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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 82:3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/82-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_082_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 82:3 - God Presides in the Divine Assembly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/82.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/82.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/82.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/82.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/82.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/82.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/82.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/82.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/82.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Give justice to the poor and the orphan; Justify the afflicted and destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/82.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice <i>and</i> maintain the rights of the afflicted and destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/82.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/82.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/82.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Judge the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/82.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be fair to the poor and to orphans. Defend the helpless and everyone in need. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/82.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Judge the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/82.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Defend weak people and orphans. Protect the rights of the oppressed and the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/82.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Defend the rights of the poor and the orphans; be fair to the needy and the helpless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/82.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Defend the poor and the fatherless. Vindicate the afflicted and the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/82.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/82.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless! Vindicate the oppressed and suffering! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/82.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/82.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/82.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/82.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Judge the weak and fatherless, "" Declare the afflicted and the poor righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/82.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Judge ye the weak and fatherless, The afflicted and the poor declare righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/82.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Judge ye the poor one, and the orphan: do justice to the humble one and the poor one.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/82.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Judge for the needy and fatherless: do justice to the humble and the poor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/82.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 81:3>Judge for the indigent and the orphan. Do justice to the humble and the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/82.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Defend the lowly and fatherless; render justice to the afflicted and needy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/82.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/82.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/82.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Judge the orphans and the afflicted and justify the poor and the meek.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/82.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Judge the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/82.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Judge the orphan and poor: do justice to the low and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/82-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=10344" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/82.htm">God Presides in the Divine Assembly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: šip̄·ṭū- (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To judge, govern. ">Defend the cause</a> <a href="/hebrew/1800.htm" title="1800: ḏal (Adj-ms) -- Dangling, weak, thin. From dalal; properly, dangling, i.e. weak or thin.">of the weak</a> <a href="/hebrew/3490.htm" title="3490: wə·yā·ṯō·wm (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- An orphan. From an unused root meaning to be lonely; a bereaved person.">and fatherless;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6663.htm" title="6663: haṣ·dî·qū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To be just or righteous. A primitive root; to be right.">uphold the rights</a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: ‘ā·nî (Adj-ms) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">of the afflicted</a> <a href="/hebrew/7326.htm" title="7326: wā·rāš (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be in want or poor. A primitive root; to be destitute.">and oppressed.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a></span><br />Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Zechariah 7:9-10</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a></span><br />“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, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a></span><br />Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a></span><br />He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-12.htm">Job 29:12-17</a></span><br />because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. / The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. / I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Exodus 23:6</a></span><br />You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Proverbs 22:22-23</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Jeremiah 5:28</a></span><br />They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.</p><p class="hdg">defend.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-18.htm">Psalm 10:18</a></b></br> To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a></b></br> He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17,23</a></b></br> Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow… </p><p class="hdg">do</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Jeremiah 5:28</a></b></br> They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3,16</a></b></br> Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></b></br> Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, <i>and</i> to keep himself unspotted from the world.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/76-9.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/81-14.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">Children</a> <a href="/psalms/78-6.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/job/20-19.htm">Destitute</a> <a href="/psalms/81-13.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Fatherless</a> <a href="/psalms/79-8.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/72-4.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/job/27-6.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/psalms/74-21.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/psalms/76-9.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/psalms/76-9.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/80-17.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/75-10.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/job/36-6.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/psalms/77-18.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/psalms/72-4.htm">Vindicate</a> <a href="/psalms/72-13.htm">Weak</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/86-1.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/85-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/82-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/psalms/89-2.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/psalms/119-154.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/psalms/102-17.htm">Destitute</a> <a href="/psalms/84-8.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/94-6.htm">Fatherless</a> <a href="/psalms/95-9.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/psalms/89-28.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/psalms/82-4.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/psalms/103-6.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/psalms/82-4.