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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>Proverbs 22:23 for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_22_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:23 - Thirty Sayings of the Wise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/22-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/22-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm" title="Proverbs 22:22">◄</a> Proverbs 22:23 <a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm" title="Proverbs 22:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />for the LORD will take up their case and will exact life for life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For the LORD is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />for the LORD will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their cause, And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their case, And take the life of those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For Yahweh will plead their case And rob the soul of those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD will champion their cause and will plunder those who plunder them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For Jehovah will plead their cause, And despoil of life those that despoil them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD is their defender, and what you do to them, he will do to you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their cause, and despoil of life those that despoil them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />because the LORD will plead their case and will take the lives of those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD will argue their case for them and threaten the life of anyone who threatens theirs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />for the LORD will plead their case and ruin the lives of those who ruin them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD will plead their case and will rob those who are robbing them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For YHWH pleads their cause, "" And has spoiled the soul of their spoilers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For Jehovah pleadeth their cause, And hath spoiled the soul of their spoilers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For Jehovah will contend their contention, and rob the soul to those robbing them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Because the Lord will judge his cause, and will afflict them that have afflicted his soul. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For the Lord will judge his case, and he will pierce those who have pierced his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD will defend their cause, and will plunder those who plunder them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />for the LORD pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their cause and avenge the injustice which is done to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because LORD JEHOVAH decides their judgment and the humiliation of their souls is repaid.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For the LORD will plead their cause, And despoil of life those that despoil them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For the Lord will plead his cause, and thou shalt deliver thy soul in safety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-23.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/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4541" 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/proverbs/22.htm">Thirty Sayings of the Wise</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: yā·rîḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend.">will take up</a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: rî·ḇām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">their case</a> <a href="/hebrew/6906.htm" title="6906: wə·qā·ḇa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- Perhaps to rob. A primitive root; to cover, i.e. defraud.">and will plunder</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6906.htm" title="6906: qō·ḇə·‘ê·hem (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 3mp) -- Perhaps to rob. A primitive root; to cover, i.e. defraud.">those who rob them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nā·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense."></a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,…<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="/psalms/12-5.htm">Psalm 12:5</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-10.htm">Psalm 35:10</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-12.htm">Psalm 140:12</a></span><br />I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/isaiah/3-14.htm">Isaiah 3:14-15</a></span><br />The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. / Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a></span><br />Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, / to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-16.htm">Jeremiah 22:16</a></span><br />He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-36.htm">Jeremiah 51:36</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance on your behalf; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-29.htm">Ezekiel 22:29</a></span><br />The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a></span><br />“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a></span><br />And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52-53</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. / He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-7.htm">Luke 18:7-8</a></span><br />Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? / I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.</p><p class="hdg">the lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-11.htm">Proverbs 23:11</a></b></br> For their redeemer <i>is</i> mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12,15</a></b></br> The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-39.htm">1 Samuel 25:39</a></b></br> And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed <i>be</i> the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.</p><p class="hdg">spoil</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/33-1.htm">Isaiah 33:1</a></b></br> Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou <i>wast</i> not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; <i>and</i> when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/2-8.htm">Habakkuk 2:8</a></b></br> Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and <i>for</i> the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Case</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Despoil</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-14.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Pleadeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Plunder</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Rob</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-7.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/psalms/89-41.htm">Spoiled</a> <a href="/psalms/137-3.htm">Spoilers</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-14.htm">Support</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/23-11.htm">Case</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-14.htm">Despoil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-11.