Psalms 82:4 — Word Study
WLCפַּלְּטוּ־ דַ֥ל וְאֶבְי֑וֹן מִיַּ֖ד רְשָׁעִ֣ים הַצִּֽילוּ׃
BSARescuepâlaṭ [snatch away, deliver] the weakdal [poor, oppressed] and needyʼebyôwn [those in distress, impoverished] save themnâtsal [deliver, set free] from the handyâd [power, control] of the wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, evil-doers]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| פַּלְּטוּ־ | deliver | Verb, Piel, imperative second person masculine plural |
| דַ֥ל | [the] poor | Adj |
| וְאֶבְי֑וֹן | and [the] needy | Conjunction |
| מִיַּ֖ד | from [the] hand of | Preposition, noun common both singular construct |
| רְשָׁעִ֣ים | wicked [people] | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| הַצִּֽילוּ׃ | rescue [them] | Verb, Hiphil, imperative second person masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. |
| KJV | Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. |
| ASV | Rescue the poor and needy: Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. |
| YLT | Let the weak and needy escape, From the hand of the wicked deliver them. |
| WEB | Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.” |
| BBE | Be the saviour of the poor and those who have nothing: take them out of the hand of the evil-doers. |
Where they part company is in the translation of פַּלְּטוּ־ — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main command followed by an action to take and a prepositional phrase indicating the source of danger.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbפָּלַט
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 82:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Call for Justicegenerated
Psalm 82:4 emphasizes the responsibility of those in authority to protect the weak and needy. This verse is part of a larger passage that critiques unjust leaders and calls for divine justice. The psalmist urges action to rescue the vulnerable from the hands of the wicked, echoing themes found throughout the Old Testament about caring for the oppressed, as seen in Psalm 72:12-14 and Proverbs 24:11-12.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 72:12–14 | For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. |
| 2 | Job 29:12–16 | because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. |
| 3 | Proverbs 24:11–12 | Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter. |
| 4 | Psalm 140:12 | I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 5:1–13 | About that time there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their fellow Jews. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — פַּלְּטוּ־, pa.le.tu-generated
The verb פָּלַט (palat) is a Piel imperative form meaning 'to deliver' or 'to escape.' It conveys the idea of slipping out of danger or rescuing someone from peril. It is often used in contexts where God acts to save His people from their enemies.
This word emphasizes an active role in salvation, suggesting urgency in the plea to rescue the weak and needy. The use of the imperative form indicates a direct command, calling for immediate action.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse contains two finite verbs: פַּלְּטוּ־ (deliver) and הַצִּֽילוּ (rescue), both commanding action towards the weak and needy. The structure emphasizes the urgency of the call to rescue.
The syntax highlights a direct address to the audience, with the main actions focused on delivering and saving those in distress, illustrating the responsibilities of the powerful.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates פַּלְּטוּ־ as ἐχέλεσθε, which conveys a similar meaning of delivering or rescuing. This choice reflects the urgency and imperative nature of the Hebrew.
The Greek word emphasizes the action of snatching away, aligning with the Hebrew's call for immediate intervention on behalf of the oppressed.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 82:4 calls for the rescue of the weak and needy from the wicked. It highlights the importance of defending those who cannot defend themselves, urging those in power to take action.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means to actively protect and deliver those who are vulnerable and unable to help themselves, ensuring their safety from harm.
It underscores the moral responsibility of those in authority to act justly and protect the innocent from evil-doers.
This verse reflects a common biblical theme of caring for the oppressed, similar to teachings found in Proverbs and other psalms.
It refers to morally wrong individuals or evil-doers who exploit or harm the weak and needy.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I help the weak and needy in my community?
- How can I be more aware of those who are vulnerable around me?
- What actions can I take to stand against wickedness in my environment?
- How does this verse challenge me to think about justice and mercy?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 82:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleDeliver the poor and needy,.... From his adversary and oppressor, who is mightier than he, and draws him to the judgment seat; when it is not in his power to defend himself against him, and get out
Read John Gill on Psalms 82 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryDeliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Deliver the poor and needy; rid them out of the hand of the wicked - (Job 29:12.)
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 82 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThese he recommends to the special care and protection of magistrates, because such are commonly neglected and crushed by men in higher place and power, and they are unable to right themselves.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 82 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 82:4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.Ver. 4. Rid them out of the hand of the wicked] Heb. of the turbulent, who make ado, as the devil doth, and vex others.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 82 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) The poor and needy.—Better, The miserable (as in Psalms 82:8) and poor, a different word from “needy” in Psalms 82:3.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 82 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. Rescue the weak and needy: Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. Cp. Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 10:1-2. Human authorities are God’s representatives to see that the weak and friendless have justice done them. See Exodus 22:22 ff.; Deuteronomy 10:17-18; Psalms 10:14; Psalms 10:18; Malachi 3:5 : and comp. the portrait of the ideal ruler in Psalms 72:12 ff.; Isaiah 11:3-4.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 82 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleDeliver the poor and needy - That is, Deliver them from the power and the arts of those who would oppress and wrong them. This would not be showing them partiality; it would be simply doing them justice.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 82 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible4. Deliver… rid—The charge given in Psalms 82:3 has relation to ordinary suits; this to cases of persecution and oppression.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 82 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.
Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.
Rescue the poor and needy! Deliver them from the power of the wicked!
Tyndale line
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
Rescue the poor and needy: Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
Rescue the poor and needy: deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
Deliver the poor and needy: deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Deliuer the poore and needie: saue them from the hand of the wicked.
Strictly literal
Rescue the poor and needy, deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
Let the weak and needy escape, From the hand of the wicked deliver them.
Let the weak and needy escape, || Deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Release the poor and needy: deliver them out of the power of the wicked.
Rescue the poor and needy; take them out of the hand of the wicked.
From the Latin
They have taken a malicious counsel against thy people, and have consulted against thy saints.
Simplified
Rescue the poor and those unable to help themselves; save them from the clutches of evil people.
Be the saviour of the poor and those who have nothing: take them out of the hand of the evil-doers.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree closely, with all six words matched in the Hebrew and Greek versions. The Dead Sea Scrolls also align with the Masoretic Text, showing no significant variations.
פַּלְּטוּ־ דַ֥ל וְאֶבְי֑וֹן מִיַּ֖ד רְשָׁעִ֣ים הַצִּֽילוּ׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
פלטו דל ואביון מיד רשעים הצילו
6 words on the leather.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 82:4
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
פָּלַט (palat) is a Hebrew verb meaning to escape or slip away. It encompasses various nuances, including delivering, bringing to safety, and causing to escape, with different forms indicating active or passive meanings. The entries suggest its use in contexts of security and deliverance, though no specific Old Testament verses are cited.
[פָּלַט] vb. escape
Qal and (if) escapers of them escape.
Pi.
bring into security
cause to escape, cast forth, of cow calving
appar. intrans. be delivered
Hiph. bring into security
base
H6403 [פָּלַט] escape .and (if) escapers of them escape.
. . bring into security
. cause to escape, cast forth, of cow calving
. appar. intrans. be delivered
. bring into security
6403 palat paw-lat'
a primitive root; to slip out, i.e. escape; causatively, to
deliver:--calve, carry away safe, deliver, (cause to) escape.
פָּלַט (pa.lat) — to escape.
1) to escape, save, deliver, slip away
1a) (Qal) to escape
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to bring into security, deliver
1b2) to cause to escape, cast forth
1b3) to be delivered
1b4) to slip away
1c) (Hiphil) to bring into security, bring to safety
V-Piel-Impv-2mp — Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine pluralHVpv2mp
de-liv'-er (natsal, nathan; rhuomai, paradidomi): Occurs very frequently in the Old Testament and represents various Hebrew terms.
The English word is used in two senses,
(1) "to set free," etc.,
(2) "to give up or over."
(1) The word most often translated "deliver" in the first sense is natsal, meaning originally, perhaps, "to draw out." It is used of all kinds of deliverance (Ge 32:11; Ps 25:20; 143:9, etc.; Jer 7:10; Eze 3:19, etc.; Ze 1:18, etc.). The Aramaic netsal occurs in Da 3:29; 6:14; 8:4,7; yasha`, "to save," in Jud 3:9,31 the King James Version, etc. ; malaT…
The Hebrew word דַּל (dal) is built from the root meaning 'dangling' or 'weak.' It covers a range of meanings including low, weak, poor, and thin, and is particularly noted in wisdom literature and poetry. The entries consistently emphasize its connotations of neediness and weakness.
דַּל adj. low, weak, poor, thin (especially common in Wisd. lit. and poet.)
base
H1800 דַּל low, weak, poor, thin (especially common in Wisd. lit. and poet.)
1800 dal dal
from 1809; properly, dangling, i.e. (by implication) weak or
thin:--lean, needy, poor (man), weaker.
see HEBREW for 01809
דַּל (dal) — poor.
low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Adj — AdjHAamsa
poor ('ebhyon, dal, `ani, rush; ptochos):
I. In the Old Testament.
The poor have great prominence in the Bible; it is said, indeed, that there should be no poor among the Hebrews because Yahweh should so greatly bless them (De 15:4 the Revised Version (British and American) and the King James Version margin); but this was only to be realized on certain conditions of obedience (De 15:5), and in De 15:11 it is said,"The poor will never cease out of the land"; but they were to see to it that none was left in destitution. The very foundation of the Hebrew religion was God's pity on a poor and oppressed people.
1. The Terms Employed:
Poor
The Mosaic legislation regarding the poor is specially important. (1.) They had the right of gleaning the fields (Lev. 19:9, 10; Deut. 24:19,21).
(2.) In the sabbatical year they were to have their share of the produce of the fields and the vineyards (Ex. 23:11; Lev. 25:6).
(3.) In the year of jubilee they recovered their property (Lev. 25:25-30).
