 4 | Ezra 3:11 | And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid. |
| 5 | Psalms 103:6 | The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. |
| 6 | Isaiah 45:17 | But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will not be put to shame or humiliated, to ages everlasting. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 33:11 | the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD. |
| 8 | Psalms 102:19–21 | For He looked down from the heights of His sanctuary; the LORD gazed out from heaven to earth to hear a prisoner’s groaning, to release those condemned to death, that they may proclaim the name of the LORD in Zion and praise Him in Jerusalem, |
| 9 | Psalms 109:22 | For I am poor and needy; my heart is wounded within me. |
Psalms 74:21 Summary
This verse is a prayer asking God to protect and care for those who are oppressed and needy, and to give them the courage to praise His name. It's a reminder that God is the defender of the weak and the poor, as seen in Psalms 140:12, and that He wants us to trust in Him and praise Him, even when things seem tough, just like in Habakkuk 3:17-18. The psalmist is asking God to act on behalf of those who are suffering, and to give them the strength to keep praising Him, no matter what. By doing so, God's name will be glorified and His power will be shown, as stated in Psalms 138:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the oppressed to 'retreat in shame'?
The phrase 'retreat in shame' means to be humiliated or defeated, and it's a plea for God to prevent this from happening to those who are already vulnerable, as seen in Psalms 74:21, and reminded in Isaiah 61:7 that God will not let the oppressed be ashamed.
Why are the poor and needy called to praise God's name?
The poor and needy are called to praise God's name because He is their only hope and deliverer, as stated in Psalms 74:21, and echoed in Psalms 40:17 which says that the poor and needy will praise the Lord.
How does this verse relate to God's covenant with His people?
This verse is a reminder to God to consider His covenant with His people, as mentioned in the previous verse, Psalms 74:20, and to act on their behalf, just as He did in Exodus 2:24 when He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
What is the significance of the oppressed and the poor being able to praise God's name?
The significance is that it shows God's power and glory, as stated in Psalms 74:21, and reminds us of Isaiah 25:1 which says that God's name will be glorified when the poor and needy are lifted up.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be an advocate for the oppressed and needy in my community, and how can I help them praise God's name?
- How does this verse challenge my own attitude towards those who are less fortunate than me, and what can I learn from their example of faith?
- In what ways can I retreat in shame, and how can I instead stand confidently in my faith, just like the psalmist is asking God to do for the oppressed?
- What are some practical ways that I can praise God's name, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges, like the poor and needy in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 74:21
O let not the oppressed return ashamed,.... From the throne of grace, not having an answer of their prayer, but still continuing under the oppressions of their enemies: let the poor and needy praise
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 74:21
Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name. -The prayer (Psalms 74:1-2) resumed and expanded. Verse 18. Remember this - answering to Psalms 74:2; Psalms 74:10.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 74:21
Return ashamed from thee, and from the throne of thy grace, to which they make their resort in this their distressed condition.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 74:21
Psalms 74:21 O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.Ver. 21. O let not the oppressed, &c.] Contusus non revertatur confusus, let him not take the repulse, be disappointed of his expected help from heaven.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 74:21
(21) Oppressed.—Literally, crushed. (See Psalms 9:9; Psalms 10:18.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 74:21
Verse 21. Let not the oppressed return ashamed] Do not permit thy people to be so diminished, that when, according to thy promise, they are restored to their own land, they may appear to be but a handful of men.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 74:21
21. O let not the oppressed &c.] Let not the crushed or down-trodden (Psalms 9:9; Psalms 10:18) turn back from Thee unanswered and disappointed. let the poor &c.] Let the afflicted have cause to praise Thee for answered prayer.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 74:21
O let not the oppressed return ashamed - Ashamed by being disappointed, as if they had trusted in that which had no claims to confidence. Compare the notes at Job 6:20.
Sermons on Psalms 74:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 3. the Lord on the Side of the Poor and Needy by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the dramatic and thunderous opening of the sermon, comparing it to the witches in Hammett's play. The speaker then mentions a beaut |
|
Spiritual Depression by Carter Conlon | This sermon addresses spiritual depression among the godly, emphasizing the challenges faced in a society marked by godlessness and the need to trust in God's promises. It draws pa |
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Psalm 12 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the comfort found in the company of holy men, the power of prayer to bring God's presence and joy, the insincerity of ungodly conversation, the blinding po |
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The Lord, the Saints' Avenger by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes that God is the Avenger of the oppressed, standing firmly with the saints against injustice and oppression. He illustrates this with a missionary story |
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Made Rich by Faith by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that while poverty is a difficult condition, those who place their faith in the Lord are enriched spiritually and eternally. He reassures the needy that th |
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Ezra #4: Reasons for an Incomplete Temple, Part 2 by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of not giving up and quitting in the face of challenges. He emphasizes that God's answer to difficulties is not through human |
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Revival in the Book of Ezra - Part 2 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Ezra and the rebuilding of the ruined temple. The speaker begins with a prayer, acknowledging their dependence on God's revelati |