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-22.htm">Pleadeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-14.htm">Plunder</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-2.htm">Rob</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-25.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-16.htm">Spoiled</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-14.htm">Spoilers</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm">Support</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</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/proverbs/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>for the LORD will take up their case</b><br>This phrase emphasizes God's role as the ultimate judge and advocate for the oppressed. In the ancient Near Eastern context, legal systems often favored the wealthy and powerful, leaving the poor and marginalized without recourse. The Bible consistently portrays God as a defender of the downtrodden, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a>, which describes God as a "father to the fatherless" and a "defender of widows." This advocacy is not just a promise of future justice but an assurance of God's active involvement in the present. The phrase also reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where He promises to uphold justice and righteousness. This is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books, where God is depicted as taking up the cause of the oppressed against corrupt leaders and systems.<p><b>and will plunder those who rob them</b><br>This part of the verse underscores the principle of divine retribution. In biblical history, God often intervened to bring justice to those who were wronged, as seen in the stories of the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian oppression. The term "plunder" suggests a reversal of fortunes, where those who exploit others will themselves be stripped of their ill-gotten gains. This is consistent with the biblical theme of sowing and reaping, as articulated in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." The imagery of plundering also connects to the prophetic literature, where God is described as executing judgment on nations and individuals who act unjustly. This phrase can be seen as a type of Christ, who in His earthly ministry, consistently stood against injustice and ultimately, through His death and resurrection, defeated the powers of sin and death, bringing about a new order of justice and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, representing God as the ultimate judge and defender of the oppressed.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oppressed.htm">The Oppressed</a></b><br>Implicit in the verse, these are the individuals who are wronged or robbed, whom the LORD promises to defend.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_robbers.htm">The Robbers</a></b><br>Those who commit acts of injustice or theft against the oppressed, whom the LORD will hold accountable.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_the_ultimate_defender.htm">God as the Ultimate Defender</a></b><br>Trust in God's justice, knowing He will defend those who are wronged.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/call_to_righteousness.htm">Call to Righteousness</a></b><br>Believers are called to emulate God's justice by standing up for the oppressed and acting righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/warning_against_injustice.htm">Warning Against Injustice</a></b><br>A reminder that those who commit injustice will face divine retribution.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_divine_justice.htm">Faith in Divine Justice</a></b><br>Encourages patience and faith, trusting that God will address wrongs in His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_participation_in_justice.htm">Active Participation in Justice</a></b><br>While God is the ultimate judge, believers are encouraged to actively participate in promoting justice and righteousness in their communities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_decision_guidance_is_in_the_bible.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer for decision making?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_marriage_imply_singles_lack_blessing.htm">Proverbs 18:22: Does finding 'favor from the Lord' by marrying imply that the single or the divorced lack divine blessing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_use_the_ephod_for_guidance.htm">How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9-12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_sam_19_9_fit_a_good_god.htm">How could an 'evil spirit from the Lord' (1 Samuel 19:9) align with a belief in a benevolent God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For, though they are powerless to defend themselves, and have no earthly patrons, the Lord will plead their cause</span> (<a href="/proverbs/23-11.htm">Proverbs 23:11</a>). Jehovah will be their Advocate and Protector. <span class="cmt_word">And spoil the soul of those that spoiled them;</span> rather, <span class="accented">despoil of life those that despoil</span> them. So the Revised Version. God, exercising his moral government on human concerns, will bring ruin and death on the unjust judge or the rich oppressor of the poor. Jerome has, <span class="accented">Configet eos qui confixerunt animam ejus.</span> The verb used is <span class="hebrew">קבע</span> (<span class="accented">kabah</span>), which is found only here and <a href="/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8</a>, where it means "to defraud" or "despoil." In the Chaldee and Syriac it may signify "to fix," "to pierce." Septuagint, "The Lord will judge his cause, and thou shalt deliver thy soul unharmed (<span class="greek">ἄσυλον</span>):" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> if you refrain from injustice and oppression, you will be saved Item evil and dwell securely. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-23.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">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֭הוָה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will take up</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרִ֣יב</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> </span><span class="str2">To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their case</span><br /><span class="heb">רִיבָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(rî·ḇām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strife, dispute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and will plunder</span><br /><span class="heb">וְקָבַ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(wə·qā·ḇa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6906.htm">Strong's 6906: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, defraud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who rob them.</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹבְעֵיהֶ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(qō·ḇə·‘ê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6906.htm">Strong's 6906: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, defraud</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:23 For Yahweh will plead their case (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:24" /></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>