King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:12 Mean?

Psalms 140:12 in the King James Version says “I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 140 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.”

Psalms 140:12 · KJV

Context

10

Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

11

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. an: Heb. a man of tongue: or an evil speaker, a wicked man of violence be established in the earth: let him be hunted to his overthrow

12

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

13

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Read Psalms 140 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. This verse expresses settled confidence in God's character as defender of the oppressed. After describing wicked enemies and petitioning for deliverance, David declares certain knowledge of how God operates—He vindicates the afflicted and defends the poor.

"I know" (יָדַעְתִּי/yada'ti) uses yada, meaning to know by experience, understand intimately, be convinced of. This isn't theoretical belief or wishful hope but settled conviction based on character and experience. The perfect tense indicates completed knowledge—David has already come to this conclusion through observation of God's ways and personal experience of His faithfulness.

"That the LORD will maintain" (יַעֲשֶׂה יְהוָה/ya'aseh Yahweh) from asah means to do, make, accomplish, execute. The imperfect tense indicates future certainty: God WILL act. He will execute justice, accomplish vindication, and perform what needs to be done. This isn't passive sympathy but active intervention on behalf of the oppressed.

"The cause of the afflicted" (דִּין עָנִי/din ani) links two important concepts. Din means judgment, legal case, cause, plea for justice. Ani means afflicted, humble, poor, oppressed—those suffering under difficult circumstances. God will take up their legal case, plead their cause, execute judgment on their behalf. He serves as advocate, defender, and judge for those who cannot defend themselves.

"And the right of the poor" (מִשְׁפַּט אֶבְיֹנִים/mishpat evyonim) reinforces the point with parallel construction. Mishpat means justice, judgment, rights, what is due. Evyon means poor, needy, in want—those lacking resources and power. God will ensure the poor receive justice, that their rights are upheld, that they receive what is due them. In a world where the powerful exploit the powerless, God stands as champion of the vulnerable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This theological conviction—that God defends the afflicted and poor—runs throughout Scripture as a central aspect of God's character. The Mosaic law contained extensive protections for vulnerable populations: widows, orphans, foreigners, the poor (Exodus 22:21-24; Deuteronomy 24:17-22). God declared: "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry" (Exodus 22:22-23).

The prophets repeatedly condemned Israel's oppression of the poor and defended God's concern for the marginalized. Isaiah 1:17 commands: "Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." Jeremiah 22:16 commends Josiah: "He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD." Amos thundered against those who "oppress the poor" and "crush the needy" (Amos 4:1).

Throughout David's life, he experienced being both the oppressed (fleeing from Saul) and the king with power to defend the oppressed. His experience of God's defense during years of persecution built conviction that God characteristically defends the afflicted. This wasn't abstract theology but lived reality.

Jesus embodied this divine concern for the marginalized. His inaugural sermon declared: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor...to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18). He blessed the poor and pronounced woes on the rich (Luke 6:20, 24). James 2:5 declares: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom?"

Liberation theology has emphasized this biblical theme, though sometimes problematically conflating spiritual and political liberation. Nevertheless, Scripture unambiguously teaches that God has special concern for the poor and oppressed, requiring His people to share that concern through just systems, generous provision, and sacrificial advocacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that God maintains the cause of the afflicted and poor shape a believer's response to injustice?
  2. What is the relationship between God defending the poor and His people's responsibility to advocate for justice?
  3. How should churches and Christians balance spiritual ministry with addressing material poverty and systemic injustice?
  4. In what ways might believers be complicit in oppressing the poor, and how does this verse call for repentance and change?
  5. How does Jesus's identification with the poor and His promise to judge based on treatment of 'the least of these' (Matthew 25:31-46) fulfill this psalm's theology?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יָדַ֗עְתִּ1 of 8

“I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי2 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה3 of 8

“will maintain”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְ֭הוָה4 of 8

“that the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

דִּ֣ין5 of 8

“the cause”

H1779

judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife

עָנִ֑י6 of 8

“of the afflicted”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

מִ֝שְׁפַּ֗ט7 of 8

“and the right”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֶבְיֹנִֽים׃8 of 8

“of the poor”

H34

destitute

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 140:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 140:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 9:41 Kings 8:49Proverbs 23:10-111 Kings 8:45Jeremiah 22:16Psalms 35:10

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