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

PSALMS 140:12KJV
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Psalms 140:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 140:12 mean?

Psalms 140:12 expresses confidence that the LORD will protect and defend those who are suffering and ensure that justice is done for people who are poor or in need. The verse affirms that God actively cares about fairness and the well-being of the vulnerable.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God while facing threats from those who do evil. David declares his trust that God will not ignore the struggles of the afflicted or overlook the rights of the poor. The verse highlights David’s belief that God is on the side of those who are oppressed and will act to uphold justice, even when human systems fail.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 140:12

  • "maintain" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word often means "to do" or "to make," but here it carries the sense of actively working for or accomplishing something. It emphasizes that God is not passive—He takes action to support the cause of the afflicted.
  • "cause" (דִּין, din): This word refers to a legal case or a plea for justice. It shows that the verse is about God defending those who have a legitimate need or grievance, almost like a judge hearing a case.
  • "afflicted" (עָנִי, ʿani): This term describes someone who is humble, oppressed, or suffering. It points to people who are vulnerable and in need of help.
  • "right" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word means "justice" or "legal right." It highlights that God is concerned with fairness and making sure the poor receive what is just.
  • "poor" (אֶבְיוֹן, evyon): This word refers to someone who is needy or destitute, emphasizing material or social lack.

Why Psalms 140:12 matters

  • The verse corrects the idea that God is distant or unconcerned with everyday struggles, showing instead that He is actively involved in defending those who are overlooked or mistreated.
  • By using legal language, the verse emphasizes that God’s justice is not just a feeling but a real commitment to righting wrongs for those who have little power.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse stands as a statement of hope and trust in God’s character, even when circumstances are threatening or unfair.

Where else these words appear

“cause” Hebrew H1779 · used in 17 verses

  • Deuteronomy 17:8 If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;
  • Psalms 9:4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
  • Proverbs 31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

“poor” Hebrew H34 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 23:6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
  • Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
  • Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

“afflicted” Hebrew H6041 · used in 78 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
  • Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?