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/89-13.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/88-12.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/140-12.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/psalms/83-17.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/psalms/135-14.htm">Vindicate</a> <a href="/psalms/82-4.htm">Weak</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 82</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">The psalmist, having exhorted the judges</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/82-5.htm">And reproved their negligence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Prays God to judge</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/82.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/82.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the biblical mandate to protect and advocate for those who are vulnerable and marginalized in society. In ancient Israel, the "weak and fatherless" often referred to those without a male protector or provider, such as orphans and widows, who were particularly susceptible to exploitation and injustice. The call to defend them reflects God's character as a defender of the helpless, as seen in passages like <a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a>, which states that God "defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow." This aligns with the broader biblical theme of justice and righteousness, where God's people are called to mirror His concern for the vulnerable. The prophetic literature, such as <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a>, echoes this call to "seek justice, encourage the oppressed," highlighting the continuity of this divine expectation throughout Scripture.<p><b>uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.</b><br>The instruction to uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed underscores the importance of justice and equity in the community. In the historical context of ancient Israel, the legal system was designed to protect the rights of all individuals, particularly those who were disadvantaged. The afflicted and oppressed often included the poor, foreigners, and those suffering under unjust systems or rulers. This phrase calls for active intervention to ensure that justice is served, reflecting God's own commitment to justice as seen in <a href="/psalms/146-7.htm">Psalm 146:7</a>, where He "executes justice for the oppressed." The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus embodying the ultimate advocate for the oppressed, as seen in His ministry to the marginalized and His teachings on the Kingdom of God, which prioritize justice and mercy (<a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Matthew 5:6</a>, <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a>). This call to action is a reminder of the believer's responsibility to reflect God's justice in their own lives and communities.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate judge who presides over the divine council, calling for justice and righteousness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_weak_and_fatherless.htm">The Weak and Fatherless</a></b><br>Represents those who are vulnerable and lack protection or support in society.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_afflicted_and_oppressed.htm">The Afflicted and Oppressed</a></b><br>Individuals who suffer from injustice and exploitation, needing advocacy and defense.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/divine_council.htm">Divine Council</a></b><br>A heavenly assembly where God addresses other "gods" or rulers, emphasizing their responsibility to enact justice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph</a></b><br>The attributed author of the Psalm, a leader of one of the temple choirs, who conveys God's message of justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_heart_for_justice.htm">God's Heart for Justice</a></b><br>God is deeply concerned with justice and righteousness, especially for those who are marginalized and vulnerable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/our_responsibility.htm">Our Responsibility</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to actively defend and support those who cannot defend themselves, reflecting God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_advocacy.htm">Practical Advocacy</a></b><br>Engage in practical ways to support the weak and oppressed, such as volunteering, supporting charities, or advocating for policy changes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_reflection.htm">Spiritual Reflection</a></b><br>Reflect on personal biases or indifference towards the plight of the vulnerable and seek God's guidance to cultivate a heart of compassion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_involvement.htm">Community Involvement</a></b><br>Encourage your church or community group to develop programs or partnerships that focus on helping the fatherless and oppressed.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_82.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 82</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_bullying.htm">What does the Bible say about bullying?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_benevolence_fund.htm">What is a benevolence fund?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_unjust_rulers.htm">Isaiah 10:1–4: Why would a just God allow oppressive rulers to continue writing unjust laws while still holding them accountable later? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_ignore_justice,_mercy,_faithfulness.htm">Why do you hypocritically ignore justice, mercy, and faithfulness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/82.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Poor.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">miserable. </span>(See <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm" title="Blessed is he that considers the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.">Psalm 41:1</a>.) This verse recalls the solemn curse in <a href="/deuteronomy/27-19.htm" title="Cursed be he that perverts the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.">Deuteronomy 27:19</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/82.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Defend the poor and</span> <span class="cmt_word">fatherless</span>; literally, <span class="accented">judge them</span>. "Do not deny them justice; do not refuse to hear their cause" (comp. <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Jeremiah 5:28</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Do justice to the afflicted and needy.</span> After consenting to hear their cause, be sure thou doest them justice. These commands are covert reproaches. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/82-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Defend the cause</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁפְטוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(šip̄·ṭū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the weak</span><br /><span class="heb">דַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(ḏal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1800.htm">Strong's 1800: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dangling, weak, thin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and fatherless;</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָת֑וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·ṯō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3490.htm">Strong's 3490: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bereaved person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">uphold the rights</span><br /><span class="heb">הַצְדִּֽיקוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(haṣ·dî·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6663.htm">Strong's 6663: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be just or righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the afflicted</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and oppressed.</span><br /><span class="heb">וָרָ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wā·rāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7326.htm">Strong's 7326: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be in want or poor</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 82:3 Defend the weak the poor and (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/82-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 82:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 82:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/82-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 82:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 82:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>