(4.) Usury was forbidden, and the pledged raiment was to be returned before the sun went down (Ex. 22:25-27; Deut. 24:10-13). The rich were to be generous to the…
The general kindly spirit of the law toward the poor is sufficiently shown by such passages as (15:7) for the reason that (ver. 11) "the poor shall never cease out of the land." Among the special enactments in their favor the following must be mentioned: The right of gleaning. (Leviticus 19:9,10; 24:19,21) From the produce of the land in sabbatical years the poor and the stranger were to have their portion. (Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 25:6) Re-entry upon land in the jubilee year, with the limitation as to town homes. (Leviticus 25:25-30) Prohibition of usury and of retention of pledges. (Exodus 22:25-27;
Ps 12:5 41:1-3, especially cared for in the Jewish dispensation, Ex 23:6 Pr 14:31, and even more so under the gospel, Mt 25:42-45 Jas 2:5. The slight offerings required of them by the law were as acceptable as the hecatombs of the rich, Le 5:7-13 Mr 12:41-44. The gleanings of the fields, the olive trees, and the vines, were to be left for them, Le 19:9 De 24:19
The Hebrew word אֶבְיוֹן (*ebyown*) means needy or poor, derived from a root indicating want. It describes individuals who are destitute, oppressed, or in need of help, particularly from God. This term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, often referring to the lowest social class and the importance of caring for such individuals.
אֶבְיוֹן adj. in want, needy, poor,—so, alw. abs., Dt 15:4 + 40 t.; אֶבְיֹנְךָ Ex 23:6 Dt 15:11; אֶבְיוֹנִים Am 4:1 + 14 t.; אֶבְיוֹנֵי (אֶבְיֹנֵי) Ex 23:11 Is 29:19; אֶבְיוֹנֶיהָ ψ 132:15—(Hex. only JED; mostly poet., 23 t. ψ) needy, chiefly poor (in material things); as adj. Dt 15:7, 7, 9; 24:14 ψ 109:16 (both ∥ עָנִי); elsewhere subst.; ψ 49:3 (∥ עָשִׁיר); Dt 15:4, 11; subj. to oppression & abuse Am 2:6…
Read the full entry →H34 אֶבְיוֹן in want, needy, poor
34 'ebyown eb-yone'
from 14, in the sense of want (especially in feeling);
destitute:--beggar, needy, poor (man).
see HEBREW for 014
אֶבְיוֹן (ev.yon) — needy.
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
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Aamsa
ned'-i ('ebhyon).
See POOR.
יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
יָד 1604 n.f. hand
hand
Fig. = strength, power
Fig. = side
יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—
sign, monument
part, fractional part or share
time, repetition
axle-trees
stays, supports for laver
tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
a (beckoning) hand
יַד with prep.
base
H3027 יָד hand . hand
. Fig. = strength, power
. Fig. = side
. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument
. part, fractional part or share
. time, repetition
. axle-trees
. stays, supports for laver
. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
. a (beckoning) hand
. יַד with prep.
3027 yad yawd
a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed
one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of
applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate
and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,
at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,
(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +
creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,
force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,
labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,
ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,
power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,
draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by
them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,
+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,
יָד (yad) — hand.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: power.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common both singular constructHR/Ncbsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
רָשָׁע (rasha`) refers to someone who is wicked or criminal, encompassing meanings such as guilty and ungodly. It is derived from a root that implies moral wrongdoing. The term is used to describe individuals who are hostile to God or guilty of sin against others.
רָשָׁע 263 adj. wicked, criminal
base
H7563 רָשָׁע wicked, criminal
7563 rasha` raw-shaw'
from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad
person:--+ condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did
wrong.
see HEBREW for 07561
רָשָׁע (ra.sah) — wicked.
1) wicked, criminal
1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst)
1b) wicked (hostile to God)
1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Adj — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
The Hebrew word נָצַל (natsal) is built from a primitive root meaning to snatch away, with various usages across different stems. It covers a range of meanings including to rescue, deliver, plunder, and strip. The word appears in contexts of delivering oneself or being delivered, as well as rescuing from enemies or sin.
[נָצַל] 212 vb. not in Qal; Pi. strip, plunder; Niph. deliver oneself, be delivered Hiph. snatch away, deliver
Niph.
reflex. tear oneself away, deliver oneself
passive, be torn out or away
Pi.
strip off, spoil
deliver
Hiph.
take away, snatch away
rescue, recover
deliver from
deliver from sin and guilt
Hoph. as a brand plucked out of the burning
Hithp. and they stripped themselves of their ornaments.
base
H5337 נָצַל not in Qal; Pi. strip, plunder; Niph. deliver oneself, be delivered Hiph. snatch away, deliver
5337 natsal naw-tsal'
a primitive root; to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad
sense:- X at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, X without
fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save,
spoil, strip, X surely, take (out).
נָצַל (na.tsal) — to rescue.
1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder
1a)(Niphal)
1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself
1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to strip off, spoil
1b2) to deliver
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to take away, snatch away
1c2) to rescue, recover
1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death)
1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt
1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out
1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself
Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine pluralHVhv